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Brian Wade Smith, Civil Rights Attorney in Newport Beach, California

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Education, and Employment

MemberatBowie, Arneson, Wiles & Giannone

Newport Beach, CA

Practicing civil rights in Newport Beach since 1995.

31+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Brian Wade Smith is a member based in Newport Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Education, and Employment. Brian has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bowie, Arneson, Wiles & Giannone.

Based in
Newport Beach, CA
Experience
over 31 years
Known for
Civil Rights · Education · Employment
  • Handles Civil Rights, Education, and Employment matters from Newport Beach, CA.
  • Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Brian Wade Smith: Brian Wade Smith is a member based in Newport Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Education, and Employment. Brian has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bowie, Arneson, Wiles & Giannone.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Brian takes on

Brian concentrates on civil rights, education, employment, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Newport Beach, California

Brian takes civil rights matters in Newport Beach, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Education cases in Newport Beach, California

Brian takes education matters in Newport Beach, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Newport Beach, California

Brian takes employment matters in Newport Beach, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

General cases in Newport Beach, California

Brian takes general matters in Newport Beach, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Newport Beach, California

Brian takes litigation matters in Newport Beach, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Brian Wade Smith — civil rights lawyer in Newport Beach

Brian Wade Smith is a member based in Newport Beach, CA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Education, and Employment. Brian has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bowie, Arneson, Wiles & Giannone.

Brian Wade Smith is a lawyer practicing real estate law, civil litigation, employment law and 5 other areas of law. Brian received a B.S. degree from California State University, Sacramento in 1988, and has been licensed for 31 years. Brian practices at Bowie, Arneson, Wiles & Giannone in Newport Beach, CA.

How Brian handles civil rights matters

Brian Wade Smith is a lawyer practicing real estate law, civil litigation, employment law and 5 other areas of law. Brian received a B.S. degree from California State University, Sacramento in 1988, and has been licensed for 31 years. Brian practices at Bowie, Arneson, Wiles & Giannone in Newport Beach, CA.

The kind of cases Brian takes

Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, education, and employment matters in Newport Beach and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of California, Davis

    J.D. · 1995

  • California State University, Sacramento

    B.S. · 1988

Jurisdictions

Brian's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1995 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1995 · ACTIVE

Brian studied at J.D. in University of California, Davis and B.S. in California State University, Sacramento.

Law school and academic background

Brian completed J.D. in University of California, Davis and B.S. in California State University, Sacramento. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Brian's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Orange County Bar Association State Bar of California

    membership

Locations

Brian Wade Smith's office in Newport Beach

Brian's primary office is at 4920 Campus Dr., Newport Beach, CA, 92660. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Bowie, Arneson, Wiles & Giannone

4920 Campus Dr.

Newport Beach, CA 92660

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Brian Wade Smith

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Hiring guide

How to hire Brian Wade Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Newport Beach, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brian

Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Brian Wade Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire Brian for a civil rights case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Brian offer a free consultation?

    Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.

  • How long do civil rights cases in California typically take?

    Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Newport Beach?

    Brian is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Brian accepting new civil rights clients right now?

    Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Newport Beach, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Brian handles civil rights matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Newport Beach handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.