Bruce A. Smith

Mr. Smith spent the first twenty years of his practice defending insurance carriers and corporations. In 2006, Johnny Ward decided to expand his practice which, at the time, was focused primarily on patent litigation. Looking to develop a complex litigation/commercial litigation presence, the Law Offices of T. John Ward, Jr. became Ward & Smith and the two together expanded the firm’s practice and identity. There are many lawyers who claim to be “trial lawyers,” but few of them truly have trial experience. Since 1986, Mr. Smith has tried in excess of 50 cases to verdict. Most of those cases were tried while Mr. Smith was working for insurance carriers and corporations. He was highly successful in those cases, many resulting in complete defense verdicts for his client. This success has continued with Ward & Smith as Mr. Smith has continued to try cases for the firm’s clients with great success. In 1992, Mr. Smith became board certified in personal injury trial law. In order to qualify to become board certified, a lawyer is required to have a minimum of 5 years of legal experience with a required number of actual trials. Mr. Smith qualified to sit for the board certification examination immediately upon completion of his 5th year of practice and passed the written examination at the first opportunity offered by the State Bar upon being qualified to sit for the examination. He has been re-certified in 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012. The distinction of board certification in personal injury trial law is held by fewer than 3% of licensed attorneys. Mr. Smith was further recognized and selected by his peers to the Texas Super Lawyers list in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013, and he maintains an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Ward & Smith is qualified to handle all of your litigation needs, big or small. If you are in need of a trial attorney, you should take advantage of the unique skills and perspectives of Bruce Smith and the attorneys of the Ward & Smith Law Firm. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Bruce A. Smith included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors AV Rated Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates Other Sources of Feedback About Bruce A. Smith Included on the 2026Texas Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Texas Super Lawyers list 2024 Texas Super Lawyers list 2023 Texas Super Lawyers list 2022 Texas Super Lawyers list 2021 Texas Super Lawyers list 2020 Texas Super Lawyers list 2019 Texas Super Lawyers list 2018 Texas Super Lawyers list 2014 Texas Super Lawyers list 2013 Texas Super Lawyers list 2010 Texas Super Lawyers list 2009 Texas Super Lawyers list 2008 Texas Super Lawyers list

• Light v. Centel Cellular
• Citation: 883 SW 2d 642
• Court: Tx. Sup. Ct.
• Year: 1994
• Serial Number: 1994122078
• Likes v. City of Tyler
• Citation: 962 SW 2d 489
• Year: 1997
• Serial Number: 1997241557

• Texas, 1986
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas, 1987
• U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 1992
• U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 1987
• U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1990
• Specialties and Certifications
• Personal Injury Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1992

• Gregg County Bar Association, 1992 (President)
• Texas Trial Lawyers Association
• Northeast Texas Bar Association
• Eastern District of Texas Bar Association
• Fraternities and Sororities
• Phi Delta Theta