Christopher Douglas Smith

Christopher Douglas Smith

5.0
Rating: 9.7

Licensed for 24 years

Real estate Lawyer at Sarasota, FL
Practice Areas: Real Estate, Estate Planning, Bankruptcy & Debt ... +2 more

1561 Lakefront Dr, Unit 204, Sarasota, FL

About Christopher

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Real Estate 30%

Contracts, closing/title services and title insurance, disputes, deeds, mortgages, foreclosures, short sales

25 years | 1,000 cases

30%
Estate Planning 25%

Wills, powers of attorney, probate matters, trusts

25 years | 500 cases

25%
Bankruptcy and Debt 15%

Chapter 7, Chapter 13, consumer and business, creditor and debtor representation

25 years | 1,000 cases

15%
Litigation 15%

civil disputes of any nature

25 years | 200 cases

15%
Personal Injury 15%

automobile accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability

25 years | 104 cases

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 460-460 per hour

Contingency

25%-40%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 23 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2002

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 23 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Maryland for 23 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 2002

Inactive - Retired

No misconduct found

Licensed in Virginia for 24 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 2001

Associate

No misconduct found

Location

SmithLaw

1561 Lakefront Dr, Unit 204, Sarasota, FL, 34240

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Christopher Douglas Smith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

194 Client Reviews

Showing 176 - 180 of 194 reviews

Posted by Angelo | June 27, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes

After interviewing at least 8 Attorneys Thank God I found Chris and Marci

After Being told my case was too complicated, not once but several times by attorneys wanting almost three times what Marci and Chris was able to get my case completed for. In all Honesty, I was at my wits end and they made me so comfortable and walked me thru the whole process. To say they where ext...raordinary is really an understatement ! I would recommend to anybody

Posted by Beth | June 27, 2011

Christopher Smith and staff have been outstanding for a very stressful timeframe in our lives.

I have worked with many different attorneys working for my clients over the years.....and having one that listens well....and offers the best solutions.....as well as being available is most important. Going into this from the personal level, and with some very difficult choices to make, ....made it... even more important to have a very good attorney working to the best of his ability for us. I have appreciated their care and concern, and that they are always very quick with the answers or guidance for us.

Posted by Erin | June 27, 2011 | Debt Settlement

A Truly Amazing Attorney and Team

I was referred to the law offices of Christopher Dine by a trusted family member in hopes of settling a large amount of debt. From the very first phone call to his offices I was treated with such a great amount of compassion and understanding for my situated from his paralegal Marci Reedy. No questio...n was ever left unanswered, and even though I felt silly asking certain things I never felt like I was being judged. Mr. Smith and his team have a level of professionalism and promptness that is second to none. I cannot say enough great things about my experience with this practice.

Posted by Kevin | June 24, 2011 | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

I COULD GO ON AND ON WITH ACCOLADES FOR CHRISTOPHER SMITH AND PARALEGAL MARCI REEDY!!

I actually found Christopher Smith on the Av vo site in 2009 when I was looking for a quality lawyer of integrity to assist me with my Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. When I saw Christopher's education at Harvard and Georgetown I thought how can I go wrong with such an educated person! From my first contact wi...th Marci Reedy, Christopher's paralegal, on the telephone, I was extremely impressed with her professionalism and how she was sincere in listening to my predicament. Besides dealing with having to do a Chapter 7 bankruptcy I was also dealing with a condo foreclosure, my new car being repossessed, fighting a private disability denial and major health issues on top of all of this. We set a time for my first consultation and I was so impressed by the way Christopher and Marci handled this first meeting. They were extremely sincere in answering all of my questions. I had met with two Bankruptcy Lawyers in the past month before meeting with Christopher and Marci and there was no comparison. With Christopher and Marci I was confident I was in the best legal hands to represent me. Marci all along the way went above and beyond in answering all of my questions and emails and walking me through every step of the legal process. She was extremely patient with me. Marci mentioned to me that she was actually in law school now working on her law degree. I realized then why she was so informed and polished with all her assistance. Their office was so organized and neat that I kidded I needed their help organizing my home! When we went before the Judge in Tampa I was so confident with Christopher's representation of me. He did an outstanding job before the judge.We did win the bankruptcy and it was discharged in March 2010. I told Christopher after the hearing how happy I was with his Paralegal Marci and told him she was definitely a keeper for the firm! He agreed! I have used Christopher and Marci since this date with other legal matters. They both again have shined in their response to me. When I called and Marci was in a meeting she would always call me back that same day or the next morning if I called in the late afternoon. With email contact I would always get a response the same day. That type of customer service is hard to find in any industry now a days. Yet this is what sets them way ahead of the competition. In conclusion I have recommended them to quite a few friends and I highly recommend them to anyone reading my review. Try them out and you will see what I mean.!

