W. Austin Smith

W. Austin Smith was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia. In 2012, he graduated from Marshall University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in political science. While in undergrad, Austin served as a Judith A. Herndon Fellow where he performed research and various staff functions at the West Virginia Legislature and the West Virginia Attorney General during the final semester of his senior year.

Austin went on to attend law school at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law. While in law school, Austin was Vice President of the Moot Court Board, a member of the Moot Court National Team, and a member of the Trial Advocacy Board where he was among the top five advocates. He also served on the Honor Council and was a student representative for the College of law Curriculum Committee. He also served as research assistant to Dean David A. Brennen.

Austin graduated from law school in 2016 and began his career as a trial lawyer in his home state of West Virginia. However, Austin moved to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in late 2022 and worked at a large international law firm before joining PPOA in 2024. Austin has experience in various areas of litigation including medical malpractice and healthcare litigation, general commercial litigation, professional negligence, fiduciary and complex business litigation, insurance bad faith, labor and employment litigation, and class actions.

In his spare time, Austin enjoys fly fishing, cooking, traveling, and getting outdoors.