team-member

Stephen Smith

Saint Joseph, MI

Licensed for 23 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Estate Planning

Language

English

About

I devote my practice to advising and representing individuals, businesses, and associations in the broad spectrum of real estate and property matters, as well as corporate issues, and counseling and representing families and individuals in matters of wills, estates, and trusts. I have extensive experience working with and assisting a variety of clients, including property owners and entrepreneurs; buyers, sellers and developers of property; corporations and LLCs; condominium and homeowner associations; and big families, young couples, and empty nesters. I have presented at seminars and authored numerous articles, including a piece on condominium association boards which appeared in Michigan Real Property Review, the official journal of the State Bar’s Real Property Law Section.A native of Coloma, Michigan, I am still remembered in Southwest Michigan for having represented the University of Notre Dame on the Jeopardy! College Championship. After graduating magna cum laude from Notre Dame, I earned my law degree at Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C, where I served on the editorial staff of the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics. I practiced law in both the public and private sectors for nearly a decade in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, and have been in private practice in Michigan since 2007.  I was honored to be named a Rising Star among Michigan lawyers by Super Lawyers Magazine in both 2012 and 2013, and was privileged to be a candidate for Berrien County District Court Judge in 2014.  A local history buff, I have twice been published in Michigan History Magazine.Service to the community in which I was raised, and in which I now raise my family, is very important to me. I serve on the Berrien County Land Bank Authority and the boards of directors of the Berrien County Historical Association and the Berrien Artist Guild, and am an associate director of Honor Credit Union and a proud member of the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club.  I am also a former member of the Lakeshore and Four Flags Chambers of Commerce, Lest We Forget, and the Southwest Michigan Home Builders Association, have previously served on the board of directors of Emergency Shelter Services and the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra's Development Committee, and was honored to serve as chairman of the Citadel Dance & Music Center.

Practices Areas

Estate Planning

Real Estate

Language

English

Contact

Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC800 Ship Street, Suite 105Saint Joseph, MI, 49085800 Ship Street, Suite 105Saint Joseph, MI, 49085

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
February 9, 2016

I hired Stephen Smith to help with a commercial landlord issue. As a small business owner, I didn't have unlimited financial resources to throw at the problem, but after failed attempts to reason with this individual, professional help was necessary. Mr. Smith was able to resolve the issues without needing to go to court, reducing my overall costs - both financially and emotionally. He exudes a sense of calm confidence rarely seen these days. While I would never want to be on the opposite side of him in court, he consistently treated me with respect, kindness, and understanding. I would not hesitate to hire Stephen Smith again in the future.

Scott
February 6, 2016

I was in need of a good lawyer in real estate law during a separation. Got about 95% of my desired results, and was not shocked when we could not win the last point. I can't imagine what I went through with him. Highly recommend.

anonymous
February 5, 2016

Steve was very helpful in my purchase of a MI condo. He clearly explained details and was proactive in helping to settle a last minute situation.

anonymous
February 5, 2016

Steve always does a great job on my real estate transactions - very knowledgable - and always very prompt and timely in answering any questions.

anonymous
February 3, 2016

I hired Mr. Smith to assist with landlord-tenant issues. Mr. Smith provide excellent advice, represented my company in court and