Posted by anonymous | June 24, 2011 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Highest praise for Chris and Marci his paralegal

When my business failed it was extremely stressful. There were so many levels of issues that I needed to deal with. Looking back i do not know how I would have made it through without the superior service I received from Chris and Marci. They were both fantastic. Chris helped me plan my strateg...y, and then Marci picked up the ball and provided superior service. The entire process was extremely painless, and I never would have expected that to be the case. I cannot say enough great things about them both. I would highly recommend Chris to friends and family.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher Douglas Smith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Erik J. Arroyo headshot
Erik Arroyo

Business lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Very professional and proficient at settling client matters as expeditiously and effectively as possible. The best attorneys have this trait."

Michael H Fayard II headshot
Michael Fayard

Real estate lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is results-driven and a superb advocate for his clients."

Gerald F. O'Brien headshot
Gerald O'Brien

Estate planning lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an intelligent, skilled, and compassionate attorney who always considers his clients best interests first."

Sergio Cabanas headshot
Sergio Cabanas

Unknown lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. After reviewing attorney Smith's history as well as his insightful answers to questions posted on Avvo, I believe he is a trustworthy source of legal information and experience."

Matthew Z. Martell headshot
Matthew Martell

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smith is a very intelligent and professional attorney. He is very responsible, organized and diligent in the handling of his cases. He treats his clients with respect and courtesy. I highly recommend this attorney."

Michael Edward Schuchat headshot
Michael Schuchat

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an outstanding attorney dedicated to doing the best for his clients."

David Harris Rosenberg headshot
David Rosenberg

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have a number of clients that have been facing bankruptcy over the past few years. I have the pleasure of working closely with Chris on a number of these files. Chris has always given straight forward and honest advice and has been very responsive to the concerns of my clients."

John William Chapman Jr. headshot
John Chapman

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer | Jun 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Chris is very knowledgable about bankruptcy matters and I found him to be very responsive and professional. I would definitely recommend him."

Nishit Virendra Patel headshot
Nishit Patel

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smith is well experienced and incredibly knowledgeable. He is my "go-to" man when it comes to all matters of bankruptcy and personal injury work."

G Logan Elliott headshot
G Elliott

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Erika Dine headshot
Erika Dine

Litigation lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Frank Brooks Cowan Jr. headshot
Frank Cowan

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is a sharp mind who works extremely hard and will produce results."

View All Endorsements
Michael H Fayard II headshot
Michael Fayard

Criminal defense lawyer

Gerald F. O'Brien headshot
Gerald O'Brien

Guardianship lawyer

Kevin Brendan Acklin headshot
Kevin Acklin

Business lawyer

Lindsey Anne Schneider headshot
Lindsey Schneider

Divorce and separation lawyer

Matthew Z. Martell headshot
Matthew Martell

Litigation lawyer

David Harris Rosenberg headshot
David Rosenberg

Real estate lawyer

John William Chapman Jr. headshot
John Chapman

Litigation lawyer

Ryan Alexander Featherstone headshot
Ryan Featherstone

Real estate lawyer

Nishit Virendra Patel headshot
Nishit Patel

Family lawyer

Frank Brooks Cowan Jr. headshot
Frank Cowan

Entertainment lawyer

Erika Dine headshot
Erika Dine

Guardianship lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.7 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2003

Pro Bono Award, Dechert LLP

Work Experience

2012 - Present

Attorney, SmithLaw

2010 - 2011

Managing Partner, Smith and Dine P.A.

2005 - 2009

Managing Attorney, Christopher D. Smith, P.A.

2001 - 2005

Associate, Dechert

Associations

Sarasota County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Colaizzi v. Matney

Judgment for Plaintiff

McDonnell v. Robey

Judgment for Plaintiff for $126,291.30

Emerence Stickle v. Raymond M. Garcia

Judgment for Plaintiff for $1,531,751.86

Donahue v. The Signature Group of Sarasota

Judgment for Plaintiff for $111,035.46

In Re Rasmussen

Trustee's Objection Overruled

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

Georgetown University Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1998

Harvard

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

2012

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution