Christopher J. Smith

Christopher Smith has an extensive legal practice administering zoning, planning and wetlands matters before municipal land use agencies. He is experienced in litigating land use, environmental matters, exclusionary zoning and wetlands claims.

Chris is also experienced in litigating real estate related matters including adverse possession, easements and restrictive covenants. He has argued numerous matters before the Connecticut Supreme Court and the Appellate Court.

Chris represents real estate developers, lenders, businesses, manufacturers, neighborhood associations and municipalities in land use matters. His practice includes due diligence, land use application preparation, filing and processing, and all associated court-related proceedings.

Chris has written amicus curiae briefs submitted to the Connecticut Supreme Court on behalf of the American Planning Association, Connecticut Chapter; Connecticut Association of Zoning Enforcement Officers; the Connecticut Bar Association, Planning and Zoning Section; and the Home Builders Association of Connecticut.

Chris also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Antoinette L. Dupont, Judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court.

Professional Affiliations:

• Connecticut Bar Association: Chair, Planning and Zoning Section, Executive Committee (1997-present); Conservation and Environmental Quality Section; Administrative Law Section
• American Bar Association: Urban, State and Local Government Law Section; Energy and Environmental Law Section; Natural Resources Section
• Bridgeport Bar Association: Chair, Land Use and Environmental Section (1995-1996)
• New Haven County Bar Association
• American Planning Association, Connecticut Chapter: Executive Committee

Education:

• University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., 1983
• Providence College, B.A., 1980, cum laude