- Home
- Find a Lawyer
- Georgia
- Savannah
- Elder Law
- Michael Smith
About Michael
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
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.
12 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.
24 years, 300 cases
- 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.
24 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.
9 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.
9 years
- 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.
24 years
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Similar lawyers
Sponsored Listings
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| GA | Active Member in Good Standing | 1996 | 11/20/2021 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A | 2007 - Present |
| Savannah Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2006 - Present |
| Savannah Bar Association | N/A | 1997 - Present |
| State Bar of Georgia | N/A | 1996 - Present |
| DocuBank | Member National Advisory Board | 2011 - 2012 |
| American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys | N/A | 2006 - 2009 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Senior | What is Probate and Why Should I Care? | 2007 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia, Athens | J.D. | 1996 |
| Erskine College | B.A. | 1993 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| United States v. Quirante | Successful Appeal |
Estate planning made simple
5.0 stars
Posted by Cliff
April 7, 2011
Michael Smith is an excellent attorney.
5.0 stars
Posted by Judson
February 24, 2010
Advertising
Attorney endorsements
(10)
Mathew Limsky, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 7, 2018
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 on Jun 2, 2017
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.
Mathew Limsky, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 7, 2018
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 on Jun 2, 2017
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 on Feb 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Casino Law Group endorses this lawyer.
John Strother, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 25, 2011
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 on Mar 10, 2011
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 on Mar 7, 2011
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 on Mar 15, 2010
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 on Feb 23, 2010
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 on Jun 1, 2009
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 on Jan 29, 2008
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.