Irby, Dale Edward

Mr. Smith spent the first twenty years of his practice defending insurance carriers and corporations.  In 2006, Johnny Ward decided to expand his practice which, at the time, was focused primarily on patent litigation.  Recognizing the abilities and talents of Mr. Smith through their years of working against one another in various cases, Mr. Ward decided he would prefer to have Mr. Smith working with him rather than against him.  Looking to develop a complex litigation/commercial litigation presence, the Law Offices of T. John Ward, Jr. became Ward & Smith and the two together expanded the firm’s practice and identity.

There are many lawyers who claim to be “trial lawyers,” but few of them truly have trial experience.  Since 1986, Mr. Smith has tried in excess of 50 cases to verdict.  Most of those cases were tried while Mr. Smith was working for insurance carriers and corporations.  He was highly successful in those cases, many resulting in complete defense verdicts for his client.  This success has continued with Ward & Smith as Mr. Smith has continued to try cases for the firm’s clients with great success.  In 1992, Mr. Smith became board certified in personal injury trial law.  In order to qualify to become board certified, a lawyer is required to have a minimum of 5 years of legal experience with a required number of actual trials.  Mr. Smith qualified to sit for the board certification examination immediately upon completion of his 5^th year of practice and passed the written examination at the first opportunity offered by the State Bar upon being qualified to sit for the examination.  He has been re-certified in 1997, 2002 and 2007.  The distinction of board certification in personal injury trial law is held by fewer than 3% of licensed attorneys.  Mr. Smith was further recognized and selected by his peers to the Texas Super Lawyers list in 2008,  2009 and 2010, and he maintains an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell.  Ward & Smith is qualified to handle all of your litigation needs, big or small.  If you are in need of a trial attorney, you should take advantage of the unique skills and perspectives of Bruce Smith and the attorneys of the Ward & Smith Law Firm.