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Matthew Westcott Smith

Business Attorney at Williamsburg, VA

4.8   21 reviews

also known as Matt Smith, Matthew W. Smith

Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • State Years
    Virginia - VA 23 years
    Colorado - CO 13 years
  • Licensed for 23 years
    State VA
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 13 years
    State CO
    Acquired 2009
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Matthew

Learn Matthew’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Business
    60%
    Business and Commercial Litigation; Business Organization, Sale and Purchase; Employment Law; Contracts Review and Drafting; Commercial Real Estate Transactions.

  2. Real estate
    20%
    I represent commercial landlords and business owners in real estate transactions and disputes.

  3. Insurance
    10%
    I represent individuals and businesses in matters against insurance companies.

  4. Personal injury
    10%
    I represent individuals injured in automobile collisions, and on premises owned by others.

AGGRESSIVE AND EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY. LARGE FIRM EXPERIENCE WITH SMALL FIRM CLIENT FOCUS.

AV-Rated (Preeminent) in Business Law, Litigation and General Practice by the Martindale-Hubbell Peer-review System.

Awards

Client's Choice 2015
Client's Choice
2015

Contact Matthew

OTEY SMITH & QUARLES
Busch Corporate Center
485 McLaws Circle
Williamsburg, VA, 23185

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  21 customer reviews
Client's Choice 2015
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Timely and effective
Matt quickly and easily resolved a contract dispute in our favor with a well conceived argument rooted in Virginia law and standards. He was always available to chat and communicated clearly and promptly. I hope we never need to hire him again but he would be the first person I contacted if we find ourselves in need.
Posted by Marlene | July 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce & Eviction
Matt and his colleagues are straightforward which I absolutely love! He helped finalize my divorce when I gave up on trying to do the paperwork myself. Then, two years later, I ended up with another a$$hole that Matt helped me evict from my home. Needless to say, I will always go to Matt for any type of legal consultation. Thank you for keeping it real, Matt!
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Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and professional
We went to Matt, who is a personal friend of my husband's from their Army National Guard days, for help getting paperwork together to buy a business. Matt is very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of business and owning a business, paperwork needed, etc. We met once with him and contacted him several times via text and phone. He was always prompt to answer and also very helpful. We highly recommend Matt Smith for your business legal needs.
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Posted by Diane | June 13, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer I could ever pray for!
Matt is very understanding, approachable and very knowledgeable in helping his clients. I was very comfortable talking to him about a family matter that I was first somewhat embarrassed to follow through with - getting a judgement against my sister who stole my share of my mother's trust fund for us. Matt did a great job in making me feel right about my desire to make her pay me my share and the expenses incurred while doing so. He's worth the drive from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg! I am also going to have him prepare a will for me!!!
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Posted by anonymous | June 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend!
Was very pleased with the professionalism and timely response. I would highly recommend.
Posted by Racquel | June 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce proceedings
Was pleasant and patient through the process. Offered logical, yet simple solutions to an overwhelming situation. Very pleased with his services and professional demeanor.
Posted by David | May 25, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
$4500 judgment awarded.
All my questions we're answered quickly and accurately. The judgment I was awarded was collected except for a small amount which was not worth pursuing. I would use Matt Smith again.
Posted by Thomas | May 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney - recommended by a judge
I was referred to Mr. Smith by an attorney that was becoming a Judge. The now Judge said if he were in my position, he would only trust Mr. Smith to represent him. Mr. Smith has been direct with his legal analysis and any cost expectations. He will be my personal and corporate attorney for years to come.
Posted by Debra Kemelek | November 6, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lawyer
Matt Smith helped me to start and save my business!! I am very satisfied with his work. Highly recommend him. He is very professional, personable and genuine.
Posted by Sheila | November 6, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A small business owner recommends Matthew Smith for legal services.
Matthew Smith was recommended by a friend to assist me in the legalities of starting a small business. From my first call to Matthew, I have been very pleased with his professionalism and knowledge. His advice and help made the initial business start up process much easier. Anytime I have a question, I either email or call and know he will respond quickly. I find this to be a very reassuring practice in business. I'm very pleased with my experience and highly recommend Matthew Smith.
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Posted by William | November 3, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very sharp mind
I have worked with Matt on several different issues including estate planning, probate questions, business endeavors, etc. Matt has proven extremely insightful time after time. He has frequently made clear distinctions amid complicated issues and made extremely important observations. Mr. Smith has done something that few people in my life have managed to do: he has earned my confidence and trust! That has been an extremely rare experience in my life. In my opinion, Matt Smith is the best.
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Posted by Susan | October 28, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Real Estate
Matthew provided outstanding legal services in every way as our attorney during a recent transaction for the purchase of property in the Williamsburg area. Matthew was very approachable, always available for consultations and responsive to all inquiries. As we make plans to build our retirement home in the near future, it is reassuring to know that we can rely on Matthew Smith to protect our interests and provide us with expert legal support and assistance! Without hesitation, I would recommend Matthew Smith and his firm for any legal matter.
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Posted by Debra kemelek | June 5, 2015
Owner Publisher
My first step in getting my business started was with Attorney Matt Smith. I am very grateful that he gave me all the legal and professional help that was required and more. I would highly recommend his services.
Posted by anonymous | June 2, 2015
Trustworthy, knowledgeable, and responsive attorney.
I was referred to Matt by a friend of mine who works at the law school at Wiliam & Mary. He has provided my company with sound advice whenever we have needed it. I feel more confident about the manner in which I run my business knowing that Matt is available for help, especially when complex human resources issues arise.
Posted by patchara | June 1, 2015
services provided by matthew w. smith (matt) to patchara and marisa vrabel
matt was given responsibility for our (patchara's and marisa's) case in early may 2006 while working with kaufman and canoles. from the start he took an agressive, determined and highly focused approach to working for us. and for the next almost exactly three years we never once felt we were not working with someone who truly had our best interests in mind. throughout the process he kept us fully informed of all aspects and developments as the case progressed. further, matt never hesitated to inconvenience himself on our behalf. we recall his traveling to the wdc area from williiamsburg-where the trial was to be held, to interview witnesses he considered essential to the strategy he planned to use at trial. several of those individuals personally commented to us about his professional yet personal and collaborative demeanor in interviewing them. matt had a keen sense for detail and prior to trial he made sure "no stone was left unturned" either with in questioning us or others who he felt were essential to his presentation of the case. at trial, his preparation of the evidence to include setting the scene and environment where the accident occurred was meticulous and logically presented. he was equally detail-oriented in the several pre-trial depositions we had and his tenacity -yet done in a professional and respectful manner was exemplary. at the end of the first day of trial the defendants made an offer that we ultimately accepted (with much satisfaction), but it was matt's determination to win the case in a manner that was in our best interests that was a crucial element in that equation. finally, aside from his professional competence, matt came across to us as a genuine person who had sincere interest in us as persons. he got to know us but we also got to know him as a person which only increased out trust in his efforts. we would never hesitate to recommend matt smith to anyone needing professional legal assistance. patchara, marisa and jeff vrabel
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Posted by Victor | June 1, 2015
Learning The Law!
I was very well informed about my case and understood the law from the beginning to the end. The Internet is a wonderful thing and I would get messages from Matt as often as necessary by e-mail. I would get copies of all documentation in real time so that I have the same records that he has. If and when it was necessary to meet in person in his office we would. I am very comfortable trusting Matt with all of my personal matters for now and any in the future. Victor Hundley
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Posted by Brian | June 1, 2015
Excelent Job
Matt did an excelent job, laid out all my options kept me very informed and calmed me down when I was upset and I have refered him to several people
Posted by Steve | May 27, 2015
Excellent Attorney
Matt Smith is very knowledgeable in a variety of areas of law. As a business owner he has handled many different cases for my companies. He is extremely responsive to our needs and presents options that best fit scenarios. He has always been very realistic about expected outcomes. I would highly recommend Mr. Smith and have referred many friends and family to him.
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Posted by Vickie | May 26, 2015
I couldn't have done it without Matt
Matt Smith took on the difficult subject of Medical Negligence and fought for me as if i was a family member. I could not have had a more responsive, knowledgeable, and trustworthy lawyer. Not only would i recommend him to the public, i would recommend him to my family. You will not make a better choice.
Posted by Steven | May 25, 2015
Greatful
This firm is filled lawyers that are very good at what they do. I went through three lawyers before winning my case with this firm. They are a little pricy but you get what you pay for and they get results. Thanks Guys you were worth every penny. Steven
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 350-350 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Flotilla Commander
  • US Coast Guard Auxiliary
  • 2019 - Present
  • Partner
  • Otey Smith & Quarles Attorneys
  • 2010 - Present
  • Adjunct Professor of Law
  • William & Mary Law School
  • 2010 - 2017
  • Of Counsel
  • Kaufman & Canoles, PC
  • 2006 - 2010
  • Judge Advocate
  • Virginia Army National Guard
  • 2001 - 2010
  • Partner
  • Jones Blechman Woltz & Kelly, PC
  • 1999 - 2006
View all work experience

