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Richard J. Smith
About Richard
Biography
Richard J. Smith has been practicing law for 39 years. He joined Nistler Law Office, s.c. in August, 2015, and practices in the area of criminal defense, family law and civil litigation.
As a criminal defense attorney, Attorney Richard Smith has handled a variety of matters including serious felonies, misdemeanors and defense of drunk driving. He has successfully resolved hundreds of serious cases including homicide, sexual assault, conspiracy, and white collar crimes. He has prosecuted or defended in more than 100 jury trials.
Attorney Smith practices family law and has successfully represented many divorce clients in Southeastern Wisconsin. Richard Smith is not a lawyer who magnifies conflict. Mr. Smith understands that disputes in family court profoundly impact all parties involved including the children of the parties. Mr. Smith works to resolve difficult problems with patience, empathy, reason, and careful preparation. He has a thoughtful manner and even in difficult situations he remains calm and rational. Mr. Smith understands the upheaval and trauma that accompany divorce and post judgment divorce proceedings. He seeks to minimize the upheaval. Attorney Smith has represented clients from all walks of life in family court.
Mr. Smith has represented businesses before municipal bodies and common councils for the last 20 years. He has represented restaurants, bars, night clubs, and even stone quarries.
Mr. Smith obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Marquette University in 1972 and his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1981. Upon graduating from law school, Mr. Smith was an assistant district attorney in Ozaukee and Marathon counties for four years. He then joined the law firm of Schmidt, Martz & Smith and was a partner there from 1990-2012 before starting his own firm of Richard J. Smith and Associates, Ltd. in 2012-2015.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 44 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
Location
Richard J. Smith
7000 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI, 53213
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Richard J. Smith's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
13 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews
Posted by Amanda | August 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Extremely knowledgeable and hard working for your case
I was originally charged with a first time DUI as well as 3 other driving charges. I was very nervous as I had never dealt with any criminal charges or lawyers in the past. Mr. Smith put my worries at ease and each time I needed to attend court I was amazed at his strategies and hard work to fight fo...
Posted by Karen | February 22, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
OWI
I was arrested in Racine County for driving while intoxicated in July of 2018. Not knowing how to move forward, I decided to contact Attorney Richard Smith. He responded that day and offered me a phone consultation. Based on his knowledge, I decided that it was definitely in my best interest to hir...
Posted by Kevin | September 06, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Highly Recommened
Richard successfully defended me in a 1st offense OWI and Prohibited Alcohol Concentration case. The jury deliberated for less than 15 minutes before finding me not guilty. Richard's attention to detail and years of experience were invaluable to my case.
Posted by Mark | March 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
I Highly Recommend Attorney Smith
Richard helped me with my 3rd DUI charge. He told me to do everything he asked and the outcome would be favorable. In the end I was more than happy with the favorable results. The sentences were well below what I was expecting. I highly recommend Richard and if I ever need a lawyer again, I will be c...
Posted by Dennis | January 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Expungement
Richard represented my son in a serious felony case. Ultimately,the matter was expunged from my sons recorded. We were very happy with his efforts! My son was in college and this would have ruined his life. Richard is a fighter.
Richard J. Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"I regularly run into Atty. Smith in Milwaukee and surrounding counties. I’m always impressed by his demeanor and knowledge of criminal defense and drunk driving matters. I have zero hesitation recommending Atty. Smith to a friend or family member."
"Excellent Attorney. Experienced litigator and highly respected in the Milwaukee legal community!"
"I worked for Attorney Smith in the 1990's as an associate. Prior to that time, I had worked for a larger firm that dissolved. At that time, Attorney Smith and his partner were the only partners. I learned much more as to how to be a competent family law attorney from Attorney Smith and his partner than I ever did from the larger, silk stocking law firm. They taught me how to litigate and were always able to mentor me. Needless to say, I give them credit for making me what I am as a family law attorney. Attorney Smith knows family and criminal law, yet he is not afraid to seek out answers if he does not know how to address a particular situation because he wishes to obtain the best possible result for his client. I endorse him highly."
"Attorney Smith knows the law, knows the court system, and puts this knowledge to work to get great results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Smith for nearly 20 years and I have always been impressed with his ability to obtain great results for his clients. Attorney Smith is someone I would have no problem referring a friend or family member to."
"I have known Richard for over 15 years. I met him when I was a young Assistant DA. In all of my dealings with him, I have found him to be highly intelligent, extremely skilled and very professional. He also adheres to the highest ethical standards. He cares passionately about his clients and provides top notch legal services. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney or family lawyer."
"Attorney Smith is a competent and diligent attorney. I recently completed a court trial wherein he was opposing counsel, and where there were myriad issues involving property division and paternity of a non-marital child. Throughout the process he returned calls and replied to letters quickly, was respectful and professional, and submitted accurate and complete correspondence in a timely fashion to the court. I have also known him to be a competent and dedicated attorney from the criminal defense bar as well, especially when it comes to OWI 1sts. He is trustworthy, fair, honest, and easy to work with, and I have referred clients to him in the past."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Richard for decades. I have seen first-hand his commitment to his clients. The results he obtains are impressive. He is an excellent lawyer"
Daniel Skarie
DUI and DWI lawyer
Craig Johnson
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Michael Kopp
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Ann Heaps
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Alex Flynn
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Michael Reyes
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James Guckenberg
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Work Experience
2015 - 2016
Attorney, Nistler Law Office, S.C.
2011 - 2015
Owner, Richard J Smith & Asscoiates Ltd
1990 - 2012
Partner, Schmidt, Martz, & Smith
1984 - 1985
Assistant District Attorney, Ozaukee County District attorneys office
1981 - 1984
Assistant District Attorney, Marathon County District Attorneys Office
Associations
1990 - Present
Milwaukee Bar Associationmember
Society of Family Lawyers
Member
State Bar of Wisconsin, Family Law Section
Member
State Bar of Wisconsin, Criminal Law Section
Member
State Bar of Wisconsin, Government Lawyers Division
Member
Education
1981
University of Wisconsin Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1972
Marquette University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2005
State Bar of Wisconsin, CLE Committee
Driving under the infuluence of drugs & alcohol
2005
State Bar of Wisconsin, CLE Committee
Traffic Law Practices
2004
State Bar of Wisconsin, CLE Committee
Family Law
Languages
English
Spanish