Attorneys Mark A. Avera and Lance F. Avera have been named to the 2007 Florida Super Lawyers list | Avera Selected One Of TOP 500 Plaintiffs’ Lawyers In America | Avera & Smith Law Firm Partner Rod Smith Elected as Chair of Florida Democratic Party

AVERA & SMITH LAW FIRM PARTNER ROD SMITH ELECTED AS CHAIR OF FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Smith to continue at A&S with adjusted case load

January 16, 2011 – Gainesville, Florida – The law firm of Avera & Smith LLP is pleased to announce the election of Senior Partner Rod Smith as Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, effective January 10, 2011.

Rod Smith graduated from the University Of Florida College Of Law in 1975, and was admitted to the Florida Bar the same year. He served as State Attorney of the Eighth Judicial Circuit from 1993 until 2000, when he was elected State Senator. He joined the firm of Avera & Avera LLP in 2000.

Smith’s professional focus has been in the areas of personal injury, labor and employment law, agricultural law, and the providing of counsel in selected criminal cases.

During his practice at Avera & Smith, Rod Smith has performed several key roles in winning verdicts and settlements for Plaintiffs, including winning a 2008 verdict from Subaqueous Services, Inc. for $1.8 million, one of the largest civil verdicts ever awarded in Dixie County, as well as one of the largest verdicts ever awarded in Alachua County, a 2010 settlement from defendant R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for $17.5 million.

Smith’s schedule will change from week to week, however, he will continue as full partner at Avera & Smith, carrying an adjusted case load to permit him to be in Tallahassee to serve in his new role.

“We have encouraged and supported Rod in his decision to take on the role of Chair of the Democratic Party because we sincerely believe he can make a positive difference for the State of Florida,” said Avera & Smith Senior Partner Mark Avera, “We have made the necessary adjustments at the firm so that Rod can continue on as partner and serve in his new post without any glitches.”

About Avera & Smith LLP

Avera & Smith LLP has represented Floridians for over 50 years. Headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, the firm also has an office in Lake City, Florida. Avera & Smith specializes in personal injury and workers compensation law, as well as providing a variety of other legal services for clients such as family law, medical malpractice and business litigation.