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A client-focused law firm located at Waterside Place in Sarasota, Florida.

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Responsive.  Efficient.  Virtuous.

941-202-2222

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Latest News: SmithLaw wins huge victory in the 11th Circuit for grocery/food suppliers.  Forrest v. Spring ValleyRead about it here.

**Update: The U.S. Supreme Court has denied certiorari, so our victory stands.  Docket Link.

PRACTICE AREAS
Waterside in Sarasota

The battlefield of the 21st Century is the courtroom.  If you have a controversy that requires litigation, or if you are being sued, SmithLaw can help.  State and federal representation throughout the State of Florida.  Hourly and contingency options in many cases.

Only a fool would test fate by failing to have a properly prepared will and/or trust in place.  We can prepare your wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and trusts, so that your estate is efficiently administered when the need arises.  We can ensure that your family is provided for consistent with your final wishes. Proper estate planning is not just about death, but also can prepare for incapacity.

When someone else's negligence has caused you an injury, you have a right to compensation for your lost wages, medical bills (past and future), pain and suffering, and lost enjoyment of life.  We can bring a claim against the person that hurt you (or their insurance company) and seek a recovery on a contingency basis, so that you only pay us if we recover money for you.

From contract to closing, we have you covered.  We can handle all aspects of a Florida real estate transaction: contract prep, escrow, title insurance, loan processing, closing, and dispute resolution. We can work with your agent or with you directly FSBO.

When you leave this world, you want to know your debts are paid and your property is distributed according to your wishes.  We can handle all aspects of a probate case in Florida, including summary and ancillary cases.  We can also assist trustees with trust administrations. Need a personal representative or trustee when no family members are available?  We can help with that too.

As times, the life of a financially overwhelmed person can seem "nasty, brutish, and short," but it doesn't have to stay that way. Bankruptcy offers a fresh start... a chance to wipe the slate clean and eliminate the oppressive burden of credit cards, medical bills, judgments, repo debts, and other liabilities.  We can help you file a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case.

OUR PEOPLE

OUR ATTORNEYS

Christopher D. Smith, Sr., Esq.

Managing Attorney

Tel: 941-202-2222

smith@chrissmith.com

Our Team

Christopher D. Smith, Sr., Esq. received his B.A. in government and economics, magna cum laude, from Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) in 1998 and his Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.) in 2001. A long-time resident of Florida, Mr. Smith also graduated from Pine View School in Sarasota. He is a member of the bars of Florida, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., and is admitted to practice in the United States Courts of the Middle, Southern and Northern Districts of Florida, as well as the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. Christopher is certified in consumer bankruptcy law by the American Board of Certification.  Mr. Smith is also a registered investment adviser and principal of Waterside Investment Advisers LLC, which manages portfolios for long duration family trusts.

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Christopher started his career with the international law firm of Dechert LLP in 2001, working as an associate in the securities law division.  He became a member of the Florida Bar in 2002 and returned to Florida in 2005 to open his current practice.  His practice areas include trust administration, civil litigation, real estate, bankruptcy, personal injury, estate planning, and probate.  Outside of work, Mr. Smith is a high school football official, golfer, Rays fan, and father of three.

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Monica F. Ischinger is a highly experienced senior real estate paralegal who specializes in both residential and commercial real estate. She is certified as a real estate paralegal who has been handling real estate closings since 2000. Her energy and unmistakable knowledge of the real estate process make her an ideal closer for her clients.  Monica is an avid outdoor enthusiast and a sports fan, who spends more time in the gym than her home.

Monica Ischinger

Jane Plaisance is a dedicated legal assistant with many years of experience in the legal field.  She is a graduate of Minnesota State University and has two sons.  She enjoys client interaction, the outdoors, and is a passionate lover of animals (dogs in particular).  She is here to help. 

Catherine Kelly is a junior paralegal who is eagerly expanding her knowledge in multiple practice areas.  

Jane Plaisance
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Chris
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CONTACT

Contact
SmithLaw

SmithLaw Office from Street

1561 Lakefront Drive STE 204

Sarasota, FL 34240

Email: info@chrissmith.com
Tel:  941-202-2222

Fax: 941-907-3040

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