Daniel Smith, Esq.

About The Lecturer

Daniel Hooper Smith, Esq. is a partner/shareholder attorney at Advocates in Aging, Law Office of Wiesner Smith PLLC in Sarasota, Florida, Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Elder Law, focusing on elder law, Medicaid planning, veterans benefits, wills, trusts, and estate planning, special needs planning, probate and trust administration, guardianship, and assisted living/nursing home issues. Daniel is licensed to practice law in Florida and Virginia. Daniel is also a VA Accredited Attorney, and represents veterans and their families in appeals of VA Benefits decisions.

Daniel received his law degree with honors from the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, Virginia. While in law school, he was an Articles Editor for the George Mason Law Review, a Writing Fellow in the Legal Research, Writing, and Analysis program, and was selected to be a member of the Supreme Court Clinic.

During law school, Daniel interned for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C and the Alabama Securities Commission in Montgomery, Alabama, helping to bring justice to victims of financial fraud and abuse. Prior to joining Advocates in Aging, Daniel completed a federal judicial clerkship with the Honorable Paul M. Black of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Roanoke, Virginia. Following his clerkship, Daniel practiced at a distinguished law firm in Roanoke.

Professional:

• Licensed and in good standing in Florida and Virginia
• Member, The Florida Bar
• Member, Sarasota County Bar Association
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• VA Accredited Attorney

Organizations/Volunteering:

• Twelfth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee, The Florida Bar (2023-2026 term)
• Former Board Member & Vice President, Sarasota County Aging Network (SCAN)
• Lifetime Member, University of North Carolina General Alumni Association

Certifications and Awards:

• Board Certification in Elder Law, The Florida Bar (2024)
• Rising Star, Florida Super Lawyers (2021-2024)

Education

J.D., George Mason University School of Law

B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill