How much does it cost to hire William for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.

How long do civil rights cases in New York typically take?

Simple civil rights 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 Bardonia?

William is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 civil rights clients right now?

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

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William F. Smith, Civil Rights Attorney in Bardonia, New York

Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 4.9/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

MemberatThe Law Office of William F. Smith, Esq.

Bardonia, NY

Practicing civil rights in Bardonia since 1985.

41+: Years practicing
4.9 ★: 10 client reviews
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Civil Rights Elder Law Estate Planning General Health Care POA +4 more →

Are you William F. Smith?

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.

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Quick answer

William F. Smith is a member based in Bardonia, NY. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. William has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of William F. Smith, Esq.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Based in: Bardonia, NY
Experience: over 41 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Elder Law · Estate Planning

Handles Civil Rights, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Bardonia, NY.
Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

William's practice areas in Bardonia

William concentrates on civil rights, elder law, estate planning, general, and health care. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Bardonia, New York

William takes civil rights matters in Bardonia, New York. 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.

Elder Law cases in Bardonia, New York

William takes elder law matters in Bardonia, New York. 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 Bardonia, New York

William takes estate planning matters in Bardonia, New York. 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.

General cases in Bardonia, New York

William takes general matters in Bardonia, New York. 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.

Health Care cases in Bardonia, New York

William takes health care matters in Bardonia, New York. 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 F. Smith, civil rights attorney serving Bardonia

Bill Smith is a recognized and respected member of the legal community in Rockland County and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the lower Hudson Valley. He was raised and educated in Rockland, and today this is where he chooses to live and practice law, as he has done for over 30 years.

Bill is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, the nationally recognized directory of legal professionals, with the highest possible rating for an attorney for ethical standards and legal ability. Bill has effectively guided many individuals and families through the administration of estates, from initial court proceedings through final distributions to beneficiaries, in hundreds of estates. He has also successfully advocated and litigated contested probate, administration and trust matters for fiduciaries and beneficiaries for modest sized and multi-million dollar estates.

Bill’s legal career spans numerous aspects of the law. After graduating from New York University and Brooklyn Law School, he served as a prosecutor in the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. Here he rose to the rank of Senior Assistant District Attorney and served as chief prosecutor of white collar, probate, business, public benefits violations, as well as criminal appeals and pursuing forfeiture of wrongfully obtained assets. This experience has served him well.

Today, Bill operates the private legal practice—The Law Office of William F. Smith, Esq.—in Bardonia, New York. Bill and his colleague Rick Pakola and their staff focus on the areas of Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Elder Law, Estate & Trust Litigation (including Will contests), Guardianships and Special Needs Planning.

Bill has lectured in law at the college level and in legal seminars for law professionals and senior citizens, has been a legal expert guest on radio programs and is a sought-after speaker on these and other related topics.

In addition to his law practice, Bill also serves as Associate Village Justice for the Village of Chestnut Ridge, New York.

Bill has successfully litigated many contested estate proceedings, including Will contests, disputed accountings, appointment or removal of fiduciaries and those who have wrongfully obtained assets from the elderly and from estates. Many of his cases are referred to him by attorneys, accountants, financial experts and significantly, by satisfied clients.

Bill has a strong ability to listen, and takes great pride in taking the time to explain the complexities of the law in a way that makes sense. Meetings with Bill are unhurried, informative conversations. It is this personable manner, combined with a rich tapestry of experience that makes Bill a valued advisor and strong advocate when dealing with the important and ever-shifting issues surrounding the preservation of property, generational transfer of wealth and/or recovery of assets belonging to an estate or beneficiary.

How William handles civil rights matters

Who William represents

William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, elder law, and estate planning matters in Bardonia and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where William studied and practices

Brooklyn Law School
J.D. · 1984
New York University
B.A. · 1981

Jurisdictions

William's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1988 · ACTIVE
New York
1985 · ACTIVE

William studied at J.D. in Brooklyn Law School and B.A. in New York University.

Law school and academic background

William completed J.D. in Brooklyn Law School and B.A. in New York University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in New York 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

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys New York State Bar Association
Member, Trusts and Estates Law and Elder Law Sections) Rockland County Bar Association (Surrogate’s Court Trust & Estates Committee and former Board of Directors member · membership

Locations

William F. Smith's office in Bardonia

William's primary office is at 521 Route 304, Bardonia, NY, 10954. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

The Law Office of William F. Smith, Esq.

521 Route 304

Bardonia, NY 10954

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Client feedback

Client reviews of William F. Smith — 4.9/5 rating from 10 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 civil rights attorneys in Bardonia.

4.9

10 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

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

Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Bardonia, New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about William F. Smith

How much does it cost to hire William for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in New York typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 Bardonia?
William is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 civil rights clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by civil rights attorneys like William F. Smith. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I sue my employer for racial discrimination in New York?
I work at a tech company in Manhattan, NY and I've been facing constant racial slurs and unequal treatment since I was hired. I've documented incidents and reported them to HR, but
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · New York
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Bardonia and Albany in New York

William handles civil rights matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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

William F. Smith, Civil Rights Attorney in Bardonia, New York

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