For President-Elect
of the
State Bar of Texas
For President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas
For President-Elect of
The State Bar of Texas
A Life of Service
Meet G. David Smith
A Life In Law And Leadership
I was born in Slaton, Texas. I grew up chasing big dreams across small Texas towns. We moved to Canyon when I was 8 so my mom could finish her teaching degree. We then moved to Muleshoe where I graduated high school. A speech and debate scholarship took me to Odessa College where I earned national recognition in forensics and debate. After graduating from UT Permian Basin and Texas Tech Law School, I started my legal career at Brannan and Pipes in Odessa, gaining invaluable experience alongside some of Texas’ finest trial lawyers. In 1984, I opened my solo practice, learning the ropes from the close-knit legal community in Midland and Odessa. In 1989, I moved to Rockwall and became Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law in 1990. I have been active in every community where I have lived by serving those in need and participating in local non-profit organizations. My wife Diane and I have four children, two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren, and Boudreaux, our feisty five pound ruler of the house—they make our life complete.
I was born in Slaton, Texas. I grew up chasing big dreams across small Texas towns. We moved to Canyon when I was 8 so my mom could finish her teaching degree. We then moved to Muleshoe where I graduated high school. A speech and debate scholarship took me to Odessa College where I earned national recognition in forensics and debate. After graduating from UT Permian Basin and Texas Tech Law School, I started my legal career at Brannan and Pipes in Odessa, gaining invaluable experience alongside some of Texas’ finest trial lawyers. In 1984, I opened my solo practice, learning the ropes from the close-knit legal community in Midland and Odessa.
Miles and Miles
of Texas
I’ve had the privilege of trying cases all across Texas— in addition to trial work, I’ve argued cases on appeal in several Texas courts of appeals and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. As a general practitioner, I’ve built a diverse legal career, handling cases in criminal law, personal injury, business litigation, and family law. Now I focus on mediation—a process I find deeply rewarding as it allows me to help others resolve disputes with fairness and efficiency.
I’ve had the privilege of trying cases all
across Texas—
in addition to trial work, I’ve
argued cases on appeal in several Texas courts of appeals and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. As a general practitioner, I’ve built a diverse legal career, handling cases in criminal law, personal injury, business litigation, and family law. Now I focus on mediation—a process I find deeply rewarding as it allows me to help others resolve disputes with fairness and efficiency.
Letter to Texas Lawyers
Dear Fellow Lawyer,
Thank you to all the talented professionals I’ve worked with throughout my legal career. It’s been my honor to learn from you, and now it’s my time to give back—and pay it forward.
Here’s my vision for our Bar:
• Better communication with members.
• Fostering mentorship between seasoned attorneys and new lawyers.
• Bar education to teach law students and current lawyers about the bar and bar service.
• Engaging new lawyers with value-driven Bar activities.
• Encouraging local Bar involvement.
• Using dues responsibly to benefit all members.
• Improving access to legal resources to those in need
We face a lot of challenges—the pressures of firm life, the demands on solo practitioners, and the pursuit of justice for our clients in and out of the courtroom.
As your State Bar President-Elect and President, I will ensure that every lawyer has a voice, that your Bar responds to your needs, and that it supports your efforts to serve others.
I pledge to listen, act
and be your voice.
Thank you for your support.
BAR SERVICE
Former Director, District One, State Bar of Texas Board of Directors
Former member of the Board of Directors Nominations and Elections Subcommittee
Former Chair, Board of Directors Affordable Legal Services Subcommittee
Former TLAP Committee Advisor
Former CLE Committee Advisor
Former Board of Directors Executive Committee Member
Currently on the State Bar Pattern Jury Charge Committee (Malpractice, Premises, and Products)
Rockwall County Bar Association Past President
Rockwall County Bar Foundation Director
Member, Texas Bar College
HONORS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Sustaining Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
Current District One Nominating Committee Co-Chair, Texas Bar Foundation
Reuters Texas Super Lawyer, 2009-2011; 2016-2024
Texas Association of Mediators
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Rockwall Housing Development Corporation(Non-profit affordable housing provider); Board Member, 2007-Present; Board President, 2018-2021
Rockwall Grace Clinic Board (Non-profit medical clinic for the uninsured) 2013-Present
City of Rockwall Board of Adjustments,2018-Present (Chair, current)
First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, past Staff-Parrish Relations Chair
Endorsements
Carra Miller
President of the Texas Aggie Bar Association
President-Elect of the Corpus Christi Bar Association
David and I served together on the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas. Two of David’s strongest qualities are his sincerity and integrity. He leads by ensuring all voices are heard on an issue, assessing the best course of action based on the options available and the outcome desired by all stakeholders in the issue, then bringing as many people together as possible in coming to a decision. David is unique in his ability to unite people by finding common ground between their viewpoints. He will serve the lawyers and the public of Texas well as President of the State Bar of Texas.
