Who is D. Todd Smith?
I tackle critical legal issues for Texas trial lawyers and enhance their odds of success at every stage of litigation.
After two stints in BigLaw—and 15 years of running my own firm in-between—I recently founded Texas Appellate Counsel PLLC, a solo practice dedicated to appellate advocacy, trial support, and strategic consulting for trial lawyers.
I'm an early adopter who enjoys doing things differently. When opening my previous firm, I started the first blog dedicated to Texas appellate practice and quickly learned how to become more efficient through legal technology. In 2020, I launched a podcast that demystifies appellate law and offers an insider’s view of the appellate system through discussions with judges, court staff, and top trial and appellate practitioners. These tech-driven projects have expanded my network, broadened my perspective, and enhanced the skills I apply to my craft.
Briefing and arguing cases on appeal are integral components of any appellate practice. Mine is no different. But the foundation for a successful appeal is often laid long before then. That's why I focus on helping trial lawyers avoid appellate pitfalls from the earliest stages of litigation.
What’s this Substack about?
I write about the intersection of civil trial practice and appellate law, with a focus on the Texas Supreme Court, procedural issues, legal technology, the practice of law, and topics covered on my podcast.
Do I have to pay for your content?
I expect most of my content to be available with a free subscription. I will evaluate whether I can provide sufficient value to warrant offering paid subscriptions.
