Reviews

Take it from a professor--someone who deals with ratings (mostly positive but some negative)--on a regular basis...people are far more likely to post negative reviews than positive ones. When we're satisfied, we don't think to go online and write positive reviews, but when we're upset, boy do we love going on social media and blasting teachers, businesses, etc. Such is the case, I think, with a couple of the reviews of the Smith Alston law firm. Frankly, I believe most people who are unhappy with attorneys, go in with expectations that are unrealistic. This was the first time I have ever hired and worked with an attorney and law firm, so I went into this endeavor completely unprepared for the process. Though I admit to moments of frustration as the months passed and my case didn't seem close to concluding, what I learned is that the relatively slow nature of accident lawsuits is more the nature of the business than the attorney not actively working the case. It's not the attorney's fault the other lady's insurance company wouldn't send the settlement check until the judge's order. It's not the attorney's fault that peoples' injuries need to heal before he can start negotiating with medical providers. The wheels of justice turn slowly, as they say, and frankly, that's just the nature of the business. I was fortunate enough to work with JD Darner, an associate at the firm. JD was always honest, respectful, and thorough in his responses to me. The few times we lost contact were due to technical and personal issues beyond his control. Attorneys are people too, so too are nurses and doctors and teachers--all members of society who are expected to be infallible all the time. JD worked very hard to negotiate with the medical providers and the insurance companies, and I have to admit that ultimately, our settlement was twice as much as I was originally expecting. I can tell you from personal experience that the attorneys at Smith Alston are honest, hard-working, ethical men and women who care about their clients and work hard for them. I doubt there's an attorney in existence who answers every call and responds to emails within seconds. If those are your expectations, then you won't be satisfied with any law firm. Finally, in reference to a previous reviewer, I have met the mysterious "Liz," and I can tell you that she is friendly, attentive, answered all of my phone calls, and responded to my emails within minutes. This was my experience, and if I ever needed an accident attorney again, I would give JD and Smith Alston a call without hesitation.

We are so glad that we turned to Smith Alston after our car was totaled. They dealt with the insurance company and helped us out so much!

Great Firm

If I could give this firm ZERO stars I would....I agree with Mad Customer's post 100%. This company lives up to the standards of back alley attorneys, sadly he was a referral and the attorney that sent me to this man will get his review as well! We met with Ken Smith regarding a bodily injury case, His words: "I will take care of your daughter like my own" Hind sight, we should've ran like hell! NEVER saw or talked to him again, 2 years later and one week before statues of limitations are up I get a letter from the firm withdrawing from representation, signed by Ken! I guess he's great with his little rubber stamp! I Dealt with "many other" no face names in that office (kind of) never with him! IMO the entire firm and staff is a absolute JOKE! Avoid them at all costs, just like they do your calls, emails and random walk in visits!! They have a high turnover in their office....I wonder why?? Maybe if I was a immigrant desperate for citizenship throwing all my hard earned blood money at him I would've had the office staff putting on a dog and pony show for me with the Ring Leader Ken!

Once they accept your case, you never can reach anyone after that. Horrible communication. Every time I would call, and at one point it was 3-4 days in a row and " Liz" is never available or in office. I would dread calling for an update, since they would never call and give me an update I would have to spend 2-3 days calling and leaving messages. FYI "Liz" never returns her calls. I would try her voicemail for 2-3 days then insist on leaving message with lawyer. Then a day later I would receive a call back. The attorneys are helpful and good at their job. But the communication sucks and in a situation like this at least weekly updates would be great seeing they take 1/3 of what you get before any expenses. AT LEAST HAVE SOMEONE AVAILABLE TO TALK AND NOT THE MYSTERIOUS "LIZ". I spoke with her once and she was rude so maybe its better she don't answer the phone, but lets get someone in her place to communicate.