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Michael Thomas Smith

Estate planning Attorney at Tacoma, WA

5.0   4 reviews

also known as Michael Smith, Michael T. Smith

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Great experience
Michelle
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted Attorney
Outstanding Reference Based on Character & Experience
Joyce
Read more reviews

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    40%
    Plan and prepare the appropriate estate plan through the use of wills or trusts based on the person's needs and desires.

  2. Probate
    30%
    Assist families through the required steps in the probate process after the death of a loved one.

  3. Business
    15%
    Help businesses incorporate corporations; form limited liability companies (LLC); buy/sell businesses

  4. Guardianship
    10%
    Assist families with initiating guardianship proceedings, reviewing alternatives to guardianships, and assisting guardians.

  5. Real estate
    5%
    Assisting individuals and businesses with buying/selling, renting or leasing real estate

Michael T. Smith advises individuals and companies of all types and sizes regarding the proper formation and structure of a business entity (corporation, limited liability company, etc.), their general business and corporate matters, issues related to the purchase or sale or lease of real property and transactions to purchase or sell their business.

Michael also focuses his practice on assisting people prepare their estate plan, including wills, trusts, community property agreements, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and helping families navigate and administer a loved one's estate in probate proceedings. Michael can also assist with guardianship proceedings for loved ones needing assistance.

In addition, Michael has 7 years of experience helping new and used motor vehicle dealers deal with both manufacturers and the government agencies responsible for dealership oversight.

Licensed for 15 years
State WA
Status Active
Acquired 2007
Updated 03/19/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Michael

Similar lawyers nearby

Luce & Associates, P.S.
5308 12th St E
Tacoma, WA, 98424
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  4 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
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1 Star
 
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Posted by Michelle | October 5, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great experience
Michael's firm was referred to me by a personal friend and even though I did not end up using their services on the case, Michael was very open, up-front, and helpful in discussing my options. He even referred me to another lawyer that would be better suited for my case. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone who is looking for honest legal advice and services.
Read less
Posted by Joyce | April 22, 2013
Outstanding Reference Based on Character & Experience
I have worked with Michael T. Smith for several years in the field of Guardianships and Probates, and have found him to always be straightforward, honest, extremely knowledgeable, and timely. He always responds quickly
Posted by Ryan | June 9, 2011
Superb Service; Expert Advice
As a relatively new business, there are so many items to tend to with regards to setting up and maintaining the legal aspects of a corporation. Michael has been fantastic to deal with. He explained the processes involved with setting up a corporation, coordinated all of the documents and executed the setup perfectly. I have had an opportunity to use Michael's services several times over the last 2 years for ongoing maintenance and services - and every instance has been superb. His professional approach and calm demeanor has been very complimentary to my needs. I would highly recommend him to anyone that is looking for expert advice and assistance.
Read less
Posted by Jeff | February 1, 2011
Excellent! I am already recommending Michael to friends!!!
Michael is easy to work with, VERY informative, and completed the task quickly despite some difficulties in finding/sending the required information from MY side. I am recommending his firm to friends already and will do business with him in the future. I am quite demanding and expect top level service, I feel that is exactly what I received!
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 300-325 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.4 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Luce & Associates, P.S.
  • 2020 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Tuell & Young, PS
  • 2013 - 2020
  • Associate Attorney
  • Davies Pearson, PC
  • 2007 - 2013
  • Legal Intern
  • Davies Pearson, P.C.
  • 2005 - 2007
View all work experience

Education

  • Seattle University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2006
  • George Washington University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2000

Associations

  • American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association, Elder Law Section
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Washington Young Lawyers Division
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Young Professionals Network
  • Member
  • 2011 - 2018
  • Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
  • Director
  • 2010 - 2016
  • Tacoma Opera
  • Treasurer
  • 2008 - 2011
  • Tacoma Opera
  • Board Member
  • 2007 - 2012
  • National Association of Dealer Counsel
  • Fellow
  • 2007 - 2013
  • Seattle Journal for Social Justice
  • Staff Member
  • 2004 - 2006
  • Honorable John McCarthy, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Law Clerk
  • 2004 - 2004
  • Honorable Ronald Culpepper, Pierce County Superior Court
  • Law Clerk
  • 2004 - 2004
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top Contributor Award
  • AVVO
  • 2013
  • Leadership Program Certificate of Completion
  • Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce / PLU
  • 2010
  • Mergers & Acquisition
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Awards
  • 2006
  • Real Estate
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Awards
  • 2006
  • Metzger Legal Writing Scholarship Award
  • Seattle University School of Law
  • 2004
  • Legal Writing
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Awards
  • 2004
  • Presidential Award
  • Seattle University School of Law
  • 2003
View all awards

Publications

  • Davies Pearson Automotive Dealer Update Publication
  • Various Articles Addressing Issues Important to Motor Vehicle Dealers
  • N/A

Speaking Engagements

  • Creative Enterprises Training
  • Business Permits, Copyrights, and Trademarks
  • 2015
  • Meetup
  • Estate Planning for Parents
  • 2014
  • Small Business Workshop
  • Starting Your Business - Common Legal Issues
  • 2013
  • Recent Developments in Estate Planning and Administration
  • Nuts and Bolts of Estate Planning
  • 2013
  • WSADA's Webinar Trainings
  • Top Legal Reminders for Auto Dealers
  • 2012
  • WSADA Title Clerk Workshop
  • Dealer Compliance
  • 2011
  • Boeing Employees
  • Probate and Estate Planning More Than Just a Will
  • 2010
  • Boeing Employees
  • Probate and Estate Planning
  • 2009
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (3)
Endorse Michael
Margaret Barton Lund headshot
Margaret Lund
Business Attorney | Jun 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
John E Wallace headshot
John Wallace
Estate planning Attorney | Jul 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Michael for years. He is a good attorney and works hard for his clients."
Jeremy Adam Johnston headshot
Jeremy Johnston
Trusts Attorney | Jul 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have recommended and hired Michael Smith to prepare Special Needs Trusts for my personal injury clients. He did quality work. I highly recommend him for any matters related to trusts and estate work."
Sophia May Palmer headshot
Sophia Palmer
Estate planning Attorney | Jan 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"It is my pleasure to enthusiastically endorse Attorney Michael T. Smith. Michael practices with compassion for his clients and provides strong, professional, and effective advocacy. I have referred many friends, family and clients to Michael for estate planning and business matters and will continue to do so."
John Spyros Fotopoulos headshot
John Fotopoulos
Business Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen
Unknown Attorney | Sep 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
Tatiana Kadetskaya headshot
Tatiana Kadetskaya
Unknown Attorney | Jun 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Excellent attorney!"
Justin Eric Elder headshot
Justin Elder
Unknown Attorney | May 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Smith's advice is always well thought out and clear. He is a credit to the profession."
Peter Jay Visser headshot
Peter Visser
Probate Attorney | May 09
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Michael George Sanders headshot
Michael Sanders
Business Attorney | Apr 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Michael on several matters over the span of nearly four years. I have always found him to be a thorough, diligent, and highly responsive attorney who is a pleasure to work with. I have no hesitation in endorsing Michael; in fact, I have referred business clients to him with confidence in the past, and will continue to do so in the future as well."
View more endorsements
Tacoma Estate planning Lawyer Michael Thomas Smith
Michael Thomas Smith
Estate planning Attorney
Tacoma, WA
Licensed for 15 years
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