Christy L. Hester
President of the Mesquite Bar Association
If you’re looking for a leader who truly listens, works hard, and actually cares about making a difference, David Smith is your guy. His dedication to strengthening the legal community, ensuring equitable representation, and improving access to legal resources is exactly what the State Bar needs in a leader. David isn’t just another name on the ballot—he’s a dedicated advocate, a problem-solver, and someone who genuinely wants to make the legal community stronger for everyone. I have no doubt that with him in this role, we’ll see real progress. I am proud to endorse G. David Smith for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas.
Harper Estes
Past president of the State Bar of Texas
David Smith exemplifies West Texas grit and determination. A native of Muleshoe (or as my Grandad called it “Ginny Slipper”), David practiced for nearly a decade in the Permian Basin. During that time we witnessed his integrity, dogged pursuit of justice for his clients, and refusal to take shortcuts or cut corners. David will make an excellent leader for the bar.
Jerry C. Alexander
Former member of the State Bar Board of Directors
I have known Dave Smith for 30 years and met him through trial activities. Later, I came to know him even better through State Bar work and activities. Dave was coming on the State Bar Board of Directors as I was going off as former Board Chair of the State Bar of Texas, and he is a hard and effective worker who knows how to get things accomplished at the State Bar level. He is also one of the more positive people I have known and directs that in ways to help everyone. He will be an excellent President of the State Bar of Texas and has my full endorsement and support.
Max E. Wright
Director of the Texas Association of Defense Council
I’ve known and practiced with G. David Smith for over 40 years. We have been courtroom adversaries, and outside the courtroom we have are good friends. David is one of the most professional, courteous, ethical and capable attorneys I’ve faced in the courtroom. Outside of the courtroom, he has always worked for the betterment of the legal profession. It is a privilege to call him a friend and colleague, and he is the perfect candidate for President of the State Bar of Texas. I’m voting for him and I hope you will, too.
Robert L. Tobey
Former State Bar of Texas Director
2020 President of the Dallas Bar Association
I enthusiastically support David Smith for State Bar President-Elect! David and I just finished a three-year term on the State Bar Board of Directors where David quickly became a leader. David has great ideas about how the State Bar can help the 113,000 lawyers in this State with the challenges they face in their law practices. Please exercise your right to vote and support David in the State Bar election beginning on April 1, 2025.
Shana S. Faulhaber
Founder of Texas Lawyers Wellness Bar Association
I’ve had the privilege of getting to know David over the past few years through our work with the State Bar of Texas. He is as kind-hearted as they come, and I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand how gracious and generous he is with his time and expertise. David has a true servant’s heart, and I have no doubt that, as President of the State Bar, he will represent the interests of all attorneys, including solo practitioners like myself. With David at the helm, I believe we will have a leader of great integrity who will work tirelessly on behalf of everybody.
Charlie Ginn
Past Chairman, State Bar of Texas Board of Directors
I have known David as a lawyer, a leader in the State Bar, and as a friend. David will make a wonderful President because he cares about the lawyers and public of Texas. He is a leader we as lawyers deserve. He deserves your vote.
Chip Martens
Texas Access to Justice Commission Champion of Justice Society Member
I endorse G. David Smith for President of the State Bar of Texas because I think he represents and advocates for the broadest cross section of our membership. I also believe that he will do his best to protect and promote our membership and the general public. We need his leadership.
Dick Schwartz
Former President of the Federal Bar Association- South Texas Chapter
Houston Bar Association- Speakers Bureau
I support David Smith for State Bar President-Elect. He has served the lawyers of Texas with distinction and integrity for many years. He has specific and achievable goals, including increasing understanding and engagement with the State Bar beginning in law school, fostering communication and mentoring among and within the State Bar sections, and improving access to justice by providing incentives for participating attorneys. I am confident he will lead with professionalism and compassion, and he will be able to bring people together to achieve great things for Texas lawyers.
