Tommy Smith has always recognized that a successful litigator achieves the client’s goals in a cost-effective and timely fashion while keeping the client both informed and in control. For the past thirty-seven years Tommy’s aggressive, analytical, and flexible approach to litigation has led to the attainment of those goals in close to one hundred jury, bench, and administrative trials and arbitrations, as well as appeals. In addition to successfully trying cases, Tommy knows when to guide a client toward a resolution that minimizes the risks inherent in litigation, such as settlement, arbitration, or mediation.
Focused on efficient, economic dispute resolution, Tommy realizes that litigation is frequently not the best or only path to the best possible results. As an experienced litigator and certified mediator, Tommy understands that the opportunity for parties to air their grievances often sets the stage for an acceptable compromise that addresses the interests of all parties. However, the assistance of an experienced litigator who has negotiated many hundreds of settlements often proves indispensable. Tommy has worked with clients to implement and utilize arbitration programs applicable to claims asserted by their employees and other contractors.
As a former New Orleans police officer, Tommy appreciates the importance of having a long-term strategy and adapting tactics to the often-changing positions of opponents. His analysis and precision have helped obtain successful verdicts, dismissals, and settlements for clients, including international drilling companies, oilfield service providers, pipeline transportation and energy storage companies, regional oil and gas exploration firms, one of the world’s largest platform and rig companies, nursing home and long-term care providers, as well as their underwriters and other insurance companies.
Tommy has earned an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the directory’s highest rating for attorneys. He has been a speaker at seminars for the Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, claims handling and investigation, and employment practices. Tommy is a member of the Texas and Louisiana state bar associations, and the Louisiana and Texas Associations of Defense Counsel. Tommy has also been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Admiralty and Maritime Law since 2019.
Awards & Recognitions
•The Best Lawyers in America - Admiralty and Maritime Law, Litigation - Insurance, 2026
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Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
