Christopher D. Smith, P.A.
5391 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
Sarasota, FL 34240
Map
Phone: (941) 907-4774 | Fax: (914) 907-3040
http://www.smithdine.com
Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota/Bradenton Bankruptcy Firm
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Florida, Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland
Firm Focus
Civil law with a major focus on bankruptcy. Other areas of expertise are civil litigation, personal injury, real estate, probate, guardianship, estate planning, corporate representation.
Firm History
The principal attorney, Christopher D. Smith, has practiced law for 11 years. He established his practice in Lakewood Ranch, Florida in 2005.
Example Cases
Colaizzi. We represented the grandson of a gentleman who was elderly and dying of brain cancer, who in his final months of life was "befriended" by caregivers who convinced the dying man to gift nearly his entire (sizable) estate to the caregivers. We tried the case and obtained a judgment against the caregivers, after establishing that the caregivers had unduly influenced the elderly man before death. Throgmartin. Here, the ex-wife of a formerly successful business man was denied alimony from her ex when he filed bankruptcy, and claimed that his payments to her were simply part of a property settlement agreement. We tried the matter in bankruptcy court and prevailed, and the Court determined the payments were "support" payments that were not discharged in the bankruptcy.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We want our clients to be well informed and to understand the legal basis for our strategy. A well-informed client is usually in a better position to aid in the representation.
Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
In certain limited capacities, yes, provided proper disclosure is made.
Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?
Yes, where permitted.
What are your policies about dividing work among the firm's partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?
We are a small office, so our entire office will be available to work on your file.
How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?
We use mediation in nearly all litigation cases.
Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?
In some cases, yes.
What distinguishes your law firm from others?
We believe in achieving the best outcome at the least expense to clients. Example: We could litigate an injury case and recover $50,000 for a client, at an expense of $20,000, and a 75% success rate. Or, we could settle at $30,000 on expenses of $5,000, and a 100% success rate. In most circumstances, negotiating the settlement will be the superior option because it balances the risk, time, and expenses against the client's funds in a manner that best guarantees a recoupment.
Office Manager/Assistant
Katherine Aron
Fax
(914) 907-3040
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes, for certain bankruptcy, probate and estate planning matters, we can do the case on a flat fee.
Hourly Rates
250-270 per hour for attorney, 50-105 for paralegal
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, for bankruptcy, probate and injury cases.
Typical Retainer
Varies depending on the case.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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