Atty. Derek L. Smith

Atty. Derek L. Smith

Derek L. Smith is a lawyer practicing general practice, estate planning, probate and trust administration.

Richmond Richmond 50 yrs experience 50 year
Call (804) 857-0289 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Derek L. Smith at a glance

Derek L. Smith is a Member based in Richmond, Virginia, practicing at Virginia Estate & Trust Law, PLC. They have 50+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1976. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, and estate planning. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1976). Educated at University of Virginia (J.D., 1976) and College of William and Mary (B.A., 1973). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Past Chairman, Board of Governors, Trusts and Estates Section, Virginia State Bar. Serands clients in Richmond, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Derek L. Smith is a lawyer practicing general practice, estate planning, probate and trust administration
  • Derek received a B.A. degree from College of William and Mary in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years
  • Derek practices at Virginia Estate & Trust Law, PLC in Richmond, VA

Practice Areas Explained

Derek L. Smith's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Derek L. Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

Derek L. Smith is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Virginia →

Probate

Derek L. Smith is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Virginia →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Derek L. Smith is one of 226,537 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Virginia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Virginia

Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Richmond are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Richmond or all attorneys in Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Derek L. Smith

Where is Derek L. Smith's law office located?
Derek L. Smith's law practice is located in Richmond, Virginia. The firm is Virginia Estate & Trust Law, PLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Derek L. Smith handle?
Derek L. Smith focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Virginia.
How long has Derek L. Smith practiced law?
Derek L. Smith has 50+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1976.
Where did Derek L. Smith go to law school?
Derek L. Smith earned their education at (J.D., 1976); (B.A., 1973).
How can I contact Derek L. Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Derek L. Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Derek L. Smith received?
Derek L. Smith's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Virginia
- 1976
B.A.
College of William and Mary
- 1973

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Virginia
Admitted: 1976

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