Kerry Clark Smith, Business Attorney in La Quinta, California
Over 63 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatSmith Law Offices
La Quinta, CA
Practicing business in La Quinta since 1963.
- 63+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Kerry Clark Smith?
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Quick answer
Kerry Clark Smith is a member based in La Quinta, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Kerry has over 63 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Law Offices. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- La Quinta, CA
- Experience
- over 63 years
- Known for
- Business · General · Litigation
- Handles Business, General, and Litigation matters from La Quinta, CA.
- Over 63 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Kerry Clark Smith: Kerry Clark Smith is a member based in La Quinta, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Kerry has over 63 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Law Offices. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Kerry takes on
Kerry concentrates on business, general, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kerry handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Business cases in La Quinta, California
Kerry takes business matters in La Quinta, 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 Kerry agrees to represent you.
General cases in La Quinta, California
Kerry takes general matters in La Quinta, 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 Kerry agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in La Quinta, California
Kerry takes litigation matters in La Quinta, 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 Kerry agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in La Quinta, California
Kerry takes real estate matters in La Quinta, 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 Kerry agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Kerry Clark Smith — business lawyer in La Quinta
Kerry Clark Smith is a member based in La Quinta, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Kerry has over 63 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith Law Offices. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Kerry Clark Smith is a lawyer practicing financial institutions, hotel and resort real estate, commercial litigation. Kerry received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1957, and has been licensed for 63 years. Kerry practices at Smith Law Offices in La Quinta, CA.
Kerry's approach to business cases
Kerry Clark Smith is a lawyer practicing financial institutions, hotel and resort real estate, commercial litigation. Kerry received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1957, and has been licensed for 63 years. Kerry practices at Smith Law Offices in La Quinta, CA.
Clients Kerry works with
Kerry reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and litigation matters in La Quinta and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Stanford University
J.D. · 1962
Stanford University
A.B. · 1957
Jurisdictions
Kerry's state bar admissions
California
1963 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1963 · ACTIVE
Kerry studied at J.D. in Stanford University and A.B. in Stanford University.
Law school and academic background
Kerry completed J.D. in Stanford University and A.B. in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kerry runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Kerry has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Kerry's professional memberships and bar associations
Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California
Financial Institutions Committee, 1984-1987) American Bar Association (Banking Committee, 1982—, Business Law Section · membership
Locations
Kerry Clark Smith's office in La Quinta
Kerry's primary office is at 50965 Mandarina, La Quinta, CA, 92253. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kerry Clark Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Kerry. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in La Quinta.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kerry Clark Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kerry Clark 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 Kerry usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kerry charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kerry'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; Kerry will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in La Quinta, 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 Kerry
Kerry 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. Kerry confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kerry'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 Kerry Clark Smith
How much does it cost to hire Kerry for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kerry walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kerry offer a free consultation?
Kerry charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kerry's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Kerry'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. Kerry gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kerry take my case if I'm outside La Quinta?
Kerry 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 — Kerry 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 Kerry?
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. Kerry will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kerry accepting new business clients right now?
Kerry'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 La Quinta, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Kerry handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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