David M. Smith, Trusts Attorney in the United States
Dedicated trusts attorney.
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Quick answer
David M. Smith is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Currently practicing at Hull & Hull LLP.
- Based in
- Toronto, ONTARIO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Trusts
- Handles Trusts matters from Toronto, ONTARIO.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
About David M. Smith: David M. Smith is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Currently practicing at Hull & Hull LLP.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David M. Smith
David concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Trusts cases nationwide
David takes trusts matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David M. Smith — Attorney of the U.S. trusts experience
David M. Smith is an attorney based in Toronto, ONTARIO. The practice focuses on Trusts. Currently practicing at Hull & Hull LLP.
David Morgan Smith joined Rodney Hull, Q.C. and Ian Hull in their estate litigation counsel practice in September 1997. In August 1998, Rodney and Ian, together with David as associate, founded Hull & Hull. In January 2006, David became a partner of Hull & Hull LLP. David also maintains a mediation practice through Hull Estate Mediation Inc.
David was an instructor at the Ontario Bar Admission Course (Estates and Trusts) from 1998 to 2005. He is a frequent guest lecturer for both Law Society of Upper Canada and Ontario Bar Association programs. David has had numerous decisions reported in the Estate and Trusts Reports and has authored the following papers:
- Making the Most of RRSP & RRIF Designations (2002) in the program entitled “Beneficiary Planning 2002 - Gifts from beyond the Grave.”
- Applications for a Variation of Trust/Will Interpretation (2003) in the program entitled “Estate Litigation: Pleading, Preparing and Proving Your Clients' Case.”
- “Revocation of Beneficiary Designations - Tips and Traps,” Will Power (CCH September 2002)
- “Issues in Executor's Compensation,” Will Power (CCH May 1998)
David has an LL.B from Queen's University and an Honours B.A. from the University of Western Ontario. He was called to the Bar in 1994. He completed the Intensive Trial Advocacy Workshop at Osgoode Hall Law School in 1998. David is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, the Ontario Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section and the Toronto Lawyers Association. He was chosen by LawDay as one of the top 60 leading lawyers in Canada in the practice area of Estates and Trusts for the year 2009.
How David handles trusts matters
David Morgan Smith joined Rodney Hull, Q.C. and Ian Hull in their estate litigation counsel practice in September 1997. In August 1998, Rodney and Ian, together with David as associate, founded Hull & Hull. In January 2006, David became a partner of Hull & Hull LLP. David also maintains a mediation practice through Hull Estate Mediation Inc. David was an instructor at the Ontario Bar Admission…
The kind of cases David takes
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in the United States.
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
Canada, The Law Soci
ACTIVE
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of David M. Smith
David has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
Locations
David M. Smith's office in Toronto
David's primary office is at 141 Adelaide Street West, Suite 1700, Toronto, Ontario. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David M. Smith
David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David M. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new trusts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David'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; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a trusts attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many trusts 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 David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in trusts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every trusts 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. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many trusts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David M. Smith
How much does it cost to hire David for a trusts case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some trusts attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do trusts cases in this state typically take?
Simple trusts 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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside the area?
David evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside David's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new trusts clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.