Atty. Claude S. Smith III

Atty. 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.

Charleston Charleston 34 yrs experience 34 year
Call (681) 781-4027 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Claude S. Smith III at a glance

Claude S. Smith III is a Member based in Charleston, West Virginia, practicing at The Law Offices of Claude S. Smith, III. They have 34+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1992. Their practice focuses on probate, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and business. Admitted to practice in West Virginia (1992), U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia (1992), and U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (1995). Educated at University of Houston (J.D., 1989) and West Virginia University (B.S., 1985). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Charleston, WV and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • 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

Practice Areas Explained

Claude S. Smith III's Areas of Practice

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

Probate

Claude S. Smith III is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in West Virginia →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Claude S. Smith III is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in West Virginia →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Claude S. Smith III is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in West 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.

Claude S. Smith III is one of 226,536 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in West Virginia →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Claude S. Smith III is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in West Virginia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in West Virginia

Practicing law in West Virginia. Legal matters in West Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Charleston are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate West Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in West 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 West Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional West Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Charleston or all attorneys in West Virginia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Claude S. Smith III

Where is Claude S. Smith III's law office located?
Claude S. Smith III's law practice is located in Charleston, West Virginia. The firm is The Law Offices of Claude S. Smith, III. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Claude S. Smith III handle?
Claude S. Smith III focuses on probate, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in West Virginia.
How long has Claude S. Smith III practiced law?
Claude S. Smith III has 34+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1992.
Where did Claude S. Smith III go to law school?
Claude S. Smith III earned their education at (J.D., 1989); (B.S., 1985).
How can I contact Claude S. Smith III for a consultation?
You can contact Claude S. Smith III 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 Claude S. Smith III received?
Claude S. Smith III's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Houston
- 1989
B.S.
West Virginia University
- 1985

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

West Virginia
Admitted: 1992
U.S. District Court, Southern District of West Virginia
Admitted: 1992
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
Admitted: 1995

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