TJ

Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith, Insurance Attorney in Houston, Texas

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Insurance and Maritime

Houston, TX

Practicing insurance in Houston since 1984.

42+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Insurance and Maritime. Thomas has over 42 years of legal experience.

Based in
Houston, TEXAS
Experience
over 42 years
Known for
Insurance · Maritime
  • Handles Insurance and Maritime matters from Houston, TEXAS.
  • Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026).

About Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith: Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Insurance and Maritime. Thomas has over 42 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on insurance and maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Insurance cases in Houston, Texas

Thomas takes insurance matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Maritime cases in Houston, Texas

Thomas takes maritime matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith — insurance lawyer in Houston

Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Insurance and Maritime. Thomas has over 42 years of legal experience.

Thomas J. Smith represents clients in complex civil litigation with a focus on insurance defense, personal injury, and construction matters. He brings strategic insight to each case, guiding clients through litigation with precision and responsiveness from pre-suit through appeal.

See how Tommy protects client interests in high-stakes matters: gallowaylawfirm.com

How Thomas handles insurance matters

Thomas J. Smith represents clients in complex civil litigation with a focus on insurance defense, personal injury, and construction matters. He brings strategic insight to each case, guiding clients through litigation with precision and responsiveness from pre-suit through appeal. See how Tommy protects client interests in high-stakes matters: gallowaylawfirm.com

The kind of cases Thomas takes

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for insurance and maritime matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Tulane University

    JD · 1985

  • Loyola University New Orleans

    — · 1981

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • Texas, State Bar of

    1993 · ACTIVE

  • Louisiana, Louisiana

    1984 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at JD in Tulane University and — in Loyola University New Orleans.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed JD in Tulane University and — in Loyola University New Orleans. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Thomas has received 11 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Oil and Gas Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Maritime

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Insurance Law (2026).

Locations

Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith's office in Houston

Thomas's primary office is at 1301 McKinney Street, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas, 77010. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1301 McKinney Street, Suite 1400

Houston, Texas 77010

Open in Google Maps

701 Poydras Street, 40th Floor

New Orleans, Louisiana 70139

Open in Google Maps

14643 Dallas Parkway, Suite 635

Dallas, Texas 14643

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith

Thomas has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new insurance attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a insurance attorney in Houston, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many insurance 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 Thomas

Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in insurance practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every insurance 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many insurance practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas J. "Tommy" Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a insurance case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

    Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some insurance attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

  • How long do insurance cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple insurance 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Houston?

    Thomas is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas 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 Thomas?

    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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Thomas accepting new insurance clients right now?

    Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Insurance attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas

Thomas handles insurance matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified insurance attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these insurance attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.