William Barry Smith

William Barry Smith, Business Attorney in Ventura, California

Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate · 4.7/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews

PartneratFerguson Case Orr Paterson LLP

Ventura, CA

Practicing business in Ventura since 1986.

40+
Years practicing
4.7 ★
12 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

William Barry Smith is a partner based in Ventura, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. William has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.

Based in
Ventura, CA
Experience
over 40 years
Known for
Business · Estate Planning · Probate
  • Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Ventura, CA.
  • Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About William Barry Smith: William Barry Smith is a partner based in Ventura, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. William has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.

Areas of practice

William's practice areas in Ventura

William concentrates on business, estate planning, probate, real estate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Ventura, California

William takes business matters in Ventura, 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 William agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Ventura, California

William takes estate planning matters in Ventura, 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 William agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Ventura, California

William takes probate matters in Ventura, 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 William agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Ventura, California

William takes real estate matters in Ventura, 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 William agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Ventura, California

William takes tax matters in Ventura, 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 William agrees to represent you.

Biography

William Barry Smith, business attorney serving Ventura

William Barry Smith is a partner based in Ventura, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. William has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 12 client reviews. William works from Ventura, California and takes on business matters across the region.

William Barry Smith is a lawyer practicing business law, corporate law, real estate and 4 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. William practices at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP in Ventura, CA.

William's approach to business cases

William Barry Smith is a lawyer practicing business law, corporate law, real estate and 4 other areas of law. William received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. William practices at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP in Ventura, CA.

Clients William works with

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and probate matters in Ventura and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where William studied and practices

  • University of Santa Clara

    J.D. · 1986

  • University of California at Santa Barbara

    B.A. · 1982

Jurisdictions

William's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Claims Court

    1989 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1986 · ACTIVE

William studied at J.D. in University of Santa Clara and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.

Law school and academic background

William completed J.D. in University of Santa Clara and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

William's legal honors and published work

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

William's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Ventura County and American Bar Associations State Bar of California

    membership

Locations

William Barry Smith's office in Ventura

William's primary office is at 1050 South Kimball Road, Ventura, CA, 93004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Ferguson Case Orr Paterson LLP

1050 South Kimball Road

Ventura, CA 93004

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Client feedback

Client reviews of William Barry Smith — 4.7/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews

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

4.7

12 client reviews

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

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Hiring guide

How to hire William Barry Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a business attorney in Ventura, California

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 William

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

Payment methods and payment plans

William'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 William Barry Smith

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

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

  • Does William offer a free consultation?

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

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

  • Can William take my case if I'm outside Ventura?

    William 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 — William 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 William?

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

  • Is William accepting new business clients right now?

    William'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 Ventura, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

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