Heard & Smith LLP

For many residents of San Antonio, Texas, navigating complex legal matters, especially those concerning Social Security Disability, VA benefits, or the intricacies of probate and estate planning, can be a challenging journey. These areas of law often involve significant paperwork, strict deadlines, and a deep understanding of federal and state regulations. In such circumstances, securing knowledgeable and professional legal representation is not just beneficial, but often essential for achieving a favorable outcome. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Heard & Smith LLP, a law firm with a presence in San Antonio, to help local users learn more about their services and what to consider when seeking legal assistance for these specialized needs in the Texas region.

San Antonio, a major hub in Texas, is home to a diverse population, many of whom may find themselves needing assistance with disability claims, planning for the future of their estates, or resolving inheritance issues. The complexities involved in securing benefits or managing a loved one's estate after their passing underscore the value of experienced legal counsel. Heard & Smith LLP is one of the firms operating within this landscape, focusing on areas crucial to many Texans. Understanding the firm's background, its areas of practice, and insights from client feedback is key for anyone in the community looking to make informed decisions about their legal representation. This overview will delve into the firm's location, the array of services it offers, and various client experiences as reported publicly.

Location and Accessibility

Heard & Smith LLP's office is located at 1231 SW Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78221, USA. This address places the firm in Southwest San Antonio, an area known for its accessibility and position along a major thoroughfare. SW Military Drive is a significant commercial route, making the office relatively straightforward to reach for individuals traveling from various parts of San Antonio and its surrounding communities.

The 78221 zip code corresponds to a well-established section of the city, indicating a local presence that can be convenient for many residents. Ease of access to legal counsel is often a practical consideration for clients, especially when dealing with ongoing legal processes or when physical disabilities might make travel challenging. A local office allows for more convenient face-to-face consultations, dropping off documents, and general communication. While Heard & Smith LLP has a broader presence across Texas, this particular San Antonio location aims to provide direct service to the local community, ensuring that individuals seeking assistance with their specific legal needs have a point of contact within reach.

Services Offered

Heard & Smith LLP is a law firm that concentrates on several key areas of law, primarily serving the needs of the elderly, the disabled, and the injured. Their practice is deeply rooted in assisting clients through often complex and protracted legal processes to secure benefits or manage critical life events.

The core services offered by Heard & Smith LLP include:

• Social Security Disability (SSD & SSI): Assisting individuals in applying for and appealing denials of Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This involves navigating the application process, preparing for hearings, and representing clients before administrative law judges.
• VA Disability Benefits: Providing legal representation for veterans seeking to obtain or appeal denials of disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes navigating the intricate VA claims process and advocating for veterans' rights.
• Probate: Guiding executors and family members through the legal process of validating a will, settling a deceased person's estate, paying debts, and distributing assets according to the will or state law.
• Estate Planning: Assisting clients in creating comprehensive plans for the management and distribution of their assets during their lifetime and after death, which can involve drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
• Inheritance Law: Handling legal matters related to receiving assets or property from a deceased individual's estate, including disputes over wills or trust interpretations.
• Guardianship: Assisting families in establishing legal guardianship for minors or incapacitated adults to ensure their care and financial well-being.
• Personal Injury: Representing individuals who have suffered injuries due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This may include various types of accidents, such as car accidents.

The firm’s approach is geared towards providing accessible and affordable legal services, leveraging their extensive experience of over 30 years in these specialized fields to help clients achieve their desired outcomes.

Features / Highlights

Heard & Smith LLP presents various features and attributes that potential clients in Texas might consider when seeking legal representation. The firm boasts a long history of operation and a dedicated focus on specific areas of law that impact many individuals and families.

• Long-Standing Experience: Founded in 1976, Heard & Smith LLP has over 30 years of experience, with key attorneys like John R. Heard licensed since 1975. This extensive background suggests deep expertise and familiarity with the intricacies of Social Security Disability, VA benefits, and probate law in Texas.
• Specialized Focus: The firm's concentration on the needs of the elderly, disabled, and injured, particularly in Social Security Disability and VA Benefits, indicates a focused practice designed to provide specialized support in these often challenging legal areas. They are known for helping clients obtain disability approvals efficiently.
• Commitment to Client-Focus: According to their stated values, Heard & Smith LLP is founded on principles of compassion, humility, and a relentless desire to pursue financial assistance for clients. They aim to stay client-focused and help clients regain financial stability.
• Professional Accreditation: Heard & Smith LLP is BBB Accredited and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which signifies a commitment to ethical business practices and client satisfaction standards.
• Positive Client Testimonials (from their website): Many clients have expressed satisfaction with the firm's services, often highlighting efficiency, professionalism, and helpfulness. Examples include "quick and painless," "professional, quick, and resourceful," "got results quickly, without a lot of delays," and "so efficient, things went through so fast and they were so helpful with my paper work." Some reviews also mention being "courteous, kind and helpful" and "caring and hard-working."

However, it is also important for potential clients to be aware of other public feedback that has raised concerns regarding client interactions. Some individuals have reported negative experiences, which can be part of any firm's public record. For example, specific public reviews include: "Very rude unprofessional I go somewhere else," and another stating, "Whomever these ppl are they keep calling me, I told them to take me off there list. What I got was cussed out by the man over the phone. I will be reporting this. I have over 10 missed calls from this number!!" These pieces of feedback suggest issues with professionalism, potentially aggressive communication tactics, and client service from certain perspectives. When considering legal representation, it is always prudent to consider all available public information.

Promotions or Special Offers

Heard & Smith LLP is known for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable legal services. A common practice within their primary areas of focus, such as Social Security Disability and VA benefits, is offering free initial consultations. This allows prospective clients to discuss their case, understand their eligibility, and learn about the firm's approach without any upfront cost or obligation.

Furthermore, many disability and personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning that legal fees are typically only collected if the firm successfully obtains benefits or compensation for the client. Heard & Smith LLP aims to make their fee structures transparent, with details often available directly from the firm. For Texans considering their services, it is highly recommended to contact their office to inquire about their consultation policy and specific fee arrangements relevant to your legal needs.

Contact Information

For individuals in San Antonio, Texas, and the surrounding areas who are seeking legal assistance for Social Security Disability, VA benefits, probate, or related matters, Heard & Smith LLP can be reached using the following contact details:

• Address: 1231 SW Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78221, USA
• Phone: (210) 820-3737
• Mobile Phone: +1 210-820-3737

These official contact points provide direct access to the firm, allowing individuals to make inquiries, schedule appointments, or begin the process of addressing their specific legal concerns. It is always advisable to use these channels for reliable and timely communication.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of San Antonio, Texas, seeking specialized legal assistance in complex areas such as Social Security Disability, VA benefits, or probate, Heard & Smith LLP presents itself as a long-standing firm with a dedicated focus. Its location at 1231 SW Military Dr offers a local point of contact, providing a convenient option for community members. The firm's decades of experience in these specialized fields underscore its deep understanding of relevant laws and procedures, which can be invaluable for Texans navigating challenging bureaucratic or legal systems.

While many clients have praised the firm's efficiency, professionalism, and helpfulness, demonstrating a strong track record of positive client experiences, it is also important for potential clients to consider all available feedback, including concerns about communication style that have been publicly reported. Choosing a legal partner for such sensitive matters requires comprehensive due diligence. By directly contacting Heard & Smith LLP, discussing specific needs, and understanding their client service approach, individuals in San Antonio can make an informed decision that aligns with their expectations and helps them pursue the legal outcomes they seek within the Texas legal framework.