Bianca Smith

Overview

Bianca concentrates her practice on white collar defense, government investigations and diverse commercial litigation. She holds a particular interest in sports and entertainment law, vigorously representing clients across the sports industry, from individual athletes to colleges and universities.

Bianca is a trusted advisor in the dynamic landscape of sports law, assisting clients in navigating complex matters such as Title IX compliance, enforcement and investigations. She also specializes in name, image and likeness (NIL) regulation and enforcement, and sponsorship negotiations. She is a frequent speaker and author on these critical issues.

Before joining Benesch, Bianca gained a deep understanding of state and local court systems through 15 years of experience within the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Courts. Her background includes roles as an Ohio Supreme Court certified mediator specializing in domestic violence and domestic relations issues, personal bailiff, probation officer, and managing specialized dockets involving victims of human trafficking and co-parents managing dual diagnosis concerns.

Drawing on this robust litigation experience, Bianca prides herself on guiding clients through their most vulnerable times, bringing a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to secure favorable results. She is also a staunch advocate for her pro bono clients, focusing on civil litigation, social justice, and youth and family matters.

Bianca serves on several boards, including the Norman S. Minor Bar Association (2026-2027), The Gathering Place Rising Leaders Council (2025-2027) and the Cleveland Leadership Center’s Civic Leadership Institute Council (2025-2027). She also mentors law students through several pipeline programs, including The Law School Mentor.