Scott Daniel Smith

Scott D. Smith is a seasoned trial lawyer who has obtained favorable verdicts for clients on both sides of the docket. Mr. Smith has experience in all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts throughout the United States, including resolving a broad array of business and commercial disputes, as well as having extensive experience representing financial advisers and financial institutions in financial services litigation in FINRA and AAA arbitration proceedings. He frequently represents financial advisers and financial institutions in employment disputes, securities enforcement actions, as well as regulatory and compliance matters, and assists his clients in obtaining, or defending against, injunctive relief at TRO proceedings and temporary injunction hearings.

Since 2003, Mr. Smith has represented both large and small, public and private companies, their directors, officers, partners, members, employees, and affiliates in a broad spectrum of business disputes and litigation involving breach of contract, fraud, tortious interference with contract, negligence, theft of trade secrets, business disparagement, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, employment agreements, including enforcement of non-competition and non-solicitation covenants, as well as disputes and litigation in real estate and probate matters. He has also successfully argued appeals before the New York State Appellate Division and the Texas Fourteenth District Court of Appeals. In addition to complex commercial and business litigation, Mr. Smith’s practice is also concentrated on matters related to legal ethics and professional responsibility.

Notably, Mr. Smith has achieved the distinction of being rated as AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell, which is highest possible rating given to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. Mr. Smith has also been awarded the Platinum Client Champion by Martindale-Hubbell. This prestigious award, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, recognizes those attorneys who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering the highest level of client service as affirmed by their clients. This award is a testament to Mr. Smith’s dedication to his clients and his commitment to providing exceptional legal representation. The award is also a recognition of Mr. Smith's ability to navigate the often complex legal landscape and obtain positive outcomes for his clients.

Mr. Smith joined Henneman Rau Kirklin & Smith LLP in January 2017. Previously, Mr. Smith served as Of Counsel for the Law Office of Larry P. Smith in Houston, Texas and was the Head of Litigation for D. Miller & Associates, PLLC. Prior to his return to Houston, Mr. Smith was a Partner with McCormick & O’Brien, LLP, a boutique commercial and securities litigation firm in New York City. Mr. Smith also served as Counsel to the Disciplinary Committee for the First Judicial Department as well as a Court Attorney with the Appellate Division, First Judicial Department in Manhattan. Prior to his government service, Mr. Smith was associated with the law firms of Robinson Brog Leinwand Greene Genovese & Gluck P.C. and Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP, and was an Associate with Bernstein Liebhard LLP, where he represented aggrieved investors in class action lawsuits.