
About Us
Fighting for Justice. Fighting for You.
For more than 35 years, the Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C. has been a relentless force for injury victims in Kaufman and Dallas counties. When you’ve been hurt in a car crash, trucking accident, or devastating slip and fall, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter.
At our firm, we don’t just take cases. We take on battles. Insurance companies are built to deny you justice—we’re here to make sure they don’t get away with it. Our commitment is simple: maximum compensation, no exceptions.
The Small Firm That Wins Big
Some people think bigger is better when it comes to law firms. They’re wrong.

At Law Offices of Houston M. Smith, P.C., we do things differently. Unlike big firms that pass your case off to paralegals or contract investigators, your case stays in the hands of an experienced attorney—every step of the way.
- Direct Access to Your Lawyer – You’re not a case number. You’re a person with a story that matters.
- Meticulous Case Handling – Every injury claim is prepared for trial from day one.
- A Team That Cares – Our two paralegals, legal assistant, and receptionist work closely with our attorneys to ensure your case gets the full attention it deserves.
- ZERO Fees Unless We Win. We front the costs so you can focus on healing.
Meet Your Attorney
Houston M. Smith
For more than three decades, Houston M. Smith has fought—and won—on behalf of personal injury victims. With a track record of seven-figure verdicts, he is one of the most relentless and results-driven attorneys in Texas.
His legal career started in high-stakes legal environments, including the Texas Attorney General’s Office and City of Dallas Attorney’s Office. But his passion for client advocacy led him to establish a law firm focused on fighting for real people—not corporations or insurance companies.
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Trial-Tested & Battle-Ready – He has secured millions for injury victims across Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
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Respected Legal Authority – A leader in the legal community, with memberships in the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and National Bar Association.
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A History of Success – Numerous jury trials resulting in verdicts reaching into the millions.

Richard E. Smith
Attorney at Law

For over 30 years, Richard E. Smith has dedicated his legal career to standing up for individuals whose lives have been turned upside down by catastrophic personal injuries. From spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries to severe orthopedic trauma, he’s fought relentlessly for those who can’t afford to be ignored. With a background that includes experience as a claims adjuster, claims manager, and plaintiff attorney, he brings a rare and invaluable perspective to each case. He understands how insurance companies think and operate—because he’s been on the inside—and he uses that insight to advocate fiercely for his clients with demonstrated success. His passion for this work is personal. He believes that people who’ve suffered serious injuries
deserve more than just legal representation—they deserve someone who listens, who fights, and
who truly cares. That’s what he strives to offer every client who walks through his door. In his time away from the office, he enjoys woodworking projects like building cutting boards, charcuterie boards, end tables and coffee tables.
- Strategic Thinker and Relentless Advocate - whether in the courtroom, at the negotiation table, or in front of a judge.
- Extensive Trial and Appellate Experience – in thousands of cases, hundreds of bench trials and over 40 jury trials. 10 published cases.
- Demonstrated Track Record of Accomplishments

Education & Bar Admissions
- Thurgood Marshall School of Law – J.D., 1988
- University of North Texas – B.S., Biology, 1985
- Texarkana College – A.S., 1982
- State Bar of Texas, Arkansas & Oklahoma
- U.S. District Court (Northern, Eastern & Southern Districts of Texas)
Meet our Team
Jasmine Urrutia
Receptionist
Jasmine serves as our bilingual receptionist and is often the first point of contact for our clients. She is dedicated to providing a warm, professional, and supportive experience for everyone she assists. Jasmine is currently a senior at Texas Tech University pursuing a degree in Criminology with a minor in Spanish. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Ashley Butley
Litigation Paralegal
Ashley is our Litigation Paralegal with over 27 years of experience across a wide range of legal practice areas. She brings extensive knowledge, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to supporting clients and attorneys alike. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her children and family.
Daniela Morales
Case Manager
Daniela is a bilingual, licensed Claims Adjuster with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. As Senior Case Manager, she brings extensive knowledge and experience to supporting clients throughout the claims process, ensuring each case is handled with diligence and professionalism. Outside of the office, Daniela enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.
Vanessa Rivera
Case Manager
Vanessa serves as a Case Manager at the firm. As a bilingual, licensed Claims Adjuster with hands-on experience, she is dedicated to helping clients feel supported at every step of their case. Organization and compassion are central to her work, and she takes pride in guiding clients through the process with care and clarity. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Diana Whatley
Medical Records Clerk
Diana is dedicated to ensuring the accurate, organized, and secure management of our clients’ medical records. She brings strong attention to detail and a commitment to confidentiality to her work. In addition to her role at the firm, Diana is a Firefighter/EMT. She enjoys learning new things—particularly cultural studies—which she believes help foster understanding and compassion. Outside of work, Diana can often be found enjoying the outdoors or tending to her farm.
Michele Vasquez
Office Manager
Michele has been with the firm for over a decade and serves as its Office Manager. She oversees a wide range of responsibilities that keep the practice running smoothly and efficiently. Outside of the office, you can find her spending time with her family, cooking, and traveling.










