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Claude S. Smith III
Pro

Claude S. Smith III

4.7
10 reviews

805 Bigley Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302

Criminal Defense, Family Law, Charitable Planning and 9 more

About Claude S. Smith III

Claude S. Smith, III, a seasoned attorney with over 30 years of experience, serves clients throughout West Virginia and Charleston in estate planning matters. Dedicated to building genuine connections, Claude approaches law as more than a profession—he values listening to his clients’ concerns and guiding them through complex legal issues. Recognizing that many clients feel anxious or uncertain about engaging with the legal system, Claude prioritizes personalized service and takes the time to meet directly with each client, ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout the process. He is committed to addressing each client’s unique needs, welcoming questions, and providing consistent updates as their cases progress. Claude’s approach aims to ease the common stress and apprehension that come with legal challenges, empowering clients to find the right solutions with confidence.

 

Claude S. Smith III (Charleston, West Virginia) View website

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Claude S. Smith III got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Claude S.

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Overall Rating
4.7
See All Reviews
10
Lawyers.com
Not yet reviewed
5.0
Martindale
8
3.5
Avvo
2

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law
  • Trusts and Estates 1
    • Asset Protection
  • Elder Law
  • Military Law 1
    • Veterans Benefits
  • Other 8
    • Criminal Defense
    • Charitable Planning
    • Fundamental Estate Planning
    • Probate and Estate Administration
    • Estate Tax Planning
    • Business Succession Planning
    • Special Needs Estate Planning
    • Medicaid Crisis Planning

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1992, West Virginia
    1992, U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia
    1995, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Houston
    Class of 1989
    J.D.
    Other Education
    West Virginia University
    Class of 1985
    B.S.

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Claude S. Smith, III was admitted in 1992 to the State of West Virginia.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Claude S. Smith, III is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Claude S. Smith, III attended University of Houston.

Attorney information displayed in this FAQ section is based upon information the lawyer has included on their profile, in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals.

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• Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

• Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

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