$ 375-425 per hour
D. Todd Smith
also known as Todd Smith
About D.
Biography
My name is Todd Smith, and I head a boutique law firm focusing on civil appeals and litigation support in cases throughout Texas. I struck out on my own in 2006 after almost a decade at one of the nation's largest firms. My experience since then has been very gratifying, as I am able to take a wider variety of cases for clients from across the spectrum. I represent individuals and businesses on both sides of the docket, and much of my work comes from other lawyers.
For more about me, please view my firm website profile. For a description of my firm's representative cases, please click here.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Appeals
80%
28 years
Litigation
20%
28 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
10%-40%
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 29 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Smith Law Group
1250 Capital of Texas Highway South, Building 3, Suite 400, Austin, TX, 78746
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D. Todd Smith's Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jon | August 8, 2014
Top-notch legal advice and assistance
The four categories above summarize well D. Todd Smith's performance: Trustworthy, responsive, knowledgeable, and diligent to keep me informed. I would only add "Effective" to the list. I am completely satisfied with Mr. Smith's excellent work.
Posted by Francis | April 5, 2011
Review of D. Todd Smith
Todd handled a very difficult family law matter for me in appellate court. He was outstanding. Todd was calm, wise, and strategic throughout the process, and wrote a terrific brief that was powerful, crisp, and compelling. I am grateful for his skill and professionalism.
Posted by Tracy | February 14, 2011
High Recommendation
It's my pleasure to highly recommend Todd Smith as an expert Appellate Attorney. My recent experience using him produced the desired result, under budget and I found his services to be an excellent investment. Todd acts with professionalism and integrity and I would most definitely use him again.
D. Todd Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"I've known Todd for over 10 years, and always been a huge fan. He's smart, organized, thoughtful, focused, industrious, and open-minded. Todd is pretty tech-savvy, but for many lawyers that would be a trap (i.e. chasing time-wasting shiny objects). But Todd uses technology to make his practice more efficient by working smarter (not just harder). As a litigator I always knew that I'd be outmatched on appeal by going up against a savvy lawyer whose practice was focused almost 100% on appeals. Fortunately, I never had to go up against Todd. If I was still practicing I'd just hire Todd, even before my case went to trial. He knows the process, and he has the well-honed instincts that lead to success BEFORE and after appeal."
"I highly endorse Todd. His years of experience as an appellate attorney have created an expertise matters heading to appellate courts should have in their arsenal. He is also an extremely smart and savvy lawyer and a pleasure to be around!"
"Todd is a wonderful leader and a great appellate attorney. Always diplomatic, always organized. You can't go wrong with Todd on your side!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Todd is an excellent lawyer. He is very knowledgeable about appeals and has a great reputation among his peers. I wholeheartedly endorse him."
"Extremely knowledgeable and professionally respected appellate attorney."
"Todd is an exemplary appellate lawyer who is adept at assembling and supervising an appellate team, spotting the issues most likely to succeed on appeal, and crafting persuasive arguments in the briefing. His oral advocacy before an appellate panel is outstanding as well, exhibiting the correct mixture of deference and effective argument."
"I know Todd through a group of solo and small firm lawyers. I have also had the opportunity to read his very well-written legal blog. If you have an appellate issue in Texas - give Todd a call!"
"I know Todd from a discussion group for solo attorneys. If I have an issue related to appellate law, I would contact him immediately. His blog at http://www.texasappellatelawblog.com/ is very informative and an interesting read, even for a transactional attorney like myself."
"Todd has an excellent reputation and provides practical and helpful advice regarding legal Appeals. I would readily refer clients to him."
"If you need advice on an appeal, this is the guy you need to speak to."
"I am an experienced energy and appellate practitioner and I know Todd Smith through a professional list serve as well as his outstanding blog, Texas Appellate Law Blog, http://www.texasappellatelawblog.com. Though I do not practice in Texas, I enjoy reading Todd's insightful and well written analyses of recent cases and have picked up a number of useful appellate practice tips at his site. Moreover, I was impressed to learn that several judges read Todd's blog which from my perspective as an appellate attorney, give him added credibility and respect at the appellate courts. I definitely plan to call on Todd if I ever require local counsel or a referral in Texas."
"I know Todd through a discussion group of some of the most aware, client-centered lawyers practicing today. If you're looking for a good, attorney, I highly recommend Todd!"
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Experience
Honors
2014
2014 Super Lawyers List, Thomson Reuters
2014
2014 Local Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation: The Definitive Guide to the Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys
2013
2013 Super Lawyers List, Thomson Reuters
2013
2013 Local Litigation Star, Benchmark Litigation: The Definitive Guide to the Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys
2011
Named as a leading Appellate practitioner in the Fifth Circuit, Benchmark: Appellate, a part of Benchmark: Litigation, The Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys
2006
Editor in Chief of The Appellate Advocate, State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section
2005
Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
1994
Editor in Chief, St. Mary's Law Journal
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Managing Partner, Smith Law Group LLLP
1997 - 2006
Senior Associate, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.
