Michael Smith - Lawyer in Savannah, GA

Michael Henry Smith

Elder law Attorney at Savannah, GA

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Resume

Estate planning made simple

Michael Smith is an excellent attorney.

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Elder law

30%

We help older clients plan for long term care, protect their assets and advise them about Medicaid, Veterans' Aid and Attendance and other government benefits.

14 years
Estate planning

30%

We focus on helping families protect their assets and non-financial legacies for future generations. We also assist families with Special Needs family members plan for their long term care.

26 years, 300 cases
Business

10%

We help companies and entrepreneurs with a broad range of business-related legal services. We work closely with CPAs, business consultants, insurance agents and others to make sure that our clients have access to the resources they need.
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26 years
Guardianship

10%

If you find yourself in the difficult position of needing to protect a loved one by taking over his or her health, safety, or financial decision-making, we're here to help. We have experience and we're here to walk you through the entire process.
... Read more
11 years
Medicaid and medicare

10%

We help our clients navigate the the complications of qualifying for medicaid if they are over the asset limit or do not meet other financial requirements.

11 years
Probate

10%

We help families navigate the process of wrapping things up after the death of a loved one by providing counseling, advice and representation in trust administration or the probate courts.

26 years

Michael co-founded Smith Barid, LLC with his partner, Richard Barid, in November 2006 to focus on estate planning, elder law and special needs planning.

Michael frequently holds seminars for fellow attorneys and members of the community around the country in an effort to help spread awareness of the importance of proper estate planning and long-term care planning.

He is a member of Wealth Counsel, ElderCounsel, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Care Planning Council, Savannah Estate Planning Council, the Greater Savannah Coalition on the Aging, the State Bar of Georgia, and the Savannah Bar Association. Michael is also accredited by the VA to help Veterans qualify for Veterans Aid & Attendance pension benefits.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 26 years

State GA

Status Active Member in Good Standing

Acquired 1996

Updated 11/03/2022

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

Contact Michael

Michael Henry Smith

7393 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Suite 202

Savannah, GA, 31406

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

2 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Cliff | April 7, 2011

Estate planning made simple

Michael and his staff were very organized and keep me informed throughout the entire process. He took the time to explain all the details and options available to me. I was extremely pleased and feel safe knowing that my love ones have less to worry about.

Posted by Judson | February 24, 2010

Michael Smith is an excellent attorney.

Mr. Smith handled a complicated probate matter for my wife and I last year. We were completely satisfied with the quality of his work and the professional, prompt manner in which it was performed. I highly recommend Mr. Smith.

Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Partner
Smith Barid, LLC
2006 - Present

Associate
The Webster Firm
2006 - 2006

Partner
Reynolds, Robin and Smith
2000 - 2005

Partner
Hilliard and Smith
2000 - 2000

Associate
Barr, Warner, Lloyd and Henifin
1997 - 1999

Associate
Harrison and Lamar
1996 - 1997

View all work experience

Education

University of Georgia, Athens
J.D.
1996

Erskine College
B.A.
1993

Legal Cases

United States v. Quirante
Successful Appeal

Associations

Coastal Georgia Alzheimer's Association
Board Member
2013 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (Georgia chapter)
Board Member
2012 - Present

Savannah Bulldog Club
Secretary
2012 - Present

Savannah Sports Council
Board Member
2012 - Present

National Care Planning Council
Member
2012 - Present

St. Thomas Episcopal Church
No Value
2011 - Present

ElderLaw Answers
Member
2011 - Present

Greater Savannah Coalition on the Aging
Member
2010 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (Georgia chapter)
Member
2010 - Present

Elder Counsel
Member
2010 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Member
2010 - Present

WealthCounsel
Member
2009 - Present

Savannah Estate Planning Council
2007 - Present

Savannah Chamber of Commerce
Member
2006 - Present

Savannah Bar Association
1997 - Present

State Bar of Georgia
1996 - Present

DocuBank
Member National Advisory Board
2011 - 2012

American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
2006 - 2009

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Awards

America's Techiest Lawyers
ABA Law Journal
2012

Georgia Super Lawyer's Rising Stars
Super Lawyers Magazine
2010

40 Under 40
Business Report and Journal
2009

Poole Government Award
Abbeville Rotary Club
1993

View all awards

Publications

Business in Savannah
Mama June Sets Up Trust Fund for Honey Boo Boo
2013

Savannah Morning News
Charitable Remainder Trusts Serve Several Purposes
2012

Savannah Daily News
Seniors May Live Long and Prosper if They Plan Ahead
2011

Savannah Morning News
Look Before You Leap: Reverse Mortgage Foreclosures on the Rise
2011

