Kent E. Smith, Business Attorney in Holly Springs, Mississippi
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and General · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatSmith Whaley, PLLC
Holly Springs, MS
Practicing business in Holly Springs since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Kent E. Smith?
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Quick answer
Kent E. Smith is a member based in Holly Springs, MS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Kent has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Whaley, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Holly Springs, MS
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and General matters from Holly Springs, MS.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Kent E. Smith: Kent E. Smith is a member based in Holly Springs, MS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Kent has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Whaley, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Kent takes on
Kent concentrates on business, criminal defense, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kent handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Criminal Defense
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Workers Comp
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Business cases in Holly Springs, Mississippi
Kent takes business matters in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kent agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Holly Springs, Mississippi
Kent takes criminal defense matters in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kent agrees to represent you.
General cases in Holly Springs, Mississippi
Kent takes general matters in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kent agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Holly Springs, Mississippi
Kent takes insurance matters in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kent agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Holly Springs, Mississippi
Kent takes litigation matters in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kent agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Kent E. Smith — business lawyer in Holly Springs
Kent E. Smith is a member based in Holly Springs, MS. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and General. Kent has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Whaley, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Hon. Kent E. Smith is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, corporate law, insurance defense litigation and 5 other areas of law. Kent received a B.S. degree from University of Mississippi in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Kent practices at Smith Whaley, PLLC in Holly Springs, MS.
Kent's approach to business cases
Hon. Kent E. Smith is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, corporate law, insurance defense litigation and 5 other areas of law. Kent received a B.S. degree from University of Mississippi in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Kent practices at Smith Whaley, PLLC in Holly Springs, MS.
The kind of cases Kent takes
Kent reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and general matters in Holly Springs and the surrounding Mississippi area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Mississippi
J.D. Accounting · 1991
University of Mississippi
B.S. Accounting · 1988
Jurisdictions
Kent's state bar admissions
Alabama
1992 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
1992 · ACTIVE
Mississippi
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
Kent studied at J.D. Accounting in University of Mississippi and B.S. Accounting in University of Mississippi.
Law school and academic background
Kent completed J.D. Accounting in University of Mississippi and B.S. Accounting in University of Mississippi. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kent runs in Mississippi is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Kent has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Kent's professional memberships and bar associations
Keady American Inns of Court American Diabetes Association (Member, Board of Directors, North Central Chapter) Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association
membership
Locations
Kent E. Smith's office in Holly Springs
Kent's primary office is at 120 E. College Ave., Holly Springs, MS, 38635. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kent E. Smith — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Kent. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Holly Springs.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kent E. Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kent E. 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 Kent usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kent charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kent'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; Kent will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Holly Springs, Mississippi
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 Kent
Kent 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. Kent confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kent'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 Kent E. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Kent for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kent walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kent offer a free consultation?
Kent charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kent's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Kent's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Mississippi 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. Kent gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kent take my case if I'm outside Holly Springs?
Kent is licensed in Mississippi. Matters governed by Mississippi law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kent 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 Kent?
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. Kent will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kent accepting new business clients right now?
Kent'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 Holly Springs, Jackson and Ridgeland in Mississippi
Kent handles business matters throughout Mississippi. 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 Mississippi
If Kent's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Holly Springs handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





