Cecil Douglas Smith, Elder Law Attorney in Memphis, Tennessee
Over 58 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatApperson Crump PLC
Memphis, TN
Practicing elder law in Memphis since 1968.
- 58+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 5
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Cecil Douglas Smith?
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Quick answer
Cecil Douglas Smith is a member based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts. Cecil has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Apperson Crump PLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Memphis, TN
- Experience
- over 58 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Probate · Trusts
- Handles Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts matters from Memphis, TN.
- Over 58 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Cecil Douglas Smith: Cecil Douglas Smith is a member based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts. Cecil has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Apperson Crump PLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Cecil takes on
Cecil concentrates on elder law, probate, trusts, wills, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Cecil handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Probate
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Trusts
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Wills
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Estate Planning
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Elder Law cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Cecil takes elder law matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cecil agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Cecil takes probate matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cecil agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Cecil takes trusts matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cecil agrees to represent you.
Wills cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Cecil takes wills matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cecil agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Memphis, Tennessee
Cecil takes estate planning matters in Memphis, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Cecil agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Cecil Douglas Smith — elder law lawyer in Memphis
Cecil Douglas Smith is a member based in Memphis, TN. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Probate, and Trusts. Cecil has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Apperson Crump PLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Cecil Douglas Smith is a lawyer practicing elder law, probate, estate and trust administration and 2 other areas of law. Cecil received a B.B.A. degree from Memphis State University in 1963, and has been licensed for 58 years. Cecil practices at Apperson Crump PLC in Memphis, TN.
Working with Cecil on a elder law matter
Cecil Douglas Smith is a lawyer practicing elder law, probate, estate and trust administration and 2 other areas of law. Cecil received a B.B.A. degree from Memphis State University in 1963, and has been licensed for 58 years. Cecil practices at Apperson Crump PLC in Memphis, TN.
Who Cecil represents
Cecil reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, probate, and trusts matters in Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Memphis State University
J.D. · 1968
Memphis State University
B.B.A. · 1963
Jurisdictions
Cecil's state bar admissions
Wyoming
2004 · ACTIVE
U.S. Tax Court
1972 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1971 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1968 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1968 · ACTIVE
Cecil studied at J.D. in Memphis State University and B.B.A. in Memphis State University.
Law school and academic background
Cecil completed J.D. in Memphis State University and B.B.A. in Memphis State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Cecil runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Cecil has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Cecil's professional memberships and bar associations
Memphis, Tennessee and American Bar Associations Estate Planning Council of Memphis
membership
Locations
Cecil Douglas Smith's office in Memphis
Cecil's primary office is at 6000 Poplar Ave., Ste. 150, Memphis, TN, 38119. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Cecil Douglas Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Cecil. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Memphis.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Cecil Douglas Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Cecil Douglas Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Cecil usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Cecil charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cecil'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; Cecil will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Memphis, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law 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 Cecil
Cecil discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law 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. Cecil confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Cecil's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Cecil Douglas Smith
How much does it cost to hire Cecil for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Cecil walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Cecil offer a free consultation?
Cecil charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Cecil's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Cecil's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple elder law 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. Cecil gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Cecil take my case if I'm outside Memphis?
Cecil is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Cecil 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 Cecil?
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. Cecil will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Cecil accepting new elder law clients right now?
Cecil's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville in Tennessee
Cecil handles elder law matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in Tennessee
If Cecil's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Memphis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