Business in Savannah
Your estate plan in wake of estate tax repeal
2010

Coastal Senior
What You Don’t Know M ight Cost You
2010

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

The Advanced Elder Law Course
Powerful Marketing on a Shoestring Budget
2013

Monthly Meeting
What's an Elder Law Attorney
2012

Merrill Lynch
Veteran's Aid and Attendance
2012

Lunch and Learn
Veteran's Aid and Attendance
2012

Inservice at Memorial Hospital
Elder Law and Veterans' Aid and Attendance
2012

Educational Series
Elder Law and Veteran's Aid and Attendance
2012

Deemer, Dana and Froehele CPAs
Veteran's Aid and Attendance
2012

Academy of VA Pension Planners Fall 2012
Marketing and Practice Development
2012

THA Group Inservice
Veterans' Aid and Attendance
2011

Savannah Square Community Lunch and Learn
Veterans' Aid and Attendance
2011

Presentation for Employees
Basic Estate Planning
2011

Gulfstream Retirees Luncheon
Basic Estate Planning
2011

End of Life Planning Presentation for Employees and Customers
Basic Estate Planning
2011

Community Care Services Program Inservice
Medicaid and Long Term Care Planning
2011

Basic Estate Planning Presentation
Basic Estate Planning
2011

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Special Needs Planning
2010

National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
Basic Estate Planning
2009

CPE Presentation Hancock Askew CPAs
Basic Estate Planning
2009

Basic Estate Planning
Basic Estate Planning
2009

Advance Directives and DocuBank
Advance Directives and DocuBank
2009

Smart Seniors
Basic Estate Planning
2008

Savannah NAIFA Annual CE Presentation
Basic Estate Planning
2008

Planning for Children with Special Needs
Special Needs Planning
2008

ILIT's, FLP's, Special Needs Trusts and Estate Tax Predictions
ILIT's, FLP's, Special Needs Trusts and Estate Tax Predictions
2008

Five Myths of Estate Planning
Basic Estate Planning
2008

Basic Estate Planning Seminar
Basic Estate Planning
2008

Basic Estate Planning Seminar
Basic Estate Planning
2008

Basic Estate Planning
Basic Estate Planning
2008

Basic Estate Planning
Basic Estate Planning
2008

Basic Estate Planning
Basic Estate Planning
2008

Gulfstream Presentation
Basic Estate Planning
2007

Basic Estate Planning Seminar
Basic Estate Planning
2007

Basic Estate Planning
Basic Estate Planning
2007

Basic Estate Planning
Basic Estate Planning
2007

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)

Given (20)

Endorse Michael

Mathew Limsky

Estate planning Attorney | Nov 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike and I worked together on a complex project for several years. The depths of his knowledge in elder law and matters concerning trusts is enviable. When combined with his willingness to leverage technology in a conservative and informed manner, Mike provides quality results efficiently. I highly recommend Mike and sincerely appreciate his advice and guidance."

Victoria Collier

Estate planning Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike and his partner, Richard, are pillars in their community and I am glad that as a fellow lawyer, I can have confidence in referring my clients to them when I have the need in Savannah."

Jamie Casino

Unknown Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Casino Law Group endorses this lawyer."

John Strother

Estate planning Attorney | Apr 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a very conscientious attorney. He takes the time to get to know his clients on an individual basis. This allows him to personally tailor an estate plan which addresses their unique circumstances. Mike works tirelessly to stay up to the minute in the changing field of estate law. He stays in touch with his clients to make sure they are able to take advantage of any change in the state or federal law. I highly recommend this attorney."

M. Wiles

Estate planning Attorney | Mar 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse Michael Smith. Mike is an outstanding attorney who puts his clients first. He is an invaluable resource to those who have had the pleasure to work with him. His practice is on the forefront of caring for clients and successfully implementing complex legal strategies in order to protect clients and their families."

Cory Lancaster

Estate planning Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike is an outstanding attorney. He provides high quality legal advice and service to his clients."

Birney Bull

Estate planning Attorney | Mar 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael and his partner Richard are the "go to" guys on the legal details of estate planning in Savannah! Great guys!"

Kenneth Johnson

Estate planning Attorney | Feb 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know Mike for over 15 years and I have always found him to be diligent, ethical and well-versed in the law. I refer many of my clients in need of estate planning services to him."

Howard Spiva

Estate planning Attorney | Jun 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike Smith is an excellent attorney. He focuses his practice in the area of Estate Planning, Entities and Real Estate. He and his partner Richard provide very valuable assistance to the public through their free seminars and hosting a local radio show. To show my confidence in his abilities we often refer clients to both Mike and Richard. I lend him my professional and personal enforcement. Make it a great day! Howard Spiva"

Richard Barid

Estate planning Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Co-worker

"Michael is a detail-oriented attorney who works hard to make sure that clients have customized estate plans designed to meet their individual needs and those of their families."

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Mathew Limsky

Estate planning