Michael D. Smith, General Attorney in the United States
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on General and Real Estate · 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PartneratAird & Berlis LLP
Practicing general since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Michael D. Smith?
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Quick answer
Michael D. Smith is a partner based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on General and Real Estate. Michael has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Aird & Berlis LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Toronto, ON
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- General · Real Estate
- Handles General and Real Estate matters from Toronto, ON.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael D. Smith: Michael D. Smith is a partner based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on General and Real Estate. Michael has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Aird & Berlis LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on general and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases nationwide
Michael takes general matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases nationwide
Michael takes real estate matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael D. Smith — general lawyer in the U.S.
Michael D. Smith is a partner based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on General and Real Estate. Michael has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Aird & Berlis LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Michael D. Smith is a lawyer practicing real estate, infrastructure. Michael D. received a B.A. degree from University of Western Ontario in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. Michael D. practices at Aird & Berlis LLP in Toronto, ON.
Michael's approach to general cases
Michael D. Smith is a lawyer practicing real estate, infrastructure. Michael D. received a B.A. degree from University of Western Ontario in 1975, and has been licensed for 45 years. Michael D. practices at Aird & Berlis LLP in Toronto, ON.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and real estate matters in the United States.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Osgoode Hall Law School
LL.B. · 1979
University of Western Ontario
B.A. Economics · 1975
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Ontario
1981 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at LL.B. in Osgoode Hall Law School and B.A. Economics in University of Western Ontario.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed LL.B. in Osgoode Hall Law School and B.A. Economics in University of Western Ontario. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Memberships National Association of Industrial and Office Properties
Toronto NAIOP · membership
Locations
Michael D. Smith's office in Toronto
Michael's primary office is at Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 1800, Toronto, ON, M5J 2T9. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Aird & Berlis LLP
Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 1800
Toronto, ON M5J 2T9
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael D. Smith — 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in your area.
4.5
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael D. Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael D. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael D. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in this state typically take?
Simple general 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside the area?
Michael evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Michael's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new general clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.