1995 - 1997
Briefing Attorney, Supreme Court of Texas
Associations
2014 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section, Corporate Counsel Liaison CommitteeCo-chair
2011 - Present
St. Mary's Law Alumni AssociationDirector
2011 - Present
Austin Bar Association, Membership CommitteeCo-chair
2011 - Present
Austin Bar AssociationDirector
2009 - Present
Solo Practice UniversityFaculty
2009 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Web Services CommitteeMember
2008 - Present
Robert W. Calvert American Inn of CourtBarrister
2006 - Present
College of the State Bar of TexasMember
2003 - Present
Austin Bar Association, Civil Litigation SectionMember
1997 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Appellate SectionMember
1997 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Litigation SectionMember
Texas Supreme Court Historical Society
Member
2013 - 2014
Austin Bar Association, Website CommitteeCo-chair
2012 - 2014
State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section, Website CommitteeCo-chair
2012 - 2014
State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section, Website CommitteeCo-chair
2011 - 2012
Austin Bar Association, Civil Appellate Law SectionChair
2011 - 2012
State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section, Rules CommitteeMember
2010 - 2011
Austin Bar Association, Solo & Small Firm SectionChair
2009 - 2012
State Bar of Texas, Appellate SectionCouncil Member
2009 - 2010
State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section, Corporate Counsel Liaison CommitteeCo-chair
2007 - 2012
Austin Bar Association, Civil Appellate Law SectionCouncil Member
2007 - 2009
Austin Bar Association, Solo & Small Firm SectionProgram Chair
2006 - 2009
Austin Bar Association, CLE CommitteeMember
2006 - 2009
State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section, The Appellate AdvocateEditor in Chief
2004 - 2008
Austin Bar Association, Judicial Affairs CommitteeMember
2003 - 2006
State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section, The Appellate AdvocateAssociate Editor
Education
1995
St. Mary's University
Juris Doctor
1992
Texas Tech University
M.P.A.
1989
Texas Christian University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2014
Success Strategies and Key Lessons for Young Lawyers
Attorney Advertising Issues: Websites, Social Media, and Blogs
2013
TexasBarCLE Webcast
Your Trial Is Over—Now What? Guidance on Perfecting and Pursuing a State Civil Appeal
2013
Texas College for Judicial Studies
Principled Appellate Decisions
2013
Annual Meeting Ignite Program
Taking the Paper Out of Your Law Practice
2013
Advanced Civil Appellate Practice Course
How to Handle Cross-Appeals
2012
South Texas Insurance Law Seminar
Default Judgments in Texas
2012
Federal Court Practice Seminar
Transitioning from Trial to Appeal—Post-Trial Motions, State Bar of Texas
2012
An Evening with the Texas Supreme Court
Moderator
2012
Advanced Administrative Law Course
Complying with the Advertising Rules When Promoting Your Practice on the Internet
2011
Solo/Small Firm Section Half-Day Seminar
Improve Your Business Model Tips for Running Your Practice More Efficiently and Profitably
2010
Corporate Counsel Seminar
The Role of Appellate Counsel in Case Management and Trial
2009
Solo Practice University
Appellate Practice and Procedure
2009
Legal Research and Writing Pro
How to Market an Appellate or Contract Lawyering Practice Using Blogging and Social Media
2008
Bench-Bar Conference
Third Court of Appeals: Recent Decisions and More
2008
Austin Bar Fourth Friday CLE
"A Whole New World": Recent Developments in Texas Mandamus Practice
2008
Appellate Practice Section
Appellate Practice Marketing 2.0
2007
Austin Bar Fourth Friday CLE
Texas Supreme Court: Developments Since Summer Recess
2005
Fulbright & Jaworski Litigation Section Lecture Series
Daubert in 2005: Where Has It Been, and Where Is It Going?
2004
Advanced Civil Appellate Practice Course
Preservation of Error: Pretrial and Trial
2003
Law Practice After HB4: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know
The New Rules on Appeals: Interlocutory Appeals and Stays, Conflicts Jurisdiction, Appeal Bonds, and Interest Rates
2003
Law Practice After HB4: What Every Practitioner Needs to Know
The New Rules on Appeals: Interlocutory Appeals and Stays, Conflicts Jurisdiction, Appeal Bonds, and Interest Rates
2003
Fulbright & Jaworski Litigation Section Breakfast
Recent Developments in Punitive Damages Law
2002
Advanced Civil Appellate Practice Course
The Emergency Appellate Practitioner
Publications
2015
Texas Appellate Law Blog
Texas Appellate Law Blog
2010
Texas Lawyer
Practicing with the iPad
2010
Texas Lawyer
How Lawyers Can Avoid Social Media Burnout
2010
Texas Lawyer
Advertising Rules and Social Media: Back to the Future?
2009
Texas Lawyer
Marketing Your Practice in 140 Characters or Less
2009
Texas Lawyer
The Top 20 Tweeters to Follow on Twitter
2009
Texas Bar Journal
Internet-Based Practice Management Solutions
2006
Austin Business District
A Matter of Contract: Toward Privatized Appellate Review of Arbitration Awards
2005
The Appellate Advocate
Superseding Punitive Damages on Appeal: Does the House Bill 4 Exclusion Apply to Federal Court Judgments?
2005
Fulbright & Jaworski Appellate Alert
Texas Supreme Court Applies “Direct Benefits Estoppel” to Require Arbitration of Personal Injury Claim Brought by Nonparty to Contract
1994
St. Mary's Law Journal
Enhanced Punishment Under the Texas Hate Crimes Act: Politics, Panacea, or Pathway to Hell?
1993
St. Mary's Law Journal
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW—IMPEACHMENT TRIAL CLAUSE—A CLAIM THAT SENATE IMPEACHMENT RULE XI VIOLATES THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL CLAUSE IS A NONJUSTICIABLE POLITICAL QUESTION, Nixon v. United States
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