
Richard Earl Smith, ADR Attorney in Hoover, Alabama
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Construction · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
PartneratChristian Small Llp
Hoover, AL
Practicing adr in Hoover since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Richard Earl Smith?
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Quick answer
Richard Earl Smith is a partner based in Hoover, AL. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Richard has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Christian Small Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Hoover, AL
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- ADR · Business · Construction
- Handles ADR, Business, and Construction matters from Hoover, AL.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Richard Earl Smith: Richard Earl Smith is a partner based in Hoover, AL. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Richard has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Christian Small Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Richard takes on
Richard concentrates on adr, business, construction, consumer, and contracts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Richard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Business
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Construction
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Consumer
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Contracts
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Health Care
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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ADR cases in Hoover, Alabama
Richard takes adr matters in Hoover, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Hoover, Alabama
Richard takes business matters in Hoover, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Construction cases in Hoover, Alabama
Richard takes construction matters in Hoover, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Consumer cases in Hoover, Alabama
Richard takes consumer matters in Hoover, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Contracts cases in Hoover, Alabama
Richard takes contracts matters in Hoover, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Richard agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Richard Earl Smith — adr lawyer in Hoover
Richard Earl Smith is a partner based in Hoover, AL. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Construction. Richard has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Christian Small Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Mr. Richard Earl Smith is a lawyer practicing business litigation, banking litigation, consumer litigation and 12 other areas of law. Richard received a B.S. degree from Samford University in 1981, and has been licensed for 41 years. Richard practices at Christian & Small LLP in Hoover, AL.
How Richard handles adr matters
Mr. Richard Earl Smith is a lawyer practicing business litigation, banking litigation, consumer litigation and 12 other areas of law. Richard received a B.S. degree from Samford University in 1981, and has been licensed for 41 years. Richard practices at Christian & Small LLP in Hoover, AL.
Who Richard represents
Richard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and construction matters in Hoover and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Cumberland School of Law of Samford University
J.D. · 1985
Samford University
B.S. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Richard's state bar admissions
Alabama
1985 · ACTIVE
Richard studied at J.D. in Cumberland School of Law of Samford University and B.S. in Samford University.
Law school and academic background
Richard completed J.D. in Cumberland School of Law of Samford University and B.S. in Samford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Richard runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Richard has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Richard's professional memberships and bar associations
Birmingham and American Bar Associations Alabama State Bar International Association of Defense Counsel Defense Research Institute American Defense Lawyers Association
membership
American Bar Foundation
bar_fellowship
Locations
Richard Earl Smith's office in Hoover
Richard's primary office is at 1 Chase Corporate Drive Suite 400, Hoover, AL, 35244. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Richard Earl Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Richard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Hoover.
5.0
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Richard Earl Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Richard Earl Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Richard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Richard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard'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; Richard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Hoover, Alabama
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Richard
Richard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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. Richard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Richard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Richard Earl Smith
How much does it cost to hire Richard for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Richard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Richard offer a free consultation?
Richard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Richard's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Richard's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple adr 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. Richard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Richard take my case if I'm outside Hoover?
Richard is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Richard 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 Richard?
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. Richard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Richard accepting new adr clients right now?
Richard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Hoover, Birmingham and Montgomery in Alabama
Richard handles adr matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in Alabama
If Richard's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Hoover handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





