Thomas E. Smith, Esq.
Thomas Smith is the founder and owner of Thomas Smith Law Firm in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His practice spans business and transactional work, trust and estate planning, and tax planning, with a special focus on serving families with loved ones who have disabilities.
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Henderson State University, a Juris Doctor (High Honors) from the William H. Bowen School of Law, and an LL.M. in Elder Law and Special Needs Law from Stetson University. He is currently pursuing an LL.M. in Taxation at Villanova University.
Although business law remains a large part of his work, Thomas’s practice has increasingly centered on special needs planning. As the parent of a child with a disability, he brings both professional skill and personal understanding to his clients’ concerns. He is known for taking a long-term, relationship-based approach to planning and believes that each estate plan should evolve alongside a family’s needs. “It’s meaningful work,” he explains. “You meet the family, you build a plan together, and you leave knowing you’ve helped take care of someone they love.”
Thomas joined the Special Needs Alliance in 2020 and credits the organization with providing education, mentorship, and a professional community deeply committed to serving families with disabilities. Through his involvement in the Public Policy Committee, he has contributed to legislative efforts in Arkansas that strengthen support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
As a member of the Special Needs Alliance Board of Directors, Thomas is focused on ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability — helping it maintain its high standards while encouraging new attorneys to enter and grow in the field. “This work matters too much not to,” he says.
Thomas is a member of the Arkansas Bar Association, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and the Oaklawn Rotary Club, where he serves as president-elect. He also serves on the boards of Lakeside School, First Step, Inc., and The Center for Exceptional Families, and is a member of the Arkansas Legislature Autism Awareness Committee.
When he’s not working, Thomas enjoys life in Hot Springs with his wife and son, spending time on his antique boat on Lake Hamilton and giving back through community service.