Walter Smith Keneally

Walter Smith Keneally, Business Attorney in Houston, Texas

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Energy, and Environmental · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratHaynes and Boone, LLP

Houston, TX

Practicing business in Houston since 1991.

35+
Years practicing
4.4 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

Are you Walter Smith Keneally?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Walter Smith Keneally is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Walter has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Haynes and Boone, LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Houston, TX
Experience
over 35 years
Known for
Business · Energy · Environmental
  • Handles Business, Energy, and Environmental matters from Houston, TX.
  • Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Walter Smith Keneally: Walter Smith Keneally is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Walter has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Haynes and Boone, LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Walter takes on

Walter concentrates on business, energy, environmental, general, and international. Each area below outlines the kind of case Walter handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Houston, Texas

Walter takes business 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 Walter agrees to represent you.

Energy cases in Houston, Texas

Walter takes energy 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 Walter agrees to represent you.

Environmental cases in Houston, Texas

Walter takes environmental 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 Walter agrees to represent you.

General cases in Houston, Texas

Walter takes general 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 Walter agrees to represent you.

International cases in Houston, Texas

Walter takes international 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 Walter agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Walter Smith Keneally — business lawyer in Houston

Walter Smith Keneally is a partner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Walter has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Haynes and Boone, LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Walter Smith Keneally is a lawyer practicing business, construction, corporate finance and 9 other areas of law. Walter received a B.A. degree from Rice University in 1986, and has been licensed for 35 years. Walter practices at Haynes and Boone, LLP in Houston, TX.

Walter's approach to business cases

Mr. Walter Smith Keneally is a lawyer practicing business, construction, corporate finance and 9 other areas of law. Walter received a B.A. degree from Rice University in 1986, and has been licensed for 35 years. Walter practices at Haynes and Boone, LLP in Houston, TX.

Clients Walter works with

Walter reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, energy, and environmental matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Houston

    J.D. · 1991

  • Rice University

    B.A. · 1986

Jurisdictions

Walter's state bar admissions

  • Colorado

    1994 · ACTIVE

  • Texas

    1991 · ACTIVE

Walter studied at J.D. in University of Houston and B.A. in Rice University.

Law school and academic background

Walter completed J.D. in University of Houston and B.A. in Rice University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Walter runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Walter Smith Keneally's office in Houston

Walter's primary office is at 1221 McKinney St., Ste. 2100, Houston, TX, 77010. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Haynes and Boone, LLP

1221 McKinney St., Ste. 2100

Houston, TX 77010

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Walter Smith Keneally — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Walter Smith Keneally — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a business attorney in Houston, Texas

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 Walter

Walter 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. Walter confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Walter'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 Walter Smith Keneally

  • How much does it cost to hire Walter for a business case?

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

  • Does Walter offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do business cases in Texas 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. Walter gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

    Walter 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 — Walter 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 Walter?

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

  • Is Walter accepting new business clients right now?

    Walter'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 Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas

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

More counsel

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