Atty. John R. Heard

Atty. John R. Heard

John R. Heard received his B.A. with honors from the University of Texas in 1971, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin Law School with honors in 1975.

San Antonio San Antonio 51 yrs experience 51 year
Call (726) 240-5375 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About John R. Heard at a glance

John R. Heard is a Partner based in San Antonio, Texas, practicing at Heard & Smith, LLP. They have 51+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1975. Their practice focuses on ssd, securities, and appellate. Admitted to practice in Texas U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit U.S. District Court Court, Western Dis (1975). Educated at University of Texas (J.D., 1975) and University of Texas (B.A., 1971). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of San Antonio and American. Provides legal services in Spanish. Serands clients in San Antonio, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • John R. Heard received his B.A. with honors from the University of Texas in 1971, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin Law School with honors in 1975
  • In Law School, Mr. Heard was on the Law Review, and also served as a Teaching Quizmaster
  • After serving as law clerk for a United States District Court Judge, he began his own law practice in San Antonio in 1976
  • Mr. Heard is a frequent lecturer at legal seminars addressing social security issues
  • He has successfully represented Social Security claimants for over 30 years
  • Mr. Heard is the Past President of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives and is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • He is licensed to practice in all Texas Courts, the Federal Courts of the Eastern, Western and Southern Districts of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Court of Veterans Appeals
  • He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States in 2001
  • He is a maintaining member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, and is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation

Practice Areas Explained

John R. Heard's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John R. Heard handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Social Security Disability

SSDI and SSI attorneys for disability claims, denied benefits, and Social Security appeals.

John R. Heard is one of 26,532 ssd attorneys indexed nationally. Browse ssd attorneys in Texas →

Securities Law

John R. Heard is one of 64,529 securities attorneys indexed nationally. Browse securities attorneys in Texas →

Appellate Practice

Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.

John R. Heard is one of 86,319 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Texas →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Texas

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

Looking for additional Texas attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Antonio or all attorneys in Texas.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John R. Heard

Where is John R. Heard's law office located?
John R. Heard's law practice is located in San Antonio, Texas. The firm is Heard & Smith, LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John R. Heard handle?
John R. Heard focuses on ssd, securities, appellate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Texas.
How long has John R. Heard practiced law?
John R. Heard has 51+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1975.
What languages does John R. Heard speak?
John R. Heard provides legal services in Spanish. Bilingual representation can be especially important when contracts, testimony, or court filings require accurate translation.
Where did John R. Heard go to law school?
John R. Heard earned their education at (J.D., 1975); (B.A., 1971).
How can I contact John R. Heard for a consultation?
You can contact John R. Heard 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 John R. Heard received?
John R. Heard's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
University of Texas
- 1975
B.A.
University of Texas
- 1971

Languages

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Texas U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit U.S. District Court Court, Western Dis
Admitted: 1975

Reviews

4.3
11 Review
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
These reviews belong to platform users; they do not constitute advertisement or promotion for the attorney. Opinions are published for informational purposes only.

No reviews yet.