Atty. Michael Howard Smith

Atty. Michael Howard Smith

Michael Howard Smith is a lawyer practicing philanthropy, private foundations and charitable organizations, family business succession planning and 15 other areas of law. Michael received a degree from LLM Taxation, and has been licensed for 49 years.

Denver Denver 49 yrs experience 49 year
Call (303) 531-8927 Book Appointment

Family Business Succession Planning & More Attorney · Serving Denver, CO · 49+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Michael Howard Smith at a Glance

Michael Howard Smith is a Director based in Denver, Colorado, practicing at Fairfield and Woods, P.C.. They have 49+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1977. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, family law, estate planning, and business. Admitted to practice in Wyoming (Inactive) (1977), New Mexico (Inactive) (1985), and Colorado (1993). Educated at University of Wyoming (J.D. Business, 1977) and LLM Taxation (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Arapahoe County Bar Association Denver Bar Association. Serves clients in Denver, CO and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Michael Howard Smith

  • Michael Howard Smith is a lawyer practicing philanthropy, private foundations and charitable organizations, family business succession planning and 15 other areas of law
  • Michael received a degree from LLM Taxation, and has been licensed for 49 years
  • Michael practices at Fairfield and Woods, P.C. in Denver, CO

Practice Areas Explained

Michael Howard Smith's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Howard Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Denver.

Trusts in Denver

Michael Howard Smith is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Colorado →

Probate in Denver

Michael Howard Smith is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Colorado →

Family Law in Denver

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

Michael Howard Smith is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Colorado →

Estate Planning & Probate in Denver

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

Michael Howard Smith is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Colorado →

Business & Corporate Law in Denver

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

Michael Howard Smith is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Colorado →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Denver

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

Denver Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Denver-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional Colorado attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Denver or all attorneys in Colorado.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Michael Howard Smith

Where is Michael Howard Smith's law office located?
Michael Howard Smith's law practice is located in Denver, Colorado. The firm is Fairfield and Woods, P.C.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael Howard Smith handle?
Michael Howard Smith focuses on trusts, probate, family law, estate planning, business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Colorado.
How long has Michael Howard Smith practiced law?
Michael Howard Smith has 49+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1977.
Where did Michael Howard Smith go to law school?
Michael Howard Smith earned their education at (J.D. Business, 1977); (—).
How can I contact Michael Howard Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Michael Howard 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 Michael Howard Smith received?
Michael Howard Smith's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Denver Choose Michael Howard Smith

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael Howard Smith's practice in the field of trusts, probate, family law, estate planning, and business.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Michael Howard Smith brings 49+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Wyoming (Inactive), New Mexico (Inactive), and Colorado, Michael Howard Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering trusts, probate, and family law, Michael Howard Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Denver

A Denver-based practice means Michael Howard Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Michael Howard Smith Handles in Denver

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Howard Smith has experience with under Colorado law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Divorce and property division
Family Law
Child custody and support
Family Law
Spousal support (alimony)
Family Law
Prenuptial agreements
Family Law
Last wills and testaments
Estate Planning
Revocable living trusts
Estate Planning
Powers of attorney
Estate Planning
Probate proceedings
Estate Planning
Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael Howard Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Michael Howard Smith Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Denver commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Michael Howard Smith.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Michael Howard Smith directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D. Business
University of Wyoming
- 1977
—
LLM Taxation
- In Progress

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Wyoming (Inactive)
Admitted: 1977
New Mexico (Inactive)
Admitted: 1985
Colorado
Admitted: 1993

Client Reviews & Ratings — Michael Howard Smith

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