Claude Dabney Smith

Claude Dabney Smith, Bankruptcy Attorney in Dallas, Texas

Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights

Practicing bankruptcy in Dallas since 2000.

26+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Claude Dabney Smith is an associate based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Claude has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cavazos, Hendricks, Poirot, P.C..

Based in
Dallas, TX
Experience
over 26 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · Civil Rights
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Dallas, TX.
  • Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Claude Dabney Smith: Claude Dabney Smith is an associate based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Claude has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cavazos, Hendricks, Poirot, P.C..

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Claude Dabney Smith

Claude concentrates on bankruptcy, business, civil rights, consumer, and creditor rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case Claude handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in Dallas, Texas

Claude takes bankruptcy matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Claude agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Dallas, Texas

Claude takes business matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Claude agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Dallas, Texas

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

Consumer cases in Dallas, Texas

Claude takes consumer matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Claude agrees to represent you.

Creditor Rights cases in Dallas, Texas

Claude takes creditor rights matters in Dallas, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Claude agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Claude Dabney Smith — Over 26 years of Texas bankruptcy experience

Claude Dabney Smith is an associate based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Claude has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cavazos, Hendricks, Poirot, P.C..

Mr. Claude Dabney Smith is a lawyer practicing business bankruptcy, commercial litigation, creditors rights and 2 other areas of law. Claude received a B.A. degree from Washington & Lee University in 1996, and has been licensed for 26 years. Claude practices at Cavazos, Hendricks, Poirot, P.C. in Dallas, TX.

Working with Claude on a bankruptcy matter

Mr. Claude Dabney Smith is a lawyer practicing business bankruptcy, commercial litigation, creditors rights and 2 other areas of law. Claude received a B.A. degree from Washington & Lee University in 1996, and has been licensed for 26 years. Claude practices at Cavazos, Hendricks, Poirot, P.C. in Dallas, TX.

Who Claude represents

Claude reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and civil rights matters in Dallas and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Claude Dabney Smith's legal education and bar admissions

  • Southern Methodist University

    J.D. · 2000

  • Washington & Lee University

    B.A. English · 1996

Jurisdictions

Claude's state bar admissions

  • Texas U.S. District

    2000 · ACTIVE

Claude studied at J.D. in Southern Methodist University and B.A. English in Washington & Lee University.

Law school and academic background

Claude completed J.D. in Southern Methodist University and B.A. English in Washington & Lee University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Claude runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Claude's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Dallas and American Bar Associations Dallas Association of Young Lawyers

    membership

Locations

Claude Dabney Smith's office in Dallas

Claude's primary office is at Suite 570, Founders Square, 900 Jackson Street, Dallas, TX, 75202-4425. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cavazos, Hendricks, Poirot, P.C.

Suite 570, Founders Square, 900 Jackson Street

Dallas, TX 75202-4425

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Claude Dabney Smith

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Hiring guide

How to hire Claude Dabney Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Claude charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Claude'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; Claude will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Dallas, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 Claude

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy 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. Claude confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Claude Dabney Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire Claude for a bankruptcy case?

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

  • Does Claude offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do bankruptcy cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple bankruptcy 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. Claude gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Claude take my case if I'm outside Dallas?

    Claude is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Claude 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 Claude?

    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. Claude will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Claude accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?

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

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Dallas, Houston and Austin in Texas

Claude handles bankruptcy matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Claude's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Dallas handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.