
William Lawrence Smith, Probate Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatHill Ward Henderson
Tampa, FL
Practicing probate in Tampa since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you William Lawrence Smith?
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Quick answer
William Lawrence Smith is an of counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts. William has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hill Ward Henderson. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Probate · Real Estate · Trusts
- Handles Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts matters from Tampa, FL.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William Lawrence Smith: William Lawrence Smith is an of counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts. William has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hill Ward Henderson. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on probate, real estate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Probate
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Probate cases in Tampa, Florida
William takes probate matters in Tampa, Florida. 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 Tampa, Florida
William takes real estate matters in Tampa, Florida. 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.
Trusts cases in Tampa, Florida
William takes trusts matters in Tampa, Florida. 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
Meet William Lawrence Smith — probate lawyer in Tampa
William Lawrence Smith is an of counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Trusts. William has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hill Ward Henderson. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
William Lawrence Smith is a lawyer practicing probate & trust, real estate, real property. William received a B.S.B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1970, and has been licensed for 44 years. William practices at Hill Ward Henderson in Tampa, FL.
Working with William on a probate matter
William Lawrence Smith is a lawyer practicing probate & trust, real estate, real property. William received a B.S.B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1970, and has been licensed for 44 years. William practices at Hill Ward Henderson in Tampa, FL.
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for probate, real estate, and trusts matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Stetson University
J.D. · 1982
University of Florida
B.S.B.A. University · 1970
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
Florida
1982 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in Stetson University and B.S.B.A. University in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in Stetson University and B.S.B.A. University in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
William Lawrence Smith's office in Tampa
William's primary office is at 3700 Bank of America Plaza, 101 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa, FL, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Hill Ward Henderson
3700 Bank of America Plaza, 101 East Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33602
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William Lawrence Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
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 probate attorneys in Tampa.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William Lawrence Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William Lawrence Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new probate 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 probate attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many probate 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 probate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every probate 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 probate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William Lawrence Smith
How much does it cost to hire William for a probate 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 probate attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do probate cases in Florida typically take?
Simple probate 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 Tampa?
William is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida 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 probate 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
Probate attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
William handles probate matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified probate attorneys in that community.
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these probate attorneys in Tampa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





