The Mentor, ESQ
The Mentor, ESQ
Guiding Lawyers at Every Stage of the Journey
Andrew J. Smiley, Esq., a distinguished personal injury attorney and managing partner at Smiley & Smiley, LLP, offers a comprehensive suite of resources through The Mentor Esq. platform to empower legal professionals at all stages of their careers. His acclaimed podcast, The Mentor Esq., delivers CLE-accredited episodes that delve into practical litigation strategies, ethical considerations, and expert interviews, providing invaluable insights for attorneys .
Complementing the podcast, his Mentor Esq. Handbook Series, including best selling titles like How to Successfully Litigate a Personal Injury Case and Successful Trial Skills, offers step-by-step guidance on navigating the complexities of personal injury litigation. Andrew’s commitment to education extends to his annual Mentorship Program, featuring monthly Zoom sessions aimed at enhancing participants’ legal acumen and professional growth. Through these initiatives, Andrew leverages over two decades of trial experience and leadership within legal organizations to mentor and inspire the next generation of attorneys.
A Commitment to Giving Back
Andrew’s commitment to giving back is woven into every aspect of The Mentor Esq. platform. Proceeds from the online shop and donations from mentorship program participants directly support impactful nonprofits, including The Water Project, Friends of Michael, and the Just Hands Racing Foundation. This integration of professional development and philanthropy reflects Andrew’s dedication to uplifting both the legal community and broader society.
Andrew’s passion for law is only equaled by his passion for motorsports. You can often find Andrew at Lime Rock Park racetrack where he pilots his Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR racecar sporting The Mentor Esq. Racing logo. Andrew believes that many of the qualities needed to be a successful attorney, such as preparation, discipline, focus, resilience and continuous learning, also apply to high performance racecar driving.
Latest Episodes
The Mentor Esq. Podcast
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May 13, 2025 Federal Court Confidence: Successfully Litigating Personal Injury Cases – Part 2: Depositions in Federal Court
May 8, 2025 Federal Court Confidence: Successfully Litigating Personal Injury Cases – Part 1: Overview of the Federal Court Process
January 22, 2025 CLE: Who’s on the Hook? Part 4: Litigation and Insurance Issues in SUM Cases
December 17, 2024 CLE: Who’s on the Hook? Part 3: Litigation and Insurance Issues in Premises Liability Cases
Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest CLE of the season with Rosa M. Feeney, Esq. that talks about insurance coverage issues this one specifically talks about issues that...
November 26, 2024 Special Episode with Torsten Gross from Just Hands Foundation
Join Andrew Smiley, Esq., with special guest Torsten Gross, for an engaging podcast episode where they discuss the inspiring work of the JustHands Racing organization, its mission to promote inclusivity in motorsports, and the transformative...
November 22, 2024 CLE: Who’s on the Hook? Part 2: Litigation and Insurance Issues in Construction Accident Cases
Join Academy Past President and the host of The Mentor Esq. podcast, Andrew Smiley, for his newest CLE of the season with Rosa M. Feeney, Esq. that talks about insurance coverage issues this one specifically talks about issues that...
The Mentor, Esq. Handbook Series.
The Mentor Esq. Handbook Series is a practical and insightful collection of legal guides authored by Andrew J. Smiley, Esq., one of New York’s most respected trial attorneys and legal educators. Designed to empower attorneys at all stages of their careers, these books break down complex litigation and trial procedures into actionable strategies that can be immediately applied in practice.
How to Successfully Litigate a Personal Injury Case – A Practical Guide
This foundational volume offers a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to litigating personal injury cases from client intake through trial and settlement. Drawing on decades of real-world experience, Andrew J. Smiley provides practical tips, sample strategies, and real-life examples that help attorneys navigate each stage of the litigation process. Whether you’re a new lawyer or a seasoned litigator looking to sharpen your approach, this book is an essential resource for achieving consistent success in plaintiff’s personal injury law.
