Celebrating Smith Law Center's 75th Anniversary

Celebrating Smith Law Center's 75th Anniversary

By:
Stephen M. Smith
|
Last Updated:
January 11, 2024
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Smith Law Center attorneys.
The Smith Law Center is a family firm with a storied history. We are celebrating our 75th anniversary with pride and gratitude.

In the heart of Virginia, a legal institution stands tall, having weathered the sands of time and emerged as a beacon of hope for countless families in need.

For generations, the Smith Law Center has stood as a legal powerhouse at the forefront of advocating for those affected by brain injuries and other catastrophic harms. We have achieved a remarkable track record in settlements and verdicts that have both changed lives for the better, and set new standards for safety in the community.

If you need a proven law firm with experienced personal injury attorneys, contact the Smith Law Center at (757) 244-7000 for a free consultation to explore your legal options. Read on to learn more about all that our attorneys have accomplished for clients over the years.

Celebrating 75 Years of Compassion and Justice: The Smith Law Center's Legacy

Here are some of the unique attributes that make the Smith Law Center an enduring law firm:

1. Founding Principles

The Smith Law Center was founded in 1949 by patriarch Joseph Smith, who set out with a vision to provide legal support to individuals facing life-altering challenges.

From the outset, our firm's mission was clear: to champion the rights of those afflicted by serious injuries and offer a voice to the voiceless. This commitment to compassion and justice laid the foundation for what would become a legacy spanning multiple generations.

2. Pioneering Advocacy in Brain Injury Cases

One of the hallmarks of the Smith Law Center's legacy is our trailblazing work in the field of brain injury law. Early on, our firm recognized the complexities and nuances of such cases, often involving intricate medical and scientific details. Instead of shying away, the Smith Law Center embraced the challenge, assembling a team of legal experts and collaborating with medical professionals to build robust cases for our clients.

Our firm's dedication to staying abreast of medical advancements and legal precedents has allowed us to secure groundbreaking settlements and verdicts. The impact of these victories extends beyond the courtroom, shaping legal standards and policies that prioritize the rights and well-being of brain injury survivors.

Our most notable results include the largest slip-and-fall case ever awarded in Virginia, the largest verdict ever rendered in South Carolina, and the largest verdict in the world for a single brain injury survivor with a closed-head injury ($60 million).

Overall, we have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients throughout the years.

3. Educating and Empowering Through Outreach Initiatives

Beyond our caseload, the attorneys at the Smith Law Center have been actively involved in community outreach and education initiatives.

Recognizing the need to raise awareness about brain injuries and their legal implications, our firm conducts awareness campaigns. By sharing our knowledge, we contribute to a better-informed community that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their legal rights in the event of a brain injury.

Our firm's commitment to education extends to legal professionals as well, with regular contributions to legal publications and participation in conferences. By sharing insights and experiences gained over decades of practice, the Smith Law Center plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of brain injury law and advocacy.

4. Client-Centric Approach

What sets the Smith Law Center apart is not just legal prowess. Our unwavering commitment to clients ensures meaningful word-of-mouth references in the community. We understand that navigating the aftermath of a traumatic injury involves more than just legal battles—it's about rebuilding lives.

The attorneys at the Smith Law Center work tirelessly to provide comprehensive support. We connect clients with rehabilitation services, support groups, and other resources crucial for their recovery.

Over the years, our firm has built a network of expert witnesses, including neurologists, rehab specialists, and vocational counselors. This ensures that our clients receive the best possible representation. Our holistic approach reflects a deep understanding of the challenges faced by brain and spinal cord injury survivors and their families. These efforts foster a sense of trust and camaraderie between our lawyers and the clients we serve.

5. A Lasting Legacy

As the Smith Law Center marks our 75th anniversary, it is not just a celebration of past achievements but a testament to the resilience of a family firm dedicated to making a lasting impact. With each generation, the torch passes seamlessly, ensuring that the values of compassion, justice, and excellence continue to guide the firm's endeavors.

The current leaders of the Smith Law Center include Stephen M. Smith, with a valuable background in neuroanatomical science that directly informs our handling of brain and spinal cord injury lawsuits.

We remain committed to upholding the principles that have defined the firm from its inception. With an eye on the future, our attorneys embrace new technologies and legal strategies, always with the goal of better serving our clients and advancing the cause of personal injury advocacy.

Contact the Smith Law Center at (757) 244-7000 for help with injuries resulting from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, and other practice areas.


How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Improve Lives?

Personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in improving lives by providing legal representation for individuals who have suffered harm due to the negligence of others.

