$ 460-460 per hour
Christopher Douglas Smith
About Christopher
Biography
Christopher D. Smith received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) and his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.). A long time resident of Florida, Mr. Smith also graduated from Pine View School in Sarasota. He is members of the bars of Florida, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Mr. Smith started his career with the international lawfirm of Dechert LLP in 2001, and then joined the Florida Bar in 2002. He returned to Florida in 2005 to pursue a solo practice. His practice areas include litigation, bankruptcy, guardianship, real estate, and estate planning. Outside of work, Mr. Smith is a high school football official, an avid boater, and father of three.
Mr. Smith is Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Real Estate
30%
25 years | 1,000 cases
Estate Planning
25%
25 years | 500 cases
Bankruptcy and Debt
15%
25 years | 1,000 cases
Litigation
15%
25 years | 200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
25%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 23 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 23 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Licensed in Maryland for 23 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
Licensed in Virginia for 24 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2001
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
194 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Estate Planning (39)
Bankruptcy & Debt (29)
Real Estate (29)
Trusts (15)
Wills & Living Wills (13)
Lawsuits & Disputes (8)
Residential (7)
Probate (6)
Business (5)
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy (4)
Debt Settlement (4)
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy (3)
Debt & Lending Agreements (3)
Foreclosure (3)
Litigation (3)
Contracts & Agreements (2)
Personal Injury (2)
Power Of Attorney (2)
Debt Collection (1)
Family (1)
Libel & Slander (1)
Mediation (1)
Tax (1)
What Clients Mention
Showing 16 - 20 of 194 reviews
Posted by Barbara | May 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Excellent team!
Chris and his entire staff are just excellent! Professional, kind, very knowledgeable and kept me well informed. Very grateful.
Posted by anonymous | May 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Very knowledgeable and professional
Chris Smith is a very trusted, fair and knowledgeable lawyer. He takes the understand your needs and take care of them Highly recommend Chris and his staff
Posted by Sangita | April 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Very Pleased
Chris Smith is a wonderful lawyer who came highly recommended from a friend. He took the time to understand my needs and assist me with my current situation. I will go back as needed. His team was also wonderful to work with .
Posted by Inken | February 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommendable.
SmithLaw was recommended by friends and it was the best recommendation I could have received! Very competent, quick, extremely helpful and action in no time. Chris had the ability to have us understand everything that needed to be done, offered options and allowed time to think and decide. Thank you ...
Posted by Sandy | February 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
Everything you need!
Had to do estate, health and financial papers. Chris and staff or knowledgeable, kind, professional, and efficient. I felt comfortable and more knowledgeable. Thanks Smith law!
Christopher Douglas Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Very professional and proficient at settling client matters as expeditiously and effectively as possible. The best attorneys have this trait."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is results-driven and a superb advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an intelligent, skilled, and compassionate attorney who always considers his clients best interests first."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is an outstanding attorney dedicated to doing the best for his clients."
"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."
"Chris is very knowledgable about bankruptcy matters and I found him to be very responsive and professional. I would definitely recommend him."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is a sharp mind who works extremely hard and will produce results."
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Experience
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
Education
2001
Georgetown University Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
Harvard
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Publications
2012
Christopher D. Smith P.A.
Guide to Filing Bankruptcy in Southwest Florida
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How do I get my garnished wages back in florida after wage exemption has been granted. clerk says they are waiting on plantiff.
06 Oct 2012
Q&A
If my fiance incurred a debt and judgement prior to marriage would the company be able to garnish my wages after we are married?
06 Aug 2012
Q&A
Can I lease a new car and then file for bankruptcy?
25 Jul 2012
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Florida Bankruptcy Guide: Steps 9 - Life after Bankruptcy
14 Jun 2012
Legal Guide
Florida Bankruptcy Guide: Steps 7 - Case Administration
14 Jun 2012
Legal Guide
Florida Bankruptcy Guide: Steps 3-5 - Retain Counsel, Spousal Considerations, and Preparation
14 Jun 2012