Successful Trial Skills – A Practical Guide to Trial Advocacy
The second installment in the series focuses on courtroom mastery. From voir dire to closing arguments, Successful Trial Skills equips attorneys with the tools needed to excel before a jury. With chapters dedicated to jury selection, opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and summation techniques, this guide blends tactical advice with time-tested trial wisdom. It’s an indispensable companion for any litigator seeking to elevate their advocacy and deliver persuasive, winning presentations in court.
Insider Knowledge to Win at Trial
I’ve never seen a law book like this before! This is like a behind the scenes look at the real thing. Step by step. Examples. Details. And even copies of his ACTUAL notes from a real trial.
This is better than law school.
Every attorney, law student, and paralegal needs this in their arsenal if they want to have a leg up against their competition.
I’d give it 10 stars if I could!
Brian Cristiano
January 11, 2024
Great Book by a Great Trial Attorney
Andrew is an incredible trial attorney and this book should be required in any trial practice firm. Someone with that level of success and experience putting pen to paper for younger attorneys should be applauded. Great guy (shout out to the New York State Trial Academy for hosting his CLEs) and great attorney.
David
January 10, 2024
Great book!
This book should be REQUIRED reading in first year of law school; it should be REQUIRED reading for every litigation attorney who actually plans to try cases. Though the focus is on personal injury from a plaintiff’s point of view, the principles illustrated transcend that field and focus. Well worth the 2 hour read. Highly recommended!
Jack Russo
January 1, 2024
Giving Back
Charitable Causes
As attorneys, we fight for our clients in court.
As people, we can take that fight further.
Below are charities that I’ve personally pledged to help support. Each organization is unique and works to lift up those who otherwise would be without help or hope. Learn more about each below, and follow the links to join me in supporting these amazing groups. As a bonus you can also visit my store for some swag that also gives back. Proceeds from the purchase goes directly to these charities. Thank you for being a part of the Mentor Esq. as we grow to become more involved and engaging with you, our partners and those who need our help.
The Water Project
The water crisis is real. It is affecting women, children, families and farmers. Lack of access to safe water and proper sanitation limits education and food production, it harms health and leads to a cycle of poverty.
The Water Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization unlocking human potential by providing reliable water projects to communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2006, they have been helping communities gain access to clean, safe water by providing training, expertise and financial support for water project construction through our staff and implementing partners.
Join My Campaign
Friends of Michael
Friends of Michael supports the Acoustic Guitar Program at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford established in memory of Michael Simmons. Club members who are between the ages of 13 and 18 who have been craving to learn the guitar will get an easily accessible education through music theory and performance technique. Guitars are provided and teachers from the Guitar Center will be leading this life changing experience.
Just Hands Racing Foundation
The Just Hands Motorsports Foundation will give anyone who uses hand controls to drive (usually people in wheelchairs) the opportunity to get on to a track with an instructor.
Motorsports makes everyone equal, no matter what appendages you use to drive!!
Few sports give the disabled the opportunity to compete with the rest of the world. Yes, we can ski, do marathons, play basketball, and myriad other sports. But unfortunately we are held to a small group we can compete against. More so, options like arrive-and-drive and racing schools only have pedal cars.
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Where Law Meets the Fast Lane
The Story Behind The Mentor Esq. Racing
For me, being a lawyer, lecturer, author, and mentor has always been about precision, discipline, and performance under pressure. Those same values are at the core of high-performance driving. That’s why I launched the The Mentor Esq. Racing—a natural extension of my personal and professional journey.
Timing, Preparation, Execution.
As a rookie racecar driver and proud member of the Lime Rock Drivers Club, I bring the same focus to the racetrack that I bring to the courtroom and the classroom. Motorsports isn’t just a passion—it’s a proving ground. Behind the wheel, every decision matters. Just like in litigation, timing, preparation, and execution are everything.
The Mentor Esq. Racing reflects the belief that excellence in one arena can inspire excellence in another. Whether I’m preparing a client for trial, training the next generation of litigators, or writing a book to guide attorneys through the complexities of personal injury law, I draw on the mental discipline and resilience I’ve developed through racing.
Through this initiative, I hope to inspire others—lawyers, law students, and professionals from all walks of life—to pursue their passions, push their limits, and recognize that mastery comes from dedication, no matter the arena.
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