Practice Areas
Education
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J.D., 1990
University of Texas School of Law
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B.A., summa cum laude, 1987
University of Texas at Austin
Government
Paul Smith
Partner
Paul has 35 years of experience representing clients on both sides of the docket in trial and on appeal. He knows that the key to winning is relentless, focused preparation combined with a thorough knowledge of the law. Through over 40 jury trials and years of working with and against the best trial lawyers in the country, Paul has honed the advocacy skills and good judgment needed to win. His cases involve catastrophic personal injuries, commercial disputes, health law, and energy, environmental, employment, and professional liability matters. He also has a robust understanding of business and served the firm as its managing partner from 2016 to 2025 through the challenges of Hurricane Harvey, snow apocalypse Yuri, COVID, and increasingly rapid technological advances.
Paul gives honest and straightforward evaluations to clients, answers their questions directly, and provides them with clear guidance about the work that must be done to consistently meet or exceed goals. He is always available, fielding concerns anytime the need arises. Paul sets a high bar, practicing with integrity and efficiency.
Growing up with four brothers playing just about every sport there is and attending Strake Jesuit High School contributed to Paul becoming both a fierce and fair competitor. He is a proud, long-time Houstonian and committed family man who enjoys the outdoors with his wife, son, twin daughters, and large extended family.
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Representative Experience
- $11.7 Million Contract Claim Against Major Energy Company Dismissed on Summary Judgment
- Premises Liability Claim Against Chemical Manufacturer Dismissed on Summary Judgment
- Favorable Resolution of Complex Will Contest
- New Trial Granted for Large Industrial Client
- Pipeline Company Defeats Trespass and Nuisance Claims
- Summary Judgment for Global Energy Trading Company
- Ware Jackson Wins Take-Nothing Verdict for Outside Directors in Family Business Dispute
- $25 Million Settlement with Kinder Morgan Plus Confidential Settlement in Partnership Dispute
- Million-Dollar Verdict in Employment Dispute
- Settlement and Apology Letters from KPRC-TV (Houston Channel 2) in Defamation Suit
- Wrongful Death Claims Against Contractors Successfully Resolved
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Recognitions
- Board Certified in Personal Injury Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Best Lawyers, Trial Lawyer of the Year, Personal Injury Litigation Defense, 2023
- Best Lawyers (2018-2023)
- Texas Rising Star (2004)
- Texas Super Lawyer (2008-2012, 2014-2023)
- AV® Pre-eminent™ Rated, Martindell Hubbell
- Phi Beta Kappa
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Professional Activities
- American Board of Trial Advocates
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel, Board Member 2018 to present
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Board Member (2002-2007)
- American Bar Association
- Houston Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- American Board of Trial Advocates Foundation, Fellow
- International Association of Defense Counsel
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Admissions
- State Bar of Texas
- Southern District of Texas
- Middle District of Tennessee
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit