
Brian R. Smith, Environmental Attorney in Hartford, Connecticut
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, General, and Litigation · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratRobinson & Cole LLP
Hartford, CT
Practicing environmental in Hartford since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Brian R. Smith?
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Quick answer
Brian R. Smith is a partner based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Litigation. Brian has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robinson & Cole LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Hartford, CT
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Environmental · General · Litigation
- Handles Environmental, General, and Litigation matters from Hartford, CT.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Brian R. Smith: Brian R. Smith is a partner based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Litigation. Brian has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robinson & Cole LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Brian takes on
Brian concentrates on environmental, general, litigation, personal injury, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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General
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Zoning
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Business
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Probate
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Environmental cases in Hartford, Connecticut
Brian takes environmental matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
General cases in Hartford, Connecticut
Brian takes general matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Hartford, Connecticut
Brian takes litigation matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Hartford, Connecticut
Brian takes personal injury matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Hartford, Connecticut
Brian takes real estate matters in Hartford, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Brian R. Smith — environmental lawyer in Hartford
Brian R. Smith is a partner based in Hartford, CT. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Litigation. Brian has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Robinson & Cole LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Brian R. Smith is a lawyer practicing land use, nonprofit organizations, rluipa and 5 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from Colgate University, and has been licensed for 41 years. Brian practices at Robinson & Cole LLP in Hartford, CT.
Working with Brian on a environmental matter
Mr. Brian R. Smith is a lawyer practicing land use, nonprofit organizations, rluipa and 5 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from Colgate University, and has been licensed for 41 years. Brian practices at Robinson & Cole LLP in Hartford, CT.
Clients Brian works with
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, general, and litigation matters in Hartford and the surrounding Connecticut area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Cornell Law School J.D.
—
Colgate University B.A. cum laude Colgate University B.A. honors in History
—
Jurisdictions
Brian's state bar admissions
Texas
1991 · ACTIVE
Brian studied at — in Cornell Law School J.D. and — in Colgate University B.A. cum laude Colgate University B.A. honors in History.
Law school and academic background
Brian completed — in Cornell Law School J.D. and — in Colgate University B.A. cum laude Colgate University B.A. honors in History. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Brian's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Associations American Bar Association
1986 - present) Connecticut Bar Association (1986 - present) Cornell Real Estate Council (1990 - present) American Planning Association (1985 - present · membership
Locations
Brian R. Smith's office in Hartford
Brian's primary office is at 280 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT, 06103-3597. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Brian R. Smith — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in Hartford.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian R. Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Brian R. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in Hartford, Connecticut
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brian
Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Brian R. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Brian for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in Connecticut typically take?
Simple environmental matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Hartford?
Brian is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new environmental clients right now?
Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving Hartford, Stamford and New Haven in Connecticut
Brian handles environmental matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in Connecticut
If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Hartford handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
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- MN
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- RC
Richard C Tynan
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- JD
Joseph Dormer Stephen III
Hartford, Connecticut
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- CM
Christopher Michael Graham
Westport, Connecticut
5.0· 19