Andrea Pleimling Smith

I joined Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz in 2014 and became a partner in 2017. Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, I worked for my mother’s wedding floral business starting at the age of five. It was there that I developed a strong work ethic and a commitment to achieving results for my clients. Even as a child, I always knew I wanted to become an attorney. I met my husband, Chris—who is also a partner at the firm and my trial partner—during my very first hearing as a new attorney, where we found ourselves on opposite sides of the courtroom. Today, I manage the rapidly expanding Port Charlotte and Cape Coral offices, representing clients in both pre-suit and litigation cases. As a former President of the Lee County Association for Women Lawyers, I am passionate about advancing women in the legal profession, helping them take on economic, social, and leadership roles. I was honored to be recognized as the Lee County Leader in the Law for 2018-2019 by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. This recognition highlights women who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through legal service or volunteer work and who serve as positive role models for other FAWL members. Additionally, I was selected for the Business Observer’s 40 Under 40 recognition, which was a proud moment in my career. “From a child, I had it in my head that I was going to be a lawyer,” I shared with Business Observer. “It was just something that I told myself I was doing. I really like the fact that every day is different. I’m all over the place doing depositions. I can never say that I’m bored. I’m always learning new things.”