LANSING, Mich. – After 60 years at the firm of Foster Swift, firm name partner Webb A. “Tony” Smith has decided to call it a career. Tony officially retired from the firm as of July 31, 2022. Known for his knowledge, leadership, and caring manner, Tony was always the first to greet new associates when they arrived at the firm.
As the firm looks to another generation of attorneys to lead the way, Tony leaves his mark on the firm’s recruiting values. “We are always looking for people who are competitive, who are good at what they do but who do it in the proper manner and that has become the standard that has helped our firm to grow to become what it is today” Tony replies. “When we invite someone to join us, we invite them hoping they will be with us for a long, long time”.
A native of Lansing, Tony joined the law firm of the then-named Foster, Campbell, Lindemer & McGurrin on June 6, 1962, after receiving his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and his juris doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. In 1989, Tony’s name was added to the masthead, giving the firm the name by which it is known today: Foster Swift Collins & Smith.
As his career accomplishments attest, Tony is always exhibited the highest degree of class, professionalism, and judiciousness. To note but a few of his many accomplishments:
- 2020 Outstanding Achievement Award by Negligence Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan
- Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Litigation Counsel of America
- The Ingham County Bar Association’s Leo Farhat Outstanding Attorney award
- The Ingham County Bar Association’s Thomas E. Brennan Lifetime Achievement award
- Induction to the Inaugural Hall of Fame Class by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2019
He has served as mentor to dozens of junior attorneys over the years and served as head of the firm’s Diversity Committee, the role of this committee has been to meet and provide guidance to the firm’s Executive Committee for internal diversity training programming, policy consideration, and community support.
After a long and illustrious career, Tony is looking forward to finally slowing down and relaxing with his wonderful wife, Patricia.
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Since 1902, Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC has provided comprehensive legal services to businesses, municipalities, and individuals. The firm employs nearly 100- attorneys and over 100 support staff in six locations: Lansing, Detroit, Southfield, Grand Rapids, Holland, and St. Joseph. For more information about the firm, its attorneys and to access recent publications, visit www.fosterswift.com.
