James Patrick Smith, Jr., Business Attorney in Houston, Texas
Over 59 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatJames Patrick Smith, P.C.
Houston, TX
Practicing business in Houston since 1967.
- 59+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you James Patrick Smith, Jr.?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
James Patrick Smith, Jr. is a member based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Family Law. James has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James Patrick Smith, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Houston, TX
- Experience
- over 59 years
- Known for
- Business · Elder Law · Family Law
- Handles Business, Elder Law, and Family Law matters from Houston, TX.
- Over 59 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Patrick Smith, Jr.: James Patrick Smith, Jr. is a member based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Family Law. James has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James Patrick Smith, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James Patrick Smith, Jr.
James concentrates on business, elder law, family law, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Elder Law
View other Elder Law attorneys
Family Law
View other Family Law attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
POA
View other POA attorneys
Probate
View other Probate attorneys
Trusts
View other Trusts attorneys
Business cases in Houston, Texas
James takes business matters in Houston, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Houston, Texas
James takes elder law matters in Houston, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Houston, Texas
James takes family law matters in Houston, 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 James agrees to represent you.
General cases in Houston, Texas
James takes general matters in Houston, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Houston, Texas
James takes litigation matters in Houston, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James Patrick Smith, Jr. — Over 59 years of Texas business experience
James Patrick Smith, Jr. is a member based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Family Law. James has over 59 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James Patrick Smith, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. James Patrick Smith, Jr. is a lawyer practicing family, probate, guardianship and 4 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Centenary College in 1963, and has been licensed for 59 years. James practices at James Patrick Smith, P.C. in Houston, TX.
James's approach to business cases
Mr. James Patrick Smith, Jr. is a lawyer practicing family, probate, guardianship and 4 other areas of law. James received a B.S. degree from Centenary College in 1963, and has been licensed for 59 years. James practices at James Patrick Smith, P.C. in Houston, TX.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and family law matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
James Patrick Smith, Jr.'s legal education and bar admissions
University of Houston
J.D. · 1967
Centenary College
B.S. · 1963
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Texas
1967 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Houston and B.S. in Centenary College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Houston and B.S. in Centenary College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James Patrick Smith, Jr.
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Houston and American Bar Associations State Bar of Texas
Member: College of the State Bar, 1989— District 4 Grievance Committee, 1977-1981 Director, 1982-1985 Vice-Chairman, Coordination with Medical Profession Committee, 1981-1982 Member, Committee on Selection, Compensation and Tenure of State Judges, 1982 Ch · membership
Sustaining Life Fellow: Texas Bar Foundation
membership
and Trustee, 1985-1988
bar_fellowship
Secretary, 1990-1991
bar_fellowship
Vice Chairman, 1991-1993)
bar_fellowship
Houston Bar Foundation (Charter Fellow)
bar_fellowship
American Bar Foundation (Fellow)
bar_fellowship
Locations
James Patrick Smith, Jr.'s office in Houston
James's primary office is at 11 Greenway Pl., Ste. 500, Houston, TX, 77046. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Patrick Smith, Jr. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Houston.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Patrick Smith, Jr. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Patrick Smith, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Houston, Texas
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 James
James 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James'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 James Patrick Smith, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire James for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Texas 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Houston?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new business clients right now?
James'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 Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
James handles business matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Texas
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