Here are several ways in which personal injury lawyers contribute to improving lives:

  • Financial Compensation: One of the primary ways personal injury lawyers improve lives is by helping clients obtain fair and just compensation for their losses. This can include funds for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering. Securing financial compensation can alleviate the economic burden caused by an injury, allowing individuals to rebuild their lives.
  • Investigating and Gathering Evidence: Personal injury lawyers conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence that strengthens their clients' cases. This may involve interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical records, and collaborating with experts to establish liability. This diligence contributes to building strong cases and achieving favorable outcomes for their clients.
  • Navigating Complex Legal Processes: Legal proceedings can be complex and daunting for those unfamiliar with the legal system. Personal injury lawyers guide their clients through the intricacies of the legal process, explaining their rights, options, and potential outcomes. This support helps reduce stress and uncertainty, allowing clients to focus on recovery.
  • Restoring Dignity and Empowering Clients: By fighting for justice and securing compensation, personal injury lawyers restore a sense of dignity to their clients. Empowered by legal representation, individuals can assert their rights and hold wrongdoers accountable, fostering a sense of closure and justice.
  • Preventing Future Injuries: Successful personal injury cases can lead to changes in policies, safety protocols, or product design, ultimately preventing similar injuries in the future. By holding negligent parties accountable, personal injury lawyers contribute to creating a safer society for everyone.

Personal injury lawyers like those at the Smith Law Center play a vital role in improving lives by securing life-saving compensation, and advocating for the rights of individuals and families who have experienced harm.

Contact the Smith Law Center

As we raise a collective toast to the Smith Law Center on our 75th anniversary, it's not just a celebration of longevity. This milestone is a recognition of a journey marked by compassion, dedication, and transformative impacts.

From our humble beginnings to our current standing as a legal powerhouse, the Smith Law Center has proven that the pursuit of justice, especially in the realm of brain injury advocacy, is more than just a profession. We’ve embraced a lifelong commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Contact us at (757) 244-7000 if you need proven legal help. Here's to 75 years of unwavering advocacy and to the many more years of justice, compassion, and triumph that lie ahead.

Lawyers at Smith Law Center

About Smith Law Center

Our lawyers are more than lawyers. They are people who understand your injuries and the law that surrounds your options when it comes to holding others accountable.
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Tony Laizure, Principal Laizure Law
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I have had the immense pleasure to work with Stephen M. Smith many times over the years, and every case ends in success for the client. He is so passionate about his clients and cares deeply about them.

Anonymous (Former Client)
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They treat you with respect & compassion every step of the way…

Jonathan Wren
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Great firm. Stephen, David, and their team did a wonderful job representing a brain-injured client I referred to them for hard-fought case against a trucking company in federal court.

Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro
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I have the pleasure of working with the team at the Smith Law Center regularly. They are well rounded, and their commitment to their clients is top notch.

Donna
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… your firm is personally responsible for taking what was a horrible tragedy and transforming it into a legacy…

Joe
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… [Mr. Smith's] style of representation was impeccable, classy, and he cleverly executed every facet of the case …

Nancy
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… I really can’t thank you enough for securing the damages to which I was entitled …

Marybeth
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… I am beyond grateful for their caring manner, their legal prowess, and their attention to detail …

Tom
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Although this card is rather small, the “Thank You” isn’t small at all … You will never know what this money has meant to us. It does not remove the affects of the stroke, but makes things somewhat better …

Tammy & John
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… For such a large firm, we received very personal care. We will always recommend you highly! …

Angelicia S
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I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Gill. He was very professional and made the process worth the while. This law firm cares about their clients and it shows. Thank you all for going over and beyond.

Erin L
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I was very happy with the Smith Law Center. They are professional, attentive and will truly fight for you. The entire office is very nice and communicates throughout the whole process. Mr. Gill is fantastic as well as the paralegals and the other administration team.

Mike S
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David Holt did an excellent job dealing with a largely uncooperative insurance adjuster. He explored all avenues of recovery, their fees were fair and, once settled, payment was prompt. Five stars all the way.

Christin S
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Working with David and Lisa was a wonderful experience. I was overwhelmed by their kindness and efficiency.

Kevin Mottley
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I have had the pleasure of working alongside Stephen Smith, David Holt, and Stewart Gill for several years now, representing traumatic brain injury survivors in fights against insurance companies. These guys are a pleasure to work with and are true trial lawyers who fight for their clients day in and day out in court.

Andy H
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The attorneys and staff at Smith Law Center are great to work with. They care not only about a successful recovery, but ensuring their clients know what options are available for protecting the recovery long-term.

Shaminece H.
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The team and my attorney were so friendly. They were always available to help me or answer my questions, and the process wasn’t long at all. I’m so grateful for the services they gave me and for treating me like family.

Shannon L
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... I have the pleasure of working with the team at the Smith Law Center regularly ... They are well rounded, and their commitment to their clients is top notch.

Andy H
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... The attorneys and staff are great to work with ... They care not only about a successful recovery, but ensuring their clients know what options are available for protecting the recovery long-term.

Jonathan B
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... Mr. Smith helped us get a settlement fast, and things are much better now ...Without Stephen’s help I’d probably be dead and penniless. I am a brain injury survivor. On the 4th of July weekend (in 2004), my life was turned inside out when I was hit on my motorcycle. My brother-in-law was searching for brain injury specialists and happened to find Mr. Smith. And he was a lawyer too! Mr. Smith helped us get a settlement fast, and things are much better now.