Erica Grigg
Former Director of the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program
I got know David when he was a Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program committee member while I was TLAP Director. David truly understands how critical access to mental health resources and support are to our struggling lawyer community. I witnessed firsthand David’s compassion, understanding, and dedication to get hurting lawyers connected to the help they so desperately need. I proudly endorse my friend and fellow attorney, G. David Smith, for State Bar President.
Greg Gray
Past President of the Rockwall Bar Association
David is a well-respected leader in our legal community and in our local community as well. He has selflessly given his time to various organizations, and his wisdom and guidance is a gift to all. He is a great lawyer, but more importantly, he is a great person. As President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas, David will be a tremendous asset to the practice of law in Texas, and to all Texans who find themselves in the legal system.
Katherine L. Metcalf
Past President of the Rockwall Bar Association
I’ve personally known David Smith for many years. He is a fantastic person and lawyer.
He had dedicated many years of service to the State Bar of Texas. I simply cannot think of a better leader for the future of the State Bar of Texas!! I’m thrilled to support David Smith for President-Elect.
Martha S. Dickie
Past President of the State Bar of Texas
In these times where the rule of law is so fragile, the Bar needs David Smith’s sure hand to lead us.
Michael J. Ritter
Past President of the Texas Young Lawyers Association
LGBT Law Section Chair – San Antonio Bar Association
I had the pleasure of serving with David for three years on the State Bar board directors and witnessed first-hand his dedication to serving the bar. I’m proud to endorse him for State Bar President-Elect.
Neda Garrett
Past President of the Collin County Young Lawyers Association
Past President of the Collin County Bar Association
I am proud to endorse David Smith for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas. His innovative ideas and forward-thinking approach will help address the pressing challenges facing both our profession and the litigants we serve. With his leadership, we can ensure a stronger, more effective Bar that truly supports Texas attorneys and the justice system.
Tim Newsom
Past President of Texas American Board of Trial Advocates
From his humble beginnings in West Texas to his formative young lawyer years in the Permian Basin and ultimately landing his law practice on the lake shores of Rockwall, David Smith has honorably represented a diverse array of clients as a solo/small town practitioner while also tirelessly serving the legal profession in both local and statewide organizations. I had the privilege of getting to know David while he admirably served on the Board of Directors for the State Bar of Texas. David is a proven leader with impeccable integrity. David has my endorsement for President of the State Bar of Texas.
Denise Scofield
Past President of the Houston Bar Association
Our bar needs strong leaders who act on our behalf. Proud to vote for G. David Smith.
Judy Kostura
State Bar of Texas Gene Cavin Award Recipient
Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
David is a smart lawyer, hardworking, and genuinely good guy. He has actively participated in a host of State Bar efforts, including the statewide CLE planning committee, as a board member, and many other roles. He does not typically promote himself, but he would make a great state bar president.
E. Leon Carter
Dallas Bar Association’s Trial Lawyer of the Year
Former Director of the Dallas Bar Association
I have known David for over 30 years. I cannot think of a better person to lead us during these challenging times for the legal profession. That is why I am voting enthusiastically for David.
Misty Borland Phiffer
Past President of the Permian Basin Trial Lawyers Association
Past President of The Midland County Young Lawyers Association
I have known G. David Smith for over 30 years. In that time I have tried cases with him, appealed cases with him and innumerable times called him just to seek his wise counsel on various issues. David is a true advocate for his clients, an incredible attorney and a wonderful person. David has been my mentor and my friend since I graduated law school. He understands our profession and its unique challenges and has always been willing to help those less experienced. David truly believes a rising tide floats all boats. His knowledge and experience and his willingness to share so freely from both have been a treasure to me and others like me. I hope you will join me in voting for G. David Smith for State Bar President. He is what we need.
Sol Vllasana
Former President of the Rockwall County Bar Association
I’ve known David as a friend and colleague for over ten years. He’s a fine, well-respected lawyer who has tirelessly worked to improve our State Bar organization, our profession, and our system of justice. David is the strong leader we need and I whole heartly endorse him. He’s earned your vote for president-elect of the State Bar of Texas.
Cory Carlyle
Former Justice Texas Fifth Court of Appeals
Partner at Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP
I’m proud to support G. David Smith for President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas. His decades of experience and genuine dedication to our profession make him the right choice.
Steve Spurgin
Former President of the Trans-Pecos Bar Association
I met G. David Smith over 40 years ago at Texas Tech Law School. He is smart, fair, and a tireless advocate for his clients. As State Bar President, Texas lawyers will not be better served and I am honored to endorse his candidacy.
