Duncan Smith engages primarily in a legislative and administrative practice.  He represents clients in connection with a range of issues, including:

• transportation, infrastructure, and public facilities
• maritime
• environment
• defense and homeland security
• federal appropriations and budgetary matters
• economic and natural resources development
• government business
• public finance
• federal election, lobbying, and ethics compliance

Before joining Blank Rome, Mr. Smith was a staff member of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, where he ultimately held the position of Republican Chief Counsel.  While with the committee, Mr. Smith was directly involved in the development of legislation leading up to the enactment of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.  He also served as a congressional advisor on U.S. delegations to the International Maritime Organization regarding oil pollution matters.  Prior to that, Mr. Smith was a lawyer in the Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Treasury, handling non-tax responsibilities of the Treasury, including customs, international, and fiscal concerns.  Mr. Smith served on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard, receiving a commission in 1972 and serving as a law specialist in the Office of the Judge Advocate General for two years. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE & AFFILIATIONS

After 36 years of service, Mr. Smith retired from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve in the grade of rear admiral. 

He currently serves as Secretary and Director on the North American Maritime Environment Protection Association and on the Industry Advisory Board of the North American Maritime Ministry Association; and is a volunteer with Miriam’s Kitchen, a social service organization for the homeless based in Washington, DC.