James E. "Jim" Smith
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1995 About James E. Smith
James E. Smith is a lawyer based in Houston, TX and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 1995. James E. Smith is recognized in the following practice area:
- Houston, Texas
- Environmental Law
Current Firm: Crain Caton & James A Professional Corporation
Education: The University of Texas, J.D., graduated 1982
Location: Houston, TX
Nearby Lawyers
Walter Lynch is a name partner at Houston’s Jordan, Lynch & Cancienne. He is a seasoned trial lawyer whose experience includes a wide range of matters, including intellectual property, medical issues, personal injury and complex commercial litigation. Mr. Lynch’s previous work as a management consultant is one of the reasons he is able to understand complex matters quickly and effectively identify issues, arguments and opportunities for his clients. Mr. Lynch has tried cases i...
Meredith M. Bates is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law and Real Estate Law. Meredith M. practices law in League City, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Meredith M. Bates since 2016. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Meredith M. Bates is held by other lawyers.
Jonathan K. Frels is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Public Finance Law. Jonathan K. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Jonathan K. Frels since 2013. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jonathan K. Frels is held by other lawyers.
Brian T. Coolidge is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Brian T. practices law in Houston, Texas Best Lawyers has recognized Brian T. Coolidge since 2022. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Brian T. Coolidge is held by other lawyers.
David J. Beck is consistently recognized as one of our country’s best trial lawyers. This recognition has grown from the consistent results he has achieved for his clients in his more than forty years of practice. From the smallest disputes to the billion dollar cases, David understands the importance of each case to his client, and he approaches each with the same intensity and integrity that has served him - and his clients - so well for so long. For David Beck, every case is a story ...
Allan Bullwinkel’s practice focuses on patent litigation related to computer and electrical engineering technologies in federal district courts and inter partes review at the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board. He also handles cases involving patent-related antitrust litigation and IP-related appeals before the Federal Circuit. With an engineering degree and many years of prior work experience as an engineer, Mr. Bullwinkel brings a robust understanding of technical issues and an abilit...
Her response is immediate. When you ask Courtney Ervin to describe herself as a lawyer, she says, “I’m a problem-solver.” While she is one of the top up-and-coming trial lawyers in Texas, she also finds immense satisfaction using her business acumen to defuse disputes early, when possible. “Look, I welcome a good fight,” says Ervin. “That’s an essential part of a trial lawyer’s DNA. However, I never forget that my clients call me when they have ...
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.
The Best Lawyers in Canada 2027: Recognizing the Nation's Top Legal Talent
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring established leaders and rising practitioners across Canada's legal profession.
2027 Best Lawyers Awards: Honoring Excellence in the Legal Profession
by Jamilla Tabbara
Recognizing the outstanding attorneys leading top practice areas nationwide.
Musk v. Altman: The Lawyers Behind the Case
by Jamilla Tabbara
Meet the Trial Lawyers Shaping One of AI's Biggest Legal Disputes.
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.
What Is a Quitclaim Deed? Uses, Risks and When to Get Help
by Bryan Driscoll
A quitclaim deed can be one of the fastest ways to transfer property but knowing when it's the right tool and when it isn't, can save you from serious legal and financial headaches down the road.
