Meet the team

Nori Chia is Director of Operations at Smith Entertainment Law Group, where she utilizes her breadth of experience from working in film and television production for over 17 years, to support the growth of the firm.  After working alongside managing partner, Kerry Smith, on several productions, Nori began taking great interest in expanding her acumen in the legal aspects of the entertainment business.

Prior to joining SELG, Nori began her career working freelance positions in production and post-production on various television programs.  She then moved on to become the gatekeeper for Tom Hanks’ producing partner, Gary Goetzman, under their Playtone production company banner. During her nearly 11-year tenure at the production company, she continued to build her own portfolio of freelance positions and credits on their films and television shows, staying involved in every stage of production from development to prep, physical production, post-production, delivery, marketing, and distribution.  The multi-tasking and extensive experience she garnered supporting Hanks and Goetzman contributes to the growth and robust development of SELG. 

In her spare time, Nori enjoys traveling, cooking, outdoor activities, going to concerts and spending time with family and friends.  

Ruth M. Saar serves as the Director of Administration at Smith Entertainment Law Group, where she is instrumental in managing the firm’s administrative and human resources operations. She oversees key areas such as financial management, office administration, HR functions, and IT systems coordination, ensuring the firm runs smoothly and efficiently.

With over 30 years of experience in law firms, Ruth began as a Legal Assistant and progressed to roles such as Firm Administrator, IT Director, and Executive Director. Her extensive legal administration and operations background has equipped her with the expertise to excel in her current SELG role.

When she’s not working, Ruth enjoys playing Wordle, eating great food, and spending time with family and friends.