Ethan W. Smith

Ethan W. Smith, Business Attorney in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Contracts, and General · 4.9/5 rating from 19 verified client reviews

Managing PartneratStarfield & Smith, P.C.

Plymouth Meeting, PA

Practicing business in Plymouth Meeting since 1997.

29+
Years practicing
4.9 ★
19 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Ethan W. Smith is a managing partner based in Plymouth Meeting, PA. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and General. Ethan has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Starfield & Smith, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.

Based in
Plymouth Meeting, PA
Experience
over 29 years
Known for
Business · Contracts · General
  • Handles Business, Contracts, and General matters from Plymouth Meeting, PA.
  • Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Ethan W. Smith: Ethan W. Smith is a managing partner based in Plymouth Meeting, PA. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and General. Ethan has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Starfield & Smith, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Ethan W. Smith

Ethan concentrates on business, contracts, general, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ethan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

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

Contracts cases in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

Ethan takes contracts matters in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ethan agrees to represent you.

General cases in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

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

Real Estate cases in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

Ethan takes real estate matters in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ethan agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Ethan W. Smith — Over 29 years of Pennsylvania business experience

Ethan W. Smith is a managing partner based in Plymouth Meeting, PA. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and General. Ethan has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Starfield & Smith, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.

Ethan is a co-founder of Starfield & Smith, P.C. and focuses his practice in commercial law, with an emphasis on government guaranteed and conventional commercial lending and real estate law. He is a closing attorney for various lenders nationwide, ranging from large national lenders, to small community banks and credit unions. Ethan has also developed an active practice representing lenders before the US Small Business Administration on a variety of SBA guaranty related matters. He is a designated closing counsel for several Certified Development Companies that operate in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Ethan is very active as a writer and speaker on government guaranteed lending issues nationwide. He has been recognized for possessing the highest levels of legal skills and ethics, achieving an “AV” rating from Martindale Hubbell and having been repeatedly named a “Rising Star” by Philadelphia Magazine. In addition to representing commercial lenders, Ethan represents and counsels a number of small businesses in a variety of contexts, including corporate governance, contract and real estate matters.

As a closing attorney for commercial lenders, Ethan prepares and reviews loan files for SBA 7(a), 504, conventional, and USDA B&I commercial loans, confers with loan processors and in-house counsel, and drafts, analyzes and negotiates loan documents. He has closed hundreds of government guaranteed commercial loans through the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs, the USDA B&I program, and has closed numerous other conventional commercial financing transactions, including asset-based, real estate, and factoring facilities. Ethan has closed numerous complex commercial transactions, often involving multi-jurisdictional issues and collateral. Ethan also represents numerous lenders in SBA licensing, regulatory enforcement, and guaranty purchase matters.

ADMISSIONS:• Pennsylvania• New York• Federal District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

HONORS/AWARDS:• AV® Preeminent™ Rated by Martindale-Hubbell• Selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers- Pennsylvania Rising Stars in 2005-2011 (Banking, Real Estate, Business/Corporate)

How Ethan handles business matters

Ethan is a co-founder of Starfield & Smith, P.C. and focuses his practice in commercial law, with an emphasis on government guaranteed and conventional commercial lending and real estate law. He is a closing attorney for various lenders nationwide, ranging from large national lenders, to small community banks and credit unions. Ethan has also developed an active practice representing lenders…

Who Ethan represents

Ethan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, contracts, and general matters in Plymouth Meeting and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Ethan W. Smith's legal education and bar admissions

  • College of William & Mary

    J.D. · 1997

  • Johns Hopkins University

    B.A. · 1994

Jurisdictions

Ethan's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1999 · ACTIVE

  • Pennsylvania

    1997 · ACTIVE

Ethan studied at J.D. in College of William & Mary and B.A. in Johns Hopkins University.

Law school and academic background

Ethan completed J.D. in College of William & Mary and B.A. in Johns Hopkins University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ethan runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Ethan W. Smith

Ethan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Ethan W. Smith's office in Plymouth Meeting

Ethan's primary office is at 401 Plymouth Road, Suite 120, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Starfield & Smith, P.C.

401 Plymouth Road, Suite 120

Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Ethan W. Smith — 4.9/5 rating from 19 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Ethan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Plymouth Meeting.

4.9

19 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ethan W. Smith claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Ethan W. 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 Ethan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a business attorney in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

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 Ethan

Ethan 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. Ethan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ethan'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 Ethan W. Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire Ethan for a business case?

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

  • Does Ethan offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do business cases in Pennsylvania 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. Ethan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Ethan take my case if I'm outside Plymouth Meeting?

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

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

  • Is Ethan accepting new business clients right now?

    Ethan'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 Plymouth Meeting, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania

Ethan handles business matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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