MICHAEL C. ROGERS, Shareholder

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Rogers primarily represents national and regional automotive dealership clients in a wide variety of legal matters including consumer actions and complex litigation, federal and state regulatory matters, unfair competition claims, commercial and consumer litigation, labor and employment issues and franchise disputes.  He has significant experience in effectively resolving high-stakes litigation and providing counsel for litigation avoidance and regulatory compliance. In addition to automotive dealerships, his clients include automotive affiliated businesses such as finance companies, flooring lenders, automobile service centers, and surety bonding companies.

In addition to his extensive understanding of the complexities of the automotive industry, Michael’s particular experience includes successfully representing individuals and business entities in complex, catastrophic personal injury matters including products and premises liability litigation; representing employers on a wide range of employment issues including discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, and wage and hour violations; and representing clients involved in breach of contract, unfair business practices, trade secret violations, and UCC litigation.  Known for his straightforward, sensible and strategic approach, Michael also works hand-in-hand with clients in business transactions including corporate, partnership and limited liability company formations as well as business stock and asset sales, real property acquisitions, and commercial leases.

While in college, Michael spent his summers working for the U.S. Forest Service as a wildland firefighter, including as a Hotshot and Smokejumper, parachuting into remote wilderness fires. Now he fights battles in the legal arena instead of the forests. His clients and courtroom adversaries find that the “in the trenches” work ethic Michael acquired as a firefighter makes him an exceptional advocate.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Diego and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. He is active in the automotive industry and in San Diego’s legal community and is a member of the California Independent Auto Dealers Association, the Defense Research Institute, the National Association of Dealership Counsel, the National Independent Auto Dealers Association, the San Diego County Bar Association and the San Diego New Car Dealers Association.

ROBIN H. SMITH, Shareholder

BIOGRAPHY

In her sophisticated civil litigation practice, Robin Smith represents individuals and business entities in complex catastrophic personal injury matters, including product and premises liability. She also represents employers in labor and employment matters including discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment and wage and hour violations. Additionally, Robin defends a variety of businesses, including new and pre-owned automobile dealers, in breach of contract, unfair competition, unfair business practices, defamation, and consumer claims. Robin is known as an efficient, honest, aggressive, and hard-working attorney who works to find a cost-effective resolution for her clients.

During law school, Robin gained valuable experience and an insider perspective of the judiciary and litigation issues by serving as a judicial extern for both the Honorable William McCurine, Jr. (Ret.) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California and the Honorable Luis R. Vargas (Ret.) in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.

Her community involvement includes membership in the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Young Leaders professional group, the San Diego County Bar Association, and San Diego Defense Lawyers. She graduated cum laude from California Western School of Law. While in law school, Robin served as an associate notes and comments editor for the California Western Law Review. Prior to earning her law degree, Robin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from the University of San Diego.

TURNER P. McDONALD, Associate Attorney

BIOGRAPHY

Turner McDonald is an Associate Attorney at Rogers Smith, APC.  Mr. McDonald has found success in premises liability, personal injury, and employment matters.  He is a strong advocate for clients while working toward just and amicable resolutions.

Mr. McDonald’s previous experiences and dedication to his practice prepares him to successfully represent and defend his clients.  During law school, Mr. McDonald served as a judicial intern for the County of Santa Clara Superior Court, where he honed his legal research and writing skills.  He also served as Legal Intern Corporate Counsel at SAGE Publications Inc. where he spearheaded its Counterfeit Textbook Taskforce.

Mr. McDonald obtained dual bachelor’s degrees at California Lutheran University, including a B.S. in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Political Science.  He made the Dean’s List all four years and graduated Magna Cum Laude.  He then attended Santa Clara University School of Law where he received his J.D.  

In his spare time, Mr. McDonald enjoys hiking, spending time in the gym, and honing his mental and physical prowess on the golf course.