Born March 5, 1964, in Peoria, Illinois, Ben grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and graduated from Boardman High School in 1982.

He received his bachelor's degree from West Virginia University in 1986; his master's degree in Business Administration from Wake Forest University in 1988; and his law degree from the University of Toledo in 1991. While in law school, Ben was awarded the American Jurisprudence Award for excellence in the study of tort law.

Ben began his legal career in Northern Virginia in 1992, as a civil trial attorney concentrating in insurance defense law. During his years as an insurance defense attorney, Ben defended individuals sued for motor vehicle accidents, as well as employers and insurance companies in workers' compensation actions. As a result, Ben found himself litigating cases on a regular basis, both before a jury and to a judge.

Ben joined The Duff Law Firm in 1997. In addition to handling a variety of family law matters, he now represents individuals who are injured in motor vehicle accidents and those damaged as the result of medical and/or legal malpractice. Ben's past experience as a trial attorney continues to serve him well in these additional areas of the law.

Ben is well respected by local judges and members of the bar for his thorough preparation and presentation of clients' cases. His wide range of experience and success makes him a true asset to his clients and to The Duff Law Firm.

Mr. Smith is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Fairfax Bar and American Bar Associations, and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association.

E-mail: bsmith@dufflawfirm.com