Darlene Payne Smith
About Darlene Payne Smith
Darlene Payne Smith is a lawyer based in Houston, TX and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2024. Darlene Payne Smith is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Houston, Texas
- Elder Law
- Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Crain Caton & James A Professional Corporation
Education: University of Houston Law Center, J.D., graduated 1987
Location: Houston, TX
It takes just a few minutes to optimize your profile for prospective clients and lawyers ready to refer.
Log in to your account or continue as a guest to view annual subscription pricing.
Nearby Lawyers
David Thrasher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. David, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Sumit K. Arora is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction Law and Litigation - Construction. Sumit K., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sumit K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Philip Dunlap represents clients in mergers and acquisitions transactions across all industries. He counsels private companies, private equity funds and their portfolio companies in connection with strategic investments, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, as well as on general corporate matters. Philip also serves as outside general counsel in matters including finance transactions, employee compensation, commercial contracts and employment agreements. He has represented ...
Richard A. Crow is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Richard A., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Chris has been recognized as a “Leader in the Field” for corporate and M&A law in Texas by Chambers USA. His clients span a wide range of industries including oil and gas exploration, oil field service, private equity, outpatient physical therapy, investment banking, manufacturing and distributing, commercial engineering and architecture, waste management and recycling, apparel, biotech, internet content, internet trading exchanges and computer software, hardware and consultin...
Renesha N. Fountain is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation and Controversy - Tax. Renesha N., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Renesha N. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Charles Getman has more than 38 years of litigation experience representing medium and large business clients in Texas and New York, with particular expertise in sophisticated commercial litigation in federal and state courts and arbitration, with emphasis in major construction failures/disputes, intellectual property, and professional liability. Charles has worked with national, regional, and local property developers, contractors and vendors, professional and amateur sports leagues, teams a...
Christopher C. Wan is an attorney in the Houston office of Cokinos | Young. His practice focuses primarily on resolving complex commercial and industrial construction disputes through litigation and arbitration. Chris’s experience covers a variety of disputes involving refineries, chemical plants, pipelines, water treatment plants, high-rise condominiums, and university buildings, among other commercial and industrial projects. Chris graduated from the South Texas College of Law, where ...
John G. Absher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Real Estate Law. John G., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Peter C. Blomquist is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Peter C., who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Peter C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
What AI Visibility Means for Lawyers
by Josh Rupall and Bryan Driscoll
AI tools increasingly interpret lawyers public information. Clear, consistent and credible sources help ensure they describe legal expertise accurately.
Recognizing Legal Leaders: The 2027 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan and Singapore
by Jamilla Tabbara
Market drivers, diversity trends and the elite practitioners shaping the legal landscape.
Musk v. Altman: The Lawyers Behind the Case
by Jamilla Tabbara
Meet the Trial Lawyers Shaping One of AI's Biggest Legal Disputes.
Can You Go to Jail at an Arraignment?
by Bryan Driscoll
Understanding What Happens at Your First Court Appearance.
Announcing the 2027 Best Lawyers Awards: Austria, Germany and Switzerland
by Jamilla Tabbara
Celebrating the legal professionals throughout Central Europe.
The Legal Teams Behind the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni Settlement
by Grace Greer
A closer look at the legal teams and attorneys involved in the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni litigation and its resolution.
The Best Lawyers in France 2027: Peer-Reviewed Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Seventeen editions of peer trust, a growing profession and a dynamic legal market.
2027 Best Lawyers Awards: Honoring Excellence in the Legal Profession
by Jamilla Tabbara
Recognizing the outstanding attorneys leading top practice areas nationwide.