Dean Smith is a dedicated advocate whose practice spans commercial litigation, bankruptcy litigation, business disputes, and a broad range of general litigation matters across diverse industries throughout Texas. He represents businesses, individuals, and financial institutions in complex disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, deceptive trade practices, business torts, creditors’ rights, and loan-related conflicts.

Dean has a proven record of success in both state and federal courts, including bankruptcy courts, as well as arbitration. He has secured favorable outcomes for clients through trial verdicts on both the plaintiff and defense sides, as well as through dispositive motion practice. Dean routinely obtains early dismissals and summary judgments, and leverages that track record to resolve disputes efficiently through strategic negotiation.

Recognized for his professional excellence, Dean was named to Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch (2025) for Commercial Litigation and was selected as a member of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL) Leadership Class of 2025.

Practice Areas

  Civil Trials

  Creditors’ Rights

  Professional Liability

  Trade Secrets & Employee Mobility

  • Texas, 2021
  • US District Courts for Northern, Southern, Western, and Eastern District
  • Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, JD (2021)
    • Articles Editor, International Law Review
    • Dean’s Scholarship Recipient
  • Achieved complete success in numerous trials, obtaining rulings 100% in favor of clients
  • Secured dismissal within the first five weeks of litigation via a Rule 91a Motion to Dismiss in a multi-party breach of contract lawsuit seeking more than $2 million from client, and obtained an award of attorneys’ fees
  • Obtained dismissal of all claims, including fraud, negligence, and breach of contract, in a construction dispute involving alleged damages exceeding $2 million
  • Obtained an order striking opposing parties’ pleadings in an adversary proceeding involving a complex partnership and ownership dispute exceeding $750,000
  • Represented national and regional companies in complex commercial litigation matters across state, federal, and bankruptcy courts
  • Represented Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees in contested matters and adversary proceedings
  • Represented commercial landlords in lease disputes and forcible detainer actions across Texas
  • Defended insurance companies in premises liability and commercial litigation matters
  • 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Commercial Litigation
  • Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL) Leadership Class of 2025