Alicia Smith is a dedicated premises liability attorney at Farah & Farah’s Orlando office who combines fierce advocacy with a deep commitment to her clients. Known for her persistence in uncovering the truth and her determination to protect those who cannot protect themselves, Alicia focuses on cases involving serious, life-changing injuries caused by unsafe conditions on another’s property.
With experience including years on the defense side, Alicia has insight into the tactics of large corporations, and today, she uses that knowledge to stand up for individuals and families. Over the past four years, Alicia has recovered more than $80 million in verdicts and settlements for her clients, a testament to her relentless pursuit of justice.
Finding My Calling in Law
Helping people has always been at the heart of everything I do. I grew up working in my parents’ restaurant from the time I was nine, which taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and community. When it came time to choose a career, I knew I wanted a path where I could stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves. Law became the perfect way to do that, giving me the opportunity to protect and fight for people when they need it most.
From Defense Work to Fighting for People
Right out of law school, I spent more than two years defending businesses in premises liability cases. The work was fast-paced and challenging, and it gave me valuable insight into how corporations and their insurers approach these claims. But over time, I realized my heart was not in protecting businesses. I wanted to stand beside people who had been seriously hurt, people who were often at a disadvantage when facing large companies with deep resources. Shifting my focus to representing injured clients allows me to use my knowledge to fight for those who deserve a strong voice in the legal system.
Thriving on the Challenges of Premises Liability Law
Premises liability can be complex and demanding, requiring a careful balance of legal knowledge, investigative skill, and persistence. These cases often involve detailed fact patterns, evolving case law, and a need to understand the nuances of property ownership and safety obligations. They require constant attention, deep knowledge of changing case law, and the willingness to conduct many depositions to uncover critical information. I thrive on that challenge, and I enjoy putting in the time and effort it takes to get results for my clients.
Cases That Stay With Me
One case that will always have a place in my heart involved a young man who lost his ability to speak after being injured on someone else’s property. Within a year of taking the case, I deposed 45 people and fought tirelessly until we reached an eight-figure settlement. For me, these clients become like family, and I treat them as I would my own.
Every Client Matters at Farah & Farah
I love working at a family-owned law firm because it feels personal. Having grown up in a family business, I understand the value of teamwork and knowing that each person’s role matters. At Farah & Farah, no one gets lost in the crowd. Even with the size of the firm, each case gets individualized attention, and the collaboration among attorneys makes a real difference for our clients.
What Sets Me Apart
My colleagues have nicknamed me the “Honey Badger” because I am small but relentless. I see that as the highest compliment because it reflects the way I approach every case, with persistence, fearlessness, and a commitment to seeing things through. Defense attorneys know my name because I will not back down from asking hard questions or pressing for answers. I take pride in digging into the details, connecting the dots, and uncovering the facts that can change the course of a case. For me, it is never about simply getting a quick result. It is about making sure my clients get the truth and the justice they deserve.
Family and Moments That Matter
My son is the light of my life, and most of my time outside of work is centered around family. Whether we are playing basketball in the driveway, watching a game together, or cheering on the Orlando Magic at the arena, those moments are my favorite. Basketball is always playing in the background at our house, and it has become one of the ways we stay connected as a family. When I want to recharge, I plan family vacations where we can step away from the hustle of daily life and simply enjoy each other’s company. Those trips, big or small, remind me why I work so hard, so I can give my family the same sense of support and security that I strive to provide for my clients.
