Michael Howard Smith, Business Attorney in Denver, Colorado
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
DirectoratFairfield and Woods, P.C.
Denver, CO
Practicing business in Denver since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael Howard Smith?
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Quick answer
Michael Howard Smith is a director based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Michael has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fairfield and Woods, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Denver, CO
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · Family Law
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Family Law matters from Denver, CO.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Howard Smith: Michael Howard Smith is a director based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Michael has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fairfield and Woods, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Denver
Michael concentrates on business, estate planning, family law, general, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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M&A
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Estate Litigation
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Business cases in Denver, Colorado
Michael takes business matters in Denver, Colorado. 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.
Estate Planning cases in Denver, Colorado
Michael takes estate planning matters in Denver, Colorado. 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.
Family Law cases in Denver, Colorado
Michael takes family law matters in Denver, Colorado. 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.
General cases in Denver, Colorado
Michael takes general matters in Denver, Colorado. 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.
M&A cases in Denver, Colorado
Michael takes m&a matters in Denver, Colorado. 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
Michael Howard Smith, business attorney serving Denver
Michael Howard Smith is a director based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Michael has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fairfield and Woods, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from Denver, Colorado and takes on business matters across the region.
Michael Howard Smith is a lawyer practicing philanthropy, private foundations and charitable organizations, family business succession planning and 15 other areas of law. Michael received a degree from LLM Taxation, and has been licensed for 49 years. Michael practices at Fairfield and Woods, P.C. in Denver, CO.
Working with Michael on a business matter
Michael Howard Smith is a lawyer practicing philanthropy, private foundations and charitable organizations, family business succession planning and 15 other areas of law. Michael received a degree from LLM Taxation, and has been licensed for 49 years. Michael practices at Fairfield and Woods, P.C. in Denver, CO.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and family law matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
University of Wyoming
J.D. Business · 1977
LLM Taxation
—
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Colorado
1993 · ACTIVE
New Mexico (Inactive
1985 · ACTIVE
Wyoming (Inactive)
1977 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. Business in University of Wyoming and — in LLM Taxation.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. Business in University of Wyoming and — in LLM Taxation. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Colorado is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Arapahoe County Bar Association Denver Bar Association
membership
Locations
Michael Howard Smith's office in Denver
Michael's primary office is at 1801 California Street, Suite 2600, Denver, CO, 80202-4475. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Fairfield and Woods, P.C.
1801 California Street, Suite 2600
Denver, CO 80202-4475
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Howard Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
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 business attorneys in Denver.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Howard Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Howard 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 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 business attorney in Denver, Colorado
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 Michael
Michael 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. 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Howard Smith
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Colorado 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. 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 Denver?
Michael is licensed in Colorado. Matters governed by Colorado law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 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 business clients right now?
Michael'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 Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder in Colorado
Michael handles business matters throughout Colorado. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Denver handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





