Jay has 27 years of experience representing doctors, nurses, hospitals, physician groups, and other health care providers in Michigan. He currently serves as outside general counsel for his health law clients, providing daily assistance on issues such as HIPAA, health care reform, reimbursement, compliance, licensing, Stark Law, employment law, real estate, and administrative and other corporate matters. 

In addition, Jay is an experienced trial lawyer. For 20 years he represented health care providers in the defense of medical malpractice claims. Now, he uses his vast medical knowledge and trial skills to benefit his clients involved in personal injury, wrongful dealth, and other plaintiffs cases. He has represented individuals and estates in aviation crashes, securities cases, exposures to carbon monoxide, aggravation of pre-existing genetic disorders, vehicular crashes, employment discrimination, and many other areas of the law. Jay has tried over 100 cases in Michigan's state and federal courts and before state and federal administrative agencies. He also has served as co-counsel in litigated matters throughout the country.

Jay recently completed his second term as an elected member of the firm's Board of Directors.  He has also served as the managing partner of the firm's Traverse City office and was a founding member of that office which opened in 1990.

An outdoors enthusiast, Jay enjoys cross country skiing, mountain and road biking, hiking, and golfing. He and his wife Janine have two adult sons.

Education

• University of Michigan (B.A., with high honors, 1980)
• University of Michigan (J.D., 1983)

Admitted to Practice

• State Bar of Michigan, 1983
• United States District Court, Western District of Michigan, 1983
• United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 1983

Smith Haughey Publications

News for R. Jay Hardin

10/17/2008
Harvey Named "40 Under 40" in Traverse City

1/8/2007
Board of Directors Elected to Lead Smith Haughey in the New Year

1/4/2005
Officers Elected to Lead SHRR

1/1/2003
Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Announces Election Results

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association (Member, Section on: Health Law; Litigation)
• State Bar of Michigan (Member, Sections on: Health Law; Business Law)
• American Health Lawyers Association
• Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association
• Michigan Defense Trial Counsel