Paul S Smith III, Appellate Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Construction, and General
AssociateatForsberg & Umlauf, P.S.
Seattle, WA
Practicing appellate in Seattle since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Paul S Smith III?
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Quick answer
Paul S Smith III is an associate based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Construction, and General. Paul has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S..
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Construction · General
- Handles Appellate, Construction, and General matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Paul S Smith III: Paul S Smith III is an associate based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Construction, and General. Paul has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S..
Areas of practice
Paul's practice areas in Seattle
Paul concentrates on appellate, construction, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Construction
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Maritime
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Personal Injury
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Appellate cases in Seattle, Washington
Paul takes appellate matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in Seattle, Washington
Paul takes construction matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.
General cases in Seattle, Washington
Paul takes general matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Seattle, Washington
Paul takes insurance matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Seattle, Washington
Paul takes litigation matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.
Biography
Paul S Smith III, appellate attorney serving Seattle
Paul S Smith III is an associate based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Construction, and General. Paul has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S.. Paul works from Seattle, Washington and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Paul S Smith III is a lawyer practicing construction defect, insurance coverage, maritime coverage and defense and 6 other areas of law. Paul received a B.A. degree from University of Washington in 1987, and has been licensed for 28 years. Paul practices at Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S. in Seattle, WA.
Working with Paul on a appellate matter
Paul S Smith III is a lawyer practicing construction defect, insurance coverage, maritime coverage and defense and 6 other areas of law. Paul received a B.A. degree from University of Washington in 1987, and has been licensed for 28 years. Paul practices at Forsberg & Umlauf, P.S. in Seattle, WA.
Who Paul represents
Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, construction, and general matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Paul studied and practices
Seattle University School of Law
J.D. · 1997
University of Washington
B.A. · 1987
Jurisdictions
Paul's state bar admissions
Oregon
2005 · ACTIVE
Washington
1998 · ACTIVE
Paul studied at J.D. in Seattle University School of Law and B.A. in University of Washington.
Law school and academic background
Paul completed J.D. in Seattle University School of Law and B.A. in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Paul S Smith III's office in Seattle
Paul's primary office is at 901 5th Ave., Ste. 1400, Seattle, WA, 98164-2047. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Paul S Smith III
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Paul S Smith III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Paul
Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Paul S Smith III
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Washington typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Paul is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new appellate clients right now?
Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
Paul handles appellate matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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