April 8, 2025

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. (QPWB), a leading national litigation firm, announces the appointment of Todd Smayda as Deputy General Counsel for Professional Development, a special role dedicated to mentoring and equipping attorneys with the skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to excel in litigation. With three decades of experience in insurance defense and an outstanding track record of success, Smayda brings a wealth of insights into what it takes to succeed in this fast-paced industry.

“Every attorney remembers what it felt like in the early years of their career—the uncertainty, the learning curve, and the challenges of litigation,” Smayda shared. “I have been there. Now, I get to use my experience to guide new attorneys through that process, helping them develop confidence and practical skills that will define their careers. We are investing in our attorneys from day one to ensure they  are well-prepared, confident, and ready to deliver the highest level of service to our clients.”

This role is a clear representation of QPWB’s dedication to attorney development. QPWB has established a structured, hands-on model to actively coach, mentor, and refine the skills of its attorneys, with a strong focus on new and rising associates

Through his leadership, Smayda is building a focused set of curricula for Quintairos University (QU), the firm’s beta learning management system and education platform. Clients and insurance carriers aware of the platform have already expressed enthusiasm about QU’s potential, recognizing that well-trained attorneys translate into solidified succession planning, more efficient case management, better litigation strategies, and stronger client partnerships.

Eric Boyer, Managing Partner of QPWB, emphasized the long-term significance of the role, stating, “The legal industry is constantly evolving, and ongoing education is critical to success. The future of our firm depends on the strength and preparation of our attorneys. By creating structured training programs and appointing positions like this, we are ensuring that QPWB continues to deliver the highest caliber of legal representation for years to come.”

“Todd Smayda is the right person to lead this effort and continue to prepare our attorneys for the complex demands of litigation through strategic mentorship and skill development. This is an investment in our people, our firm, and our clients’ future,” finished Boyer.

Beyond training new attorneys, the firm is also working with experienced litigators to improve efficiency through practical applications of technology. By implementing strategies that enhance attorneys’ capabilities in specific legal tasks, we are ensuring our clients receive faster, more efficient, and higher-quality legal services.

"This position, for me, is an investment in the firm and our next generation of defense lawyers," Smayda stated. "Frankly, I think our job as older attorneys is to train our replacements. We owe it to them. I feel

like we have an obligation to these new attorneys to let them know the things that we know because we've been successful. So let's help make them successful with what we've learned."

With Smayda helping to lead attorney development, QPWB reaffirms its commitment to mentorship, excellence, and the next generation of legal talent.

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About QPWB

QPWB is the largest minority- and women-owned law firm in the nation, providing a full range of legal services to businesses, professionals, and their insurers across the United States. With a national presence and deep industry expertise, QPWB remains at the forefront of litigation, compliance, and regulatory matters across a multitude of sectors and industries.