Almuhtada Smith, Esq.

Personal Introduction

Almuhtada Smith is the principal attorney at ARS Counsel, P.C. With more than a decade of experience, Almuhtada regularly handles complex transactional matters, providing counsel to start-up enterprises, entertainment professionals, venture-backed companies, and family-owned businesses in areas including intellectual property, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, e-commerce, securities compliance and corporate governance. Almuhtada represents a wide range of companies and individuals, including media, emerging technology companies, fashion and beauty companies, authors, and individual artists. Almuhtada spent the first decade of his career at several prestigious law firms, including nearly five years at corporate powerhouse Jenner & Block. His exposure to Fortune 500 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionary start-ups influenced his strong entrepreneurial vision that inspired his future endeavors, leading to the founding of ARS Counsel, P.C. as principal attorney. Through his practice, he is dedicated to social good and providing premium service to people of color. His high-quality work led to his selection in the 2021 Southern California Rising Stars list, an honor reserved for only 2.5 percent of Southern California attorneys. A native of Passaic, New Jersey, Almuhtada was born into a loving family struggling with the realities of poverty. His environment instilled him with strong character, ethical values, and a determined work ethic. The turning point in his life occurred when he was accepted to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he cultivated meaningful relationships and life-changing experiences, including joining Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a bachelor's degree in business administration. Almuhtada later attended UCLA School of Law, where he earned his J.D. degree and served as the chief managing editor of the Entertainment Law Review. In his spare time, Almuhtada is committed to community service and social change. Since 2016, he has proudly served on the board of directors for the Los Angeles Southwest College Foundation, quickly elevating the ranks as the Chairman of the Board since 2018. He is also a lifetime member of the John M. Langston Bar Association, where he formerly served on the board of directors as treasurer. When he is away from his law practice and philanthropic endeavors, he enjoys the arts, live music, and attending sporting events.