Atty. Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith

Atty. Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith

Mr. Smith’s practice at Ogletree Deakins primarily involves the defense of employers in labor and employment related litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.

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Profile Summary

About Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith at a glance

Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith is a employment attorney based in San Antonio, Texas, practicing at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC. Admitted to practice in Texas, State Bar of Texas. Educated at Southern Methodist University (J.D., 1984) and Southern Methodist University (BA, 1981). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serands clients in San Antonio, TX and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Mr. Smith’s practice at Ogletree Deakins primarily involves the defense of employers in labor and employment related litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies
  • Mr. Smith represents employers in claims involving equal employment opportunity law, unfair labor practices, wage and hour issues, unemployment compensation, wrongful discharge, state law tort and contract claims, occupational safety and health matters as well as class action litigation under the Fair Labor Standards Act
  • Mr. Smith has tried cases involving claims of sex, race, national origin, age and same-sex discrimination, retaliation, workers compensation retaliation, disability discrimination under both the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress claims and covenants not to compete
  • Mr. Smith actively counsels clients on a wide range of daily employment issues including discharge, discipline, discrimination, leave and layoffs
  • Mr. Smith routinely handles appeals in both state and federal appellate courts.Mr
  • Smith speaks frequently on a wide variety of topics at employment related seminars
  • Mr. Smith previously served as a member of the Texas Pattern Jury Charge Committee responsible for drafting state court jury charges for employment cases
  • Mr. Smith is Board Certified, Labor and Employment Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • Mr. Smith has been recognized in the Best Lawyers publication, and has been selected as a Texas Super Lawyer
  • Mr. Smith also serves as a contributing editor to the A.B.A.’s Fair Labor Standards Act treatise

Practice Areas Explained

Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment 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 Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith

Where is Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith's law office located?
Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith's law practice is located in San Antonio, Texas. The firm is Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith handle?
Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith focuses on employment. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Texas.
Where did Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith go to law school?
Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith earned their education at (J.D., 1984); (BA, 1981).
How can I contact Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Lawrence D. "Larry" 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 Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith received?
Lawrence D. "Larry" Smith's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:; Best Lawyers in America — Employment; Best Lawyers in America — Management.

Education

J.D.
Southern Methodist University
- 1984
BA
Southern Methodist University
- 1981

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Texas Super Lawyer (2013)
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management (San Antonio)
- 2025
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management (San Antonio)
- 2023
Lawyer of the Year — Labor Law - Management (San Antonio)
- 2014

Bar Admissions

Texas, State Bar of Texas

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