Jury Trial Attorneys

Jihad M. Smaili

Jihad M. Smaili, Esq., is a Principal and Partner of the firm Smaili & Associates, P.C., in Santa Ana. Mr. Smaili graduated from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (magna cum laude, law review editor), where he received numerous academic awards, and was immediately admitted to the practice of law in September of 1998 in Ohio. His early career focused on public service.  He was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the State of Ohio in its Corrections Litigation Section in Columbus, Ohio.

After serving in that position for a few years, Mr. Smaili was appointed as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the General Felony Unit for Cuyahoga County (Cleveland). Throughout his years of public service, Mr. Smaili tried numerous state and federal bench and jury trials to verdict. After the terrorist attacks on our Country in September, 2001, Mr. Smaili resigned his public position and commenced representing plaintiffs subjected to hate crimes, discrimination, harassment and retaliation in the workplace and in government, and defended those wrongfully accused of politically-motivated crimes and immigration removal proceedings.

In 2006, Mr. Smaili moved to California after he accepted an in-house counsel position in the healthcare industry. In 2009, Mr. Smaili commenced representing clients in the areas of employee and employer rights, criminal defense, immigration, civil rights, medical malpractice (plaintiff and defense), and personal injury.  Currently, and for the past twelve years, Mr. Smaili has dedicated his practice to the plight of the undervalued and abused employee, as well as certain personal injury and medical malpractice cases. 

Mr. Smaili is admitted to the California and Ohio Bars, 6th Circuit Court of Appeals (argued); United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (trials); United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (trials); All immigration courts (master calendar hearings and individual hearings); United States District Court for the Southern District of California; United States District Court for the Central District of California; United States District Court for the Eastern District of California; Executive Office for Immigration Review Pro Bono Program. 

Practice Areas

Employment Law (discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination). 

Personal Injury (select cases) 

Medical malpractice (select cases) 

Bar Admissions

California Bar Since 2009  

Central District of California Since 2009  

Northern District of Ohio Since 1999  

Ohio Bar Since 1998  

Southern District of California Since 2009  

Southern District of Ohio Since 1999  

6th Circuit Since 1999 

Professional Experience

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office 2000-2002

Assistant Attorney General, Ohio Attorney General 1998-2000 

In-House Counsel, 2006-2009 

Private Practice, 2009-current 

Stephen D. Counts

Stephen D. Counts is a proud Litigation and Trial Lawyer.  Since 2004, Mr. Counts’ practice has been focused on representing individuals in matters involving harm caused to them by the wrongdoing of others.  Mr. Counts has successfully tried numerous cases to a favorable jury verdict and considers his work as a Trial Lawyer the primary focus of his practice. 

Mr. Counts received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and received his law degree (Juris Doctor) from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, where he served on the editorial board of the Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review and competed in the Trial Advocacy Competition.

Mr. Counts is licensed to practice law in all courts in the State of California, as well as the Central, Southern, and Eastern Districts of the United States Federal District Court.  Additionally, Mr. Counts is a member of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), and the Orange Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA).

The verdict and settlement results of cases handled by Mr. Counts have been featured in publications such as Verdict Search, Daily Journal, and various other internet blogs.  Additionally, Mr. Counts has also been fortunate enough to serve as both trial and appellate counsel on several successful appeals with the Second and Fourth Appellate Districts, including Olsen v. Reid (2008) 164 Cal. App. 4th 200, a published appellate case cited by the California Supreme Court, which affirmed the plaintiff’s full six-figure jury verdict plus costs.

Mr. Counts is proud of his reputation for thorough, creative, and aggressive legal advocacy.  Most importantly, however, Mr. Counts is committed to the protection of every American’s right to trial by jury, as the most effective safeguard against the abuses and greed of large corporations.

Mr. Counts practices exclusively in the areas of Employment Law and Bodily Injury at the firm of Smaili & Associates, P.C.  The firm of Smaili & Associates, P.C. utilizes its track record of success to fight for you in your unique set of circumstances.  Mr. Counts prides himself on being able to give your case his individual attention and give you the respect you deserve.

Mr. Counts is committed to maintaining an open line of communication with each and every one of his clients.  Clients can rest assured that Mr. Counts and the experienced attorneys at Smaili & Associates will not only personally handle your case from start to finish but remain available to speak or meet with you throughout the duration of your case.

Shoka Kach

Ms. Kach received her B.A. from California State University Fullerton (cum laude) and after receiving an academic scholarship, she earned her J.D. from Chapman University Fowler School of Law. Ms. Kach began her legal career at Smaili & Associates in 2013 prior to attending law school, and has extensive experience handling employment claims.

Ms. Kach represents her clients in discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and unpaid wage actions as well as select personal injury and medical malpractice actions. Ms. Kach makes great effort to personally get to know her clients and the special details of each unique case. She understands the impact being mistreated in the workplace can have and has a passion for being the voice of those who feel ignored and overlooked. She has true compassion for her clients and the circumstances they are facing, and devotes the time to patiently guide them through the stages of litigation.

When not in the office, Ms. Kach enjoys spending time with her dog outside in the California sunshine or reading a book by the beach.

Kenan Rahmani

Kenan Rahmani is a Syrian-American political and human rights activist who regularly travels inside Syria and works with civil society and relief organizations in the region. He has a law degree from the American University Washington College of Law and a Masters in International Affairs from the American University School of International Service.