Atty. Wayne A. Smith
Wayne’s areas of practice are federal and state income and estate taxation; real estate (including 1031 exchange and reverse exchange); partnership, corporation and limited liability company formation and compliance; business planning; estate planning; agricultural compliance with federal and state programs; and water law. He began his legal career as associate counsel for the Department of Treasury, where he tried civil tax cases.
Real Estate Law Attorney · Serving Phoenix, AZ · 57+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Wayne A. Smith at a Glance
Wayne A. Smith is a real estate attorney based in Phoenix, Arizona, practicing at Gallagher & Kennedy PA. They have 57+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1969. Admitted to practice in New Mexico (1969) and Arizona (1972). Educated at University of Missouri – Kansas City (—, 1971) and University of New Mexico (J.D., 1969). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Agriculture Law (2026). Serves clients in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Wayne A. Smith
- Wayne’s areas of practice are federal and state income and estate taxation
- real estate (including 1031 exchange and reverse exchange)
- partnership, corporation and limited liability company formation and compliance
- business planning
- estate planning
- agricultural compliance with federal and state programs
- and water law
- He began his legal career as associate counsel for the Department of Treasury, where he tried civil tax cases
Practice Areas Explained
Wayne A. Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Wayne A. Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Phoenix.
Real Estate Law in Phoenix
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Wayne A. Smith is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Arizona →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Phoenix
Practicing law in Arizona. Legal matters in Arizona are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Phoenix are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Arizona state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Arizona 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 Arizona courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Phoenix Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Phoenix-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 Arizona attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Phoenix or all attorneys in Arizona.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Phoenix Choose Wayne A. 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 Wayne A. Smith's practice in the field of real estate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Wayne A. Smith brings 57+ 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 New Mexico and Arizona, Wayne A. Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Focused Real Estate Practice
Concentrating on real estate means Wayne A. Smith's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Phoenix
A Phoenix-based practice means Wayne A. 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 Wayne A. Smith Handles in Phoenix
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Wayne A. Smith has experience with under Arizona law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Wayne A. Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Wayne A. Smith Online
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Wayne A. Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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