James M. Smolinski

Helping Injured Clients with Tenacious Representation and a Deep Understanding of Personal Injury Law

James Smolinski found his way to the legal profession by way of the Oakwood Country Cub, an iconic institution boasting membership including many of Northeast Ohio’s top politicians, lawyers, judges and other professionals. His first job at age 15, James caddied for some of the best and brightest lawyers in the Cleveland area, an experience that James credits with setting him on a path to helping others through personal injury law.

A First Generation Success Story, Built on an Ethos of Helping Others

Coming from a very ‘blue collar’ family, James was the first in his family to go to college, something he attributes to the support of his family and the mentorship of Oakwood members. “I come from a working-class background, and grew up learning the importance of helping others – and one another. That always informed my decisions to pursue a career where I could give back,” says James. “After completing my undergrad, I worked for the Cuyahoga County Bar Association for five years and met my wife, Halle, during that time. Halle became a nurse practitioner, and our conversations about medical topics and injury cases very much inspired me to help injured people.”

James attended law school in 2010 and graduated from Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 2012. His rich background in the legal field included serving as the Interim Executive Director of the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, Director of Membership and Services at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, and several positions in multiple legal firms, including his own firm. James joined NRS Injury Law as an Associate Attorney in personal injury in March 2024. 

James excels at understanding the finer details of each injury case, interacting with doctor insight, evaluating each case to determine the best way to represent his clients, and putting empathy first, always. In litigation, James is a master strategist, an excellent negotiator, and an articulate communicator.

Hard Work, Empathy, and a Rich Background in Multiple Legal Fields

From his early-career roles at bar associations to his work in family law and bankruptcy law, James’s diverse experience across the legal spectrum gives him a profound edge today. “Believe me, if you can negotiate with families in the heated moments of a family law case, you have an automatic edge on insurance companies in personal injury cases,” James says with a laugh, reflecting on his legal background and how his previous roles help him secure results for client

James's primary goal is to leverage his legal experience and the support of the NRS Injury Law team to get results for clients. “Ensuring your clients are satisfied is more important than anything else,” says James. “As a personal injury attorney, your clients are trusting you with everything, and that’s not an overstatement. They just went through what may be the most traumatic experience of their lives, and your role is to help them recover from it and secure the compensation and care they deserve. No two cases are the same, which is why each case deserves your full attention. And when the client is satisfied, their relief is palpable. Achieving those moments is what I strive for most.”

Community Involvement

Beyond James’s role as a personal injury attorney and his wife Halle’s role as a nurse practitioner, the pair believes strongly in giving back to the community. That’s why they volunteer at a local soup kitchen, a recurring event organized by NRS Injury Law. 

Work/Life Balance

James lives in Brecksville-Broadview Heights with Halle and their two schnauzers, Henry and Theodore. As it is just minutes from their home, James and Halle frequently explore Cuyahoga Valley National Park together. They hike, kayak, and attend the Cleveland Orchestra, too. Active both professionally and during their free time, James golfs, Halle cycles, runs, and practices Yoga. The pair also spends considerable time with their family, often taking off for the weekend to Halle’s family’s lakeside cottage near Madison.

Don't Wait to Seek Legal Help from James Smolinski

James succeeds in helping personal injury clients by taking a systematic, calculated approach to the details and strategy of each case. His rich background in the field and his ability to both listen and strategize helps him understand the nuances and complexities of his cases. His commitment to justice, his empathy for the underdog, and his unwavering work ethic align perfectly with NRS Injury Law’s mission to: “Provide empathetic and patient service to every person who calls the firm, and to relentlessly pursue the best possible outcome on behalf of every client by putting collective experience, knowledge, and passion to work every day.” To retain an effective legal team with a proven track record and to speak with James and the firm about your case, call 855-468-4878 or fill out a convenient online contact form.