Edward Howard Smith, Business Attorney in Burbank, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation
MemberatSmith And Ruch
Burbank, CA
Practicing business in Burbank since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Edward Howard Smith?
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Quick answer
Edward Howard Smith is a member based in Burbank, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation. Edward has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith And Ruch.
- Based in
- Burbank, CA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · Litigation
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation matters from Burbank, CA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Edward Howard Smith: Edward Howard Smith is a member based in Burbank, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation. Edward has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith And Ruch.
Areas of practice
Edward's practice areas in Burbank
Edward concentrates on business, criminal defense, litigation, personal injury, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Edward handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Criminal Defense
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Business cases in Burbank, California
Edward takes business matters in Burbank, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Burbank, California
Edward takes criminal defense matters in Burbank, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Burbank, California
Edward takes litigation matters in Burbank, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Burbank, California
Edward takes personal injury matters in Burbank, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Burbank, California
Edward takes probate matters in Burbank, 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 Edward agrees to represent you.
Biography
Edward Howard Smith, business attorney serving Burbank
Edward Howard Smith is a member based in Burbank, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Litigation. Edward has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith And Ruch. Edward works from Burbank, California and takes on business matters across the region.
Edward Howard Smith is a lawyer practicing business litigation, personal injury law, criminal law and 1 other area of law. Edward received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University, and has been licensed for 51 years. Edward practices at Smith & Ruch in Burbank, CA.
Working with Edward on a business matter
Edward Howard Smith is a lawyer practicing business litigation, personal injury law, criminal law and 1 other area of law. Edward received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University, and has been licensed for 51 years. Edward practices at Smith & Ruch in Burbank, CA.
Clients Edward works with
Edward reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and litigation matters in Burbank and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Edward studied and practices
Southwestern University School of Law J.D.
—
Michigan State University B.A.
—
Jurisdictions
Edward's state bar admissions
California
1975 · ACTIVE
Edward studied at — in Southwestern University School of Law J.D. and — in Michigan State University B.A..
Law school and academic background
Edward completed — in Southwestern University School of Law J.D. and — in Michigan State University B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Edward runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Edward's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Edward Howard Smith's office in Burbank
Edward's primary office is at 470 E. Angeleno Ave. Lobby, Burbank, CA, 91501-2262. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Edward Howard Smith
Edward 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 Edward Howard Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Edward usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Edward charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Edward'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; Edward will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Burbank, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Edward
Edward discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Edward confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Edward's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Edward Howard Smith
How much does it cost to hire Edward for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Edward walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Edward offer a free consultation?
Edward charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Edward's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Edward's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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. Edward gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Edward take my case if I'm outside Burbank?
Edward 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 — Edward 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 Edward?
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. Edward will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Edward accepting new business clients right now?
Edward's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Burbank, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Edward handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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