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J Thomas Smith Ph.D.

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About J

At the Law Offices of J Thomas Smith, our attorneys provide clients with accessible

and cost-effective representation in US Immigration and Nationality Law.  As a “debt relief agent,” we help people file for Bankruptcy under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. We have offices in Northwest Houston and North Houston, but we provide Immigration services in states across the country.  

 

Attorney Smith is a present member of the American Bar Association, Houston Bar Association and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. He is a past member of the American Association for Justice, American Immigration Lawyers Association and National Bar Association.

 

Smith, a broadcaster, hosts a local talk show,  “Sunday Morning Live”  on KMJQ/Majic 102.1 Houston.  On the program we address many issues of the day, including immigration, politics and social issues.  You can listen on-line at www.MyHoustonMajic.com. 

 

Attorney Smith is also state licensed and national board certified in mental health and addictions.  He provides forensic mental health assessment services to other attorneys who practice immigration and criminal law.  

 

He is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, Georgia, Kansas, Tennessee and the U. S. District Court for the Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas, Kansas and the Northern District of Georgia and the Georgia Court of Appeals. 

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Practice areas

Chapter 7 bankruptcyTaxImmigration
  1. Immigration: 70%

    Quality, reasonably priced family and fiancée based immigration services to individuals. We also provide representation at removal hearings.

    16 years

  2. Tax: 15%

    Affordable solutions to businesses and individuals who have tax problems with the IRS. Options include offer in compromise, innocent spouse, payment plans, and more.

    16 years

  3. Chapter 7 bankruptcy: 15%

    Get a "fresh start". Eliminate medical bills, pay day loans, some taxes and even student loans in some cases.

    16 years

Languages spoken

Spanish, English

Photos and videos

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Contact

Law Offices of Attorney J Thomas Smith, J.D., Ph.D.

3707 FM 1960 West
Suite 200
Houston, TX, 77068

    11811 North Fwy
    Suite 500
    Houston, TX, 77060

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    GAActive Member in Good Standing 201104/18/2021
    TNInactive201004/15/2021
    DCGood Standing200902/28/2021
    KSAuthorized to practice law200504/20/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers3517
    Legal guides1
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Top 50 Black P & EDMars.com Business Journal2015
    Client's ChoiceAvvo2015
    Congratulations as Recognition of Top AttorneyTexas State Representative Ron Reynolds2014
    "Top 50 Black Attorney"D-Mars.Com Business Journal2013
    “Houston Sun Beacons of Light: Men of Valor and Purpose”The Houston Sun Newspaper2013
    Certificate of Congressional RecognitionAl Green, Member of Congress2013
    Certificate of RecognitionTexas State Senator Rodney Ellis2013
    2011 Man of StyleLet The Fashions Begin, Incorporated2011
    Certificate of Congressional RecognitionSheila Jackson Lee, Member of Congress2011
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    AttorneyLaw Office of J Thomas Smith, J.D., Ph.D.2005 - Present
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Federal Communications Bar AssociationMember2013 - Present
    National Bar AssociationMember2005 - Present
    NAADAC, the Association for Addiction ProfessionalsNational Certified Addiction Counselor1991 - Present
    National Board for Certified CounselorsN/A1990 - Present
    Houston Bar AssociationMemberN/A
    National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMemberN/A
    American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember2005 - 2012
    American Bar AssociationMember2005 - 2014
    National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersN/A2005 - 2007
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Xlibris PublishingThe Secret to a New Life (in 21 Days)2011
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Thurgood Marshall School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2000
    Universidad de San JosePhD - Doctorate1995
    University of the State of New YorkBS - Bachelor of Science1988
    Norwich UniversityMA - Masters1988
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    So You Can Live Conference: Coming Together for Mental HealthOpioid Abuse: Community Impact and Legal Consequences2018
    Interview with Veronica Jacobs, Legal Services Director, Houston Volunteer Lawyers; Sunday Morning Live with Dr. J Thomas SmithHouston Bar Association’s 2018 Will-A-Thon2018
    League of Women Voters Houston - Interview with Linda Cohn, President; Sunday Morning Live with Dr. J Thomas Smith"Elections Have Consequences"2017
    Houston Lawyers Association's Annual Scholarship and Awards GalaMaster of Ceremonies2016
    2015 Symposium on Bridging the Gap in Mental Health DisparitiesCommunity Heroes: Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Disparities2015
    Interview with Attorney Carl Shusterman; Sunday Morning Live with Dr. J Thomas SmithImmigration Law Update2014
    Honoring Our Military JAG CorpsMaster of Ceremonies2014
    National Depression Screening DayDepression Screening Day2013
    Men of Style and Fashion ShowTexas Children's Hospital Sickle Cell Research2013
    Entertainment and Sports Law Section LuncheonTop Legal Problems in Moderen Radio Broadcasting2013
    "Getting Signed and Getting Paid"Getting a record deal and contract related matters2010
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    601a Waiver
    Extreme Hardship Waiver - Consular ProcessingGreen Card granted
    Derivative CitizenshipClient sworn-in as U.S. citizen

    Reviews

    (9)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review J Smith

    Exellent immigration attorney

    Posted by

    We came to J. Thomas Smith once my I-130 was approved and we needed help with the consular process. During our consulation he thoroughly explained the consular process and provided us with a list of needed documents. Once we provided him the requested documents, he prepared the waiver packet and sent it off. The waiver was approved earlier than we expected. He was there to assist us with the request for additional evidence that the National Visa Center sent. He was and continues to make himself available to help or answer any questions. My wife and I glorify God for helping us through this entire process and we thank J. Thomas Smith for his help too. We couldn't have done it without him. Also, he was very affordable.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Attorney Smith helped me get my citizenship.

