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New Hampshire Joins Data Protection Trend, Passes Comprehensive Data Protection Law
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Bianca Smith

Associate
Cleveland
T.
216.363.4503
liamE

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.

Representative Experience

  • Represented a professional basketball player accused of conspiracy and wire fraud for allegedly attempting to avoid paying child support and taxes for several years. The government claimed that the pro athlete "unlawfully, voluntarily, intentionally and knowingly" conspired to defraud the U.S. by falsely underreporting his income and sought prison time for the athlete. Benesch defended the athlete, securing a probationary period and avoiding prison time for the client.
  • Represented a consumer products company in an internal investigation regarding allegations of racial bias and a hostile work environment involving a human resources manager. Benesch reviewed all internal communications, interviewed company personnel and provided a detailed investigative report with factual findings and proposed remedial actions.
  • Litigation
  • White Collar, Government Investigations & Regulatory Compliance
  • Sports & Entertainment
  • Cleveland State University College of Law, 2022, J.D.
    • cum laude
    • Recipient, Outstanding Student in Appellate Practice Clinic (Spring 2021)
    • Research Assistant, Tulane Basketball Negotiation Competition
    • Subregional Director 4, Midwest Black Law Students Association
    • Chapter Vice President, Cleveland State University Black Law Students’ Association
  • Tiffin University, 2006, M.S., Forensic Psychology and Criminal Behavior
    • magna cum laude
  • Eastern Michigan University, 2003, B.S., Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • magna cum laude
  • Ohio
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
  • Vice President of the Board, Living at the Intersections (L.A.T.I.)
  • Board Member, Norman S. Minor Bar Association
  • Board Member, The Gathering Place Rising Leaders Council
  • Board Member, Cleveland Leadership Center Civic Leadership Institute Council
  • Member, Association of Title IX Administrators
  • Member, Sports Lawyers Association
  • Mentor, The Law School Mentor Program
  • Volunteer, 3Rs, (Rights, Responsibilities and Realities), Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
Articles and Presentations
November 6, 2025
Cashing In On Preemption: Kalshi Lawsuits Preview the Future of Gambling Regulations
October 27, 2025
NCAA President Calls for Stiffer State Laws on Sports Betting Following NBA Betting Scandal and Revised Legislation Permitting Sports Betting for D-II and D-III Athletes
October 23, 2025
The “Streamline Act” Seeks to Raise Reporting Thresholds and Modernize the Bank Secrecy Act

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News
December 26, 2023
Benesch Welcomes Associate to Litigation Group in Cleveland
December 13, 2023
Bianca Smith mentioned in Crain's Cleveland People on the Move
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