Atty. William F. Smith
Bill Smith is a recognized and respected member of the legal community in Rockland County and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the lower Hudson Valley. He was raised and educated in Rockland, and today this is where he chooses to live and practice law, as he has done for over 30 years.
Profile Summary
About William F. Smith at a glance
William F. Smith is a Member based in Bardonia, New York, practicing at The Law Office of William F. Smith, Esq.. They have 41+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1985. Their practice focuses on wills, trusts, probate, estate planning, and poa. Admitted to practice in New York (1985), U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (1988), and U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York (1988). Educated at Brooklyn Law School (J.D., 1984) and New York University (B.A., 1981). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys New York State Bar Association. Serands clients in Bardonia, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Bill Smith is a recognized and respected member of the legal community in Rockland County and the greater New York metropolitan area, including the lower Hudson Valley
- He was raised and educated in Rockland, and today this is where he chooses to live and practice law, as he has done for over 30 years
- Bill is rated “AV Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, the nationally recognized directory of legal professionals, with the highest possible rating for an attorney for ethical standards and legal ability
- Bill has effectively guided many individuals and families through the administration of estates, from initial court proceedings through final distributions to beneficiaries, in hundreds of estates
- He has also successfully advocated and litigated contested probate, administration and trust matters for fiduciaries and beneficiaries for modest sized and multi-million dollar estates
- Bill’s legal career spans numerous aspects of the law
- After graduating from New York University and Brooklyn Law School, he served as a prosecutor in the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office
- Here he rose to the rank of Senior Assistant District Attorney and served as chief prosecutor of white collar, probate, business, public benefits violations, as well as criminal appeals and pursuing forfeiture of wrongfully obtained assets
- This experience has served him well
- Today, Bill operates the private legal practice—The Law Office of William F. Smith, Esq.—in Bardonia, New York
- Bill and his colleague Rick Pakola and their staff focus on the areas of Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Elder Law, Estate & Trust Litigation (including Will contests), Guardianships and Special Needs Planning
- Bill has lectured in law at the college level and in legal seminars for law professionals and senior citizens, has been a legal expert guest on radio programs and is a sought-after speaker on these and other related topics
- In addition to his law practice, Bill also serves as Associate Village Justice for the Village of Chestnut Ridge, New York
- Bill has successfully litigated many contested estate proceedings, including Will contests, disputed accountings, appointment or removal of fiduciaries and those who have wrongfully obtained assets from the elderly and from estates
- Many of his cases are referred to him by attorneys, accountants, financial experts and significantly, by satisfied clients
- Bill has a strong ability to listen, and takes great pride in taking the time to explain the complexities of the law in a way that makes sense
- Meetings with Bill are unhurried, informative conversations
- It is this personable manner, combined with a rich tapestry of experience that makes Bill a valued advisor and strong advocate when dealing with the important and ever-shifting issues surrounding the preservation of property, generational transfer of wealth and/or recovery of assets belonging to an estate or beneficiary
Practice Areas Explained
William F. Smith's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William F. Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
William F. Smith is one of 34,541 wills attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wills attorneys in New York →
William F. Smith is one of 104,172 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in New York →
William F. Smith is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in New York →
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
William F. Smith is one of 226,537 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in New York →
William F. Smith is one of 33,188 poa attorneys indexed nationally. Browse poa attorneys in New York →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in New York
Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Bardonia are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York 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 New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional New York attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Bardonia or all attorneys in New York.
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