Practice areas: Family Law, Criminal Defense, Appellate; view more
Licensed in Louisiana since: 2009
Education: Southern University Law Center
At D. Smith Legal, L.L.C., located in Lafayette, Louisiana, Dwazendra J. Smith handles various legal areas, including family law, criminal defense, appellate cases, estate planning and probate, and personal injury, with a focus on representing plaintiffs. She is deeply committed to believing that everyone deserves fair access to the legal system and strong representation regardless of financial status.
Ms. Smith is licensed to practice law in both Louisiana and Texas and is authorized to practice in all federal courts in Louisiana. Her legal career was inspired by her studies at Southern University Law Center, from which she graduated in 2009. The same year, she passed the bar exam and began legal practice.
Throughout her career, Ms. Smith has demonstrated significant dedication to community service, contributing over 600 hours of pro bono legal services and handling more than 84 cases at no cost through Lafayette Volunteer Lawyers (LVL). Her commitment, spanning over a decade, underscores her belief in justice and legal access for all. She is a lawyer who not only has exceptional professional skills but also a profound commitment to the individuals she serves – real people facing real challenges.
Ms. Smith stands as a paragon of dedication, fiercely championing her clients through every challenge they encounter. She navigates them through their toughest times with skillful legal guidance and a comforting presence. Celebrated by colleagues, she upholds a sterling, client-focused practice that prioritizes individualized care, unwavering attention to detail and a passionate drive to resolve legal issues.
Practice areas
Family Law, Criminal Defense, Appellate, Estate Planning & Probate, Personal Injury - General: PlaintiffFocus areas
Adoption, Alimony & Spousal Support, Animal Bites, Appeals, Arrest & Arraignment, Assault, Assault & Battery, Brain Injury, Child Support, Construction Accident, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Custody & Visitation, Debt, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Dram Shop Laws, Drug & Alcohol Violations, Estate Planning, Expungement, Failure to Pay Child Support, False Accusations, Father's Rights, Felony, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Law, Living Wills, Marital Property, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Name Change, Overdrawn Bank Account, Parole, Paternity, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Power of Attorney, Premises Liability - Plaintiff, Prenuptial Agreements, Probate & Estate Administration, Probation, Prosecution, Same Sex Family Law, Sex Offenses, Sexual Abuse - Plaintiff, Slip and Fall, Tax Evasion, Theft, Toxic Mold, Traffic Violations, Trucking Accidents, Trusts, Wills, Wrongful Death
- 50% Family Law
- 20% Criminal Defense
- 10% Appellate
- 10% Estate Planning & Probate
- 10% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 2009, Louisiana
Bar / Professional Activity
- Louisiana
- Texas
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2024 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2017 - 2019