Evan L. Smith

Professional Biography

Evan L. Smith brings more than four decades of legal experience to business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking strategic guidance in business matters including bankruptcy, business reorganization, insolvency, and complex tax matters. His practice is founded on the values and knowledge he gained from military service in the United States Army, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Claremont McKenna College and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School.

Mr. Smith began his professional career as a tax specialist in the Los Angeles office of a Big 8 public accounting firm, where he developed a deep understanding of federal and state tax issues. He later joined a boutique Los Angeles law firm, focusing on estate planning, probate, business transactions, and civil tax disputes. During this time, he successfully defended a large group of taxpayers facing substantial IRS tax and penalty assessments stemming from a fraudulent syndicated oil and gas partnership scheme—an early demonstration of his ability to navigate high‑stakes, complex matters.

In 1990, Mr. Smith co‑founded a law firm dedicated to bankruptcy, business reorganization, insolvency, and related tax issues. Since then, he has practiced either as a partner in established firms or as a sole practitioner, consistently serving clients throughout Southern California. His practice today centers on bankruptcy and insolvency matters, business workouts, civil tax controversy resolution, business law, and related litigation and appeals. He maintains his primary office in Temecula, California, and also serves as Of Counsel to Messina & Hankin, LLP.

Professional Memberships & Leadership

Mr. Smith has long been active in professional and community organizations. He is currently a member of:

• California Receivers Forum
• Inland Empire Bankruptcy Forum
• California Lawyers Association (Advisor to Insolvency Law Committee)
• Hon. Angel M. Bermudez Inn of Court
• American Bankruptcy Institute

He is also a past Chairman of the Committee on Tax Procedure and Litigation of the California State Bar Tax Section.

Recognition & Credentials

Mr. Smith has been AV‑rated by Martindale‑Hubbell since 1989—the highest possible rating for ethical standards and legal ability. He was recognized by Inland Empire Magazine in 2016 as one of the region’s “Top Lawyers.”

He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1981 and is also admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California, as well as the United States Tax Court.