Education

  • College of William & Mary
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1999
  • State University of New York at Buffalo
  • PhD - Doctorate
  • 1995
  • State University of New York at Buffalo
  • M.A.
  • 1990
  • Excelsior College
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1988
View all education

Associations

  • Virginia State Bar
  • Active Member
  • 1999 - Present
  • Williamsburg Bar Association
  • President
  • 2016 - 2018
  • Williamsburg Bar Association
  • Board Member
  • 2008 - 2019
  • National Ski Patrol
  • Alpine Patroller
  • 2008 - 2023
  • Military Law Section, Virginia State Bar
  • Chair (2010-2011)
  • 2004 - 2011
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2020
  • Top Lawyer of Coastal Virginia
  • Coastal Virginia Magazine
  • 2019
  • Meritorious Service Medal
  • US Army
  • 2010
  • Defense Meritorious Service Medal
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • 2008
  • Iraq Campaign Medal
  • U.S. Army
  • 2007
  • Combat Action Badge
  • US Army
  • 2007
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Virginia Army National Guard Annual JAG Conference
  • Legal Ethics for Military Lawyers
  • 2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (6)
Endorse Matthew
Litigation Attorney | Sep 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked closely with Matt and highly recommend him."
Litigation Attorney | Feb 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Matt Smith for a number of years and have had the opportunity to work with him in the profession. He is very talented, and has earned a good reputation in the legal community for his abilities, and professionalism."
Litigation Attorney | Feb 18
Relationship: Other
"Mr. Smith is a law school classmate and friend. His integrity and honesty are unassailable. I frequently use him as a sounding board for issues that are troubling me in my practice. I would highly recommend him both as a litigator and as a business counselor."
Military law Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."