    Posted by

    I enjoyed working with Attorney Smith. He assisted me in understanding the process. He offered me a payment plan and helped me with clear instructions for completing my intake information. I worked directly with him, rather than a legal assistant. He also went to my interview with me. This really eased my mind. I highly recommend Attorney J Thomas Smith.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Very good lawyer

    Posted by

    He is a very nice and kind attorney. He answers very details and explain everything i needed. Thank you very much for your precious time.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney
    J Smith's response: It's my pleasure to be of service to you. If my response has been helpful, please indicate. Good luck to you.

    JThomas Smith Ph.D.

    Posted by

    I have hired and referred J. Thomas Smith Ph.D. to family and friends many times. I found him to have many of the best qualities of mankind. He is always professional in his practice, always punctual, trustworthy, caring and is always sensitive to his client’s needs. He has one of the most impressive resumes I have ever seen. Everyone around him think very highly of him.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    J Smith's response: Because of our personalized service, our clients often refer family and friends. We are pleased that you value our services, and we can provide them at a reasonable cost.

    He Helped Me Save My Home!

    Posted by

    I called Dr. Smith as a result of seeing his ad, and truly the call was worth it! All I wanted to know were my options because I felt like I was financially drowning, and threatened with foreclosure. After reviewing my finances, he gave me the good news that I would be able to keep my home (and my car). His professionalism is extraordinary (keeps appointments, returns calls; is available); yet as busy as he is, he extends a personal touch to his clients (it's been almost 4 years, with many ups and downs, yet he still remembers ME specifically). He IS available via phone, e-mail, office, fax, and text. He is the ONLY attorney I would recommend in his field of law.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    J Smith's response: Thank your for the confidence you have placed in our services. Our only goal is to meet our clients needs at a reasonable cost, in the most expeditious and professional manner possible.

    Very knowledgeable

    Posted by

    Mr Smith was of great help and very professional and timely with all responses. He treated my family and me with genuine respect and honesty. I would recommend Mr Smith and use him again.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    J Smith's response: We are thankful that we have earned your confidence and trust in our services. We only take a few cases each month so that we can give the careful attention to the issues of each client and their family members. We work daily to earn your trust and we are happy that you noticed.

    Mr.Smith renew my Work Permit.

    Posted by

    Mr.Smith was very helpful and got my work permit pretty fast and happy I have him as my Immigration Attorney. .. will always recommend to others...
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    J Smith's response: Whether it is an Employment Authorization Document, renewing a green card, or preparing a I-601 waiver, we give the same level of attention and care. Your satisfaction and confidence is our services is one of our most importance concerns.

    great lawyer

    Posted by

    He was very professional and helped us with all our situations he was also very understanding and patient if you are looking for a good attorney for any legal matter I would highly recommend him to anyone thank you so much for all your help
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    J Smith's response: We don't take every case. But, when we take a case, we work it as if it is our only case. We love our clients and we want you to make sure that you love our results. Thanks for your feedback and your confidence in our services.

    The Anderson's

    Posted by

    Dr. Thomas-Smith was very knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. He was readily available to answer our questions and concerns.
    J Smith's response: When I can, I talk with each client personally when they call. Our personalized service with attends to your smallest concern. We want you to feel confident that your case is in good hands.

    Attorney endorsements

    (110)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Derek Jacques, Immigration Attorney on Nov 1, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Smith is an excellent advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend my own clients to him if they were in need.

    Rahul Aggarwal

    An excellent lawyer who treats his clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism. He is an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend him for future services.

    Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 14, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Mark Clay, Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney on Aug 21, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I highly endorse Mr. Smith. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help.

    Amanda Reese Nuriddin

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Timothy Brown, Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney on Apr 3, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Judd Nemiro

    Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication.

    Jill Rogers

    Very determined and dedicated attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

    Douglas Borthwick, Tax Attorney on Oct 28, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    James Shields, Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney on Aug 21, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer with no reservation. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I recommend to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and achieving the most favorable result possible.I endorse this lawyer.I endorse this lawyer.

    Kenneth Gleria

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Hovanes Margarian, Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney on Jul 3, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Jack Mkhitarian, Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney on Jun 2, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Gary Brod, Tax Attorney on Apr 28, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Experienced and highly regarded in the legal community.

    Sean Cleary, Chapter 13 bankruptcy Attorney on Apr 24, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant attorney and a highly respected one in the legal community.

    John O'Brien, Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney on Apr 21, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. An outstanding and well respected attorney in the legal community. I would recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone needing legal representation.

    Allison Hamilton

    I highly endorse this attorney. Not only does he run a highly successful law practice, Dr.mith volunteers his free time to answer questions on AVVO. The answers are always insightful and accurate. This lawyer KNOWS the law! I would never hesitate recommending a client to Dr. Smith.

    Ligia Parmenter

    J. Thomas Smith is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients very well. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly.

    Nathaniel Wojan

    Attorney Smith is a valuable asset to the Avvo community. I endorse this lawyer.

    Cost

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      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        15 minutes
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
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        Always
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