Advocating for clients at the appellate level requires a firm understanding of the law, the Rules of Evidence and the Rules of Civil and Appellate Procedure. We have it. Our attorneys have argued cases on appeal to the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court, the Pennsylvania Superior Court and even the Pennsylvania Supreme Court; and they’ve taken appeals from the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (the court of appeals just below the United States Supreme Court).
We understand appellate procedure and enjoy litigating cases in appellate courts. If you’ve recently received an adverse decision and want us to review your case, don’t wait. There are certain and firm deadlines for pursuing an appeal, and your clock is most certainly ticking. Call us right away and let the staff person know that you’re calling about an appeal. We’ll get you in as soon as possible and provide you with an opinion on the viability of an appeal in good time for you to decide what you want to do. We look forward to hearing more about your case.
Appellate Advocacy
Auto Accidents | Personal Injury | Insurance Claims | Wrongful Death
If you’ve been the victim of someone else’s recklessness, we appreciate the fact that all you want to do is to feel like you did before the accident. And you should. While we can’t give you medical advice, we work with an unusual tenacity to relieve you of the worry of whether your legal claims are being handled correctly.
There is never a fee for an initial consultation and if you choose to take your case, there’s typically no fee unless and until we recover.
Contact us before you speak to anyone else about your case.
Civil Rights Litigation
The United States and Pennsylvania Constitutions set forth guarantees available to citizens of both; guarantees that typically restrain all levels of government from acting against the natural rights of its citizens.
If you feel that you’ve been deprived rights guaranteed by either the United States or Pennsylvania Constitution, give us a call. We’ll help you sort through it.
Commercial Law | Corporate Law | Contract Litigation
Commercial litigation often involves a dispute over the terms of an agreement—whether or not written—concerning business matters such as construction projects, leases, purchase orders, employment agreements, service projects, etc.
If you are a construction contractor and are engaged in residential construction, you have no doubt heard of Pennsylvania’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (“HICPA”). You may be pleased to hear that Mr. Smith authored and twice sponsored a presentation for contractors on the pitfalls of HICPA and how to be compliant with the Act. Mr. Smith regularly represents contractors in litigation, including the preparation and filing of mechanics’ liens and other effective collection efforts.
We know civil litigation. Let us help you chart the best course to justice. Call us. And when you do, reference this portion of our website and we’ll cut $25 off our consultation fee.
DUI | Traffic Citations | Criminal Defense
We recognize that everyone falls down once or twice in their lives and for most of us, it doesn’t result in criminal charges. But if it does, our attorneys can review the charges and assist you in mapping out a plan that provides you with all the protections the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions guarantee every citizen. Mr. Smith began his career as Assistant District Attorney in Berks County and he understands criminal law and procedure. We’d be honored to meet with you to discuss your situation.
Estate Planning | Estate Administration | Probate | Estates Litigation | Trusts
Our attorneys listen intently to understand exactly how you want to manage your estate and draft documents to get it done, all at a reasonable rate. You’ll receive personal attention from our attorneys and every member of our staff. And we regularly keep in touch with our clients to confirm that their documents are current.
And if you find yourself grieving the loss of a loved one and don’t know what to do, we’d be happy to meet with you to determine what—if anything—the law requires. Our job in these circumstances is to help you manage the estate legally and efficiently, effectively tying up all the loose ends.
Are you finding yourself having difficulty as an heir of an estate or the beneficiary of a trust? Our attorneys can help you get the answers you deserve. And if please doesn’t work, our attorneys will seek a court order getting you all the access the law allows for you.
Contact us for a consultation.
Landlord | Tenant Issues
Mr. Smith has a long history of representing landlords in eviction proceedings that began years ago with his representation of the Berks County Housing Authority and the Reading Housing Authority. Mr. Smith has served as panelist on discussions hosted by the Housing and Development Law Institute in 2007 on his successful representation of the Reading Housing Authority in the matter of In re: Olga Valentin, 309 B.R. 715, (Bankr. E.D. Pa. 2004).
Our attorneys regularly represent landlords in the eviction of tenants, in garnishment of wages and collections of damages including past rent, and in the drafting of leases.
Call us now to set up a consultation.
Long-Term | Short-Term Disability Litigation
When you’re unable to work due to an illness or injury, you may be fortunate enough to have secured a job with an employer-sponsored Short-term Disability or Long-term Disability policy to hold you over financially. But if the Claims Administrator for the Plan disagrees with your eligibility for benefits, what do you do? Call us. Our attorneys have represented clients whose disability benefits were unilaterally terminated without cause. And we’d appreciate the opportunity to speak with you about your situation. Mention this section of our website and we’ll waive our consultation fee.
Real Estate Transfers
Real estate agents provide a wealth of service where it concerns locating a buyer or finding property. And closing agents do a wonderful job working through the financial transaction once the deal is put to writing and financing is in place.
But if you already have a buyer, or you are a buyer with private financing or cash, we can help you reduce the agreement to writing and avoid unnecessary risk. Buying real estate is typically the single largest contractual obligation most people will step into, complete with all the risks that come with any contractual agreement. We cannot strongly enough recommend that you consult with one of our attorneys to help you understand the risks and potential problems you may face as a result. Give us a call. We’ve been down this road before.
Domestic | Family Law | Divorce | Custody
Not all relationships last forever, despite our best intentions. When it comes to divorce, many considerations must be addressed. Your years together often result in the accumulation of wealth, property, and oftentimes children. Here at Smith Bukowski, we are passionate and sympathetic to the emotional and financial strain that comes with ending a relationship. We will help you decide the best way to proceed based upon your circumstances, your goals, and the needs of every family member. We will help you initiate the correct procedure, protect your assets, fight for the financial resources you need to move ahead, and ensure that the best interest of your children is always the focus.
If you have experienced violence in your relationship, we will get you and your loved ones the protection you need to move on with your lives safely and peacefully. Few court matters ever become more emotional than divorce and custody cases, so choosing the right lawyer for your case is one of the most important decisions you can make when beginning what can potentially be a long and emotional process.
Relationships end but life will improve if you have an experienced and invested attorney who will communicate openly and honestly with you every step of the way. Our focus and passion will ensure just that.