Daniel Hooper Smith, Esq. is a partner/shareholder attorney, 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.

Education:

• J.D. cum laude, George Mason University School of Law
  • Articles Editor, George Mason Law Review
  • Writing Fellow, Legal Research, Writing & Analysis (LRWA) Program
  • Member, Supreme Court Clinic
• B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Professional:

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

Organizations/Volunteering:

• Board Member & Vice President, Sarasota County Aging Network (SCAN)
• Senior Resources of the Suncoast
• Volunteer, The Pines of Sarasota Senior Care and Rehabilitation Community
• Lifetime Member, University of North Carolina General Alumni Association
• Board Member, Tampa Bay Area Carolina Club
• Pro Bono Attorney Volunteer, Blue Ridge Legal Services