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W. Bailey Smith, Estate Planning Attorney in Irvine, California

Over 55 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Of Counsel

Irvine, CA

Practicing estate planning in Irvine since 1971.

55+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
3 client reviews
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

W. Bailey Smith is an of counsel based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate. W. has over 55 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in
Irvine, CA
Experience
over 55 years
Known for
Estate Planning · Litigation · Probate
  • Handles Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate matters from Irvine, CA.
  • Over 55 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About W. Bailey Smith: W. Bailey Smith is an of counsel based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate. W. has over 55 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters W. takes on

W. concentrates on estate planning, litigation, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case W. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in Irvine, California

W. takes estate planning matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Irvine, California

W. takes litigation matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Irvine, California

W. takes probate matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Irvine, California

W. takes trusts matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet W. Bailey Smith — estate planning lawyer in Irvine

W. Bailey Smith is an of counsel based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Probate. W. has over 55 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

W. Bailey Smith is a lawyer practicing estate planning, probate, trust administration and 1 other area of law. W. received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1965, and has been licensed for 55 years. W. practices in Irvine, CA.

Working with W. on a estate planning matter

W. Bailey Smith is a lawyer practicing estate planning, probate, trust administration and 1 other area of law. W. received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1965, and has been licensed for 55 years. W. practices in Irvine, CA.

Who W. represents

W. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, litigation, and probate matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Hastings College of the Law, University of California

    J.D. · 1969

  • Stanford University

    B.A. · 1965

Jurisdictions

W.'s state bar admissions

  • California

    1971 · ACTIVE

W. studied at J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.A. in Stanford University.

Law school and academic background

W. completed J.D. in Hastings College of the Law, University of California and B.A. in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice W. runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

W. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

W. Bailey Smith's office in Irvine

W.'s primary office is at 2601 Main Street, Irvine, CA, 92614. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

2601 Main Street

Irvine, CA 92614

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of W. Bailey Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of W.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Irvine.

5.0

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once W. Bailey Smith claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire W. Bailey Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Irvine, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 W.

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate planning 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. W. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about W. Bailey Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire W. for a estate planning case?

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

  • Does W. offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do estate planning cases in California typically take?

    Simple estate planning 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. W. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can W. take my case if I'm outside Irvine?

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

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

  • Is W. accepting new estate planning clients right now?

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

Areas served

Estate Planning attorneys serving Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

W. handles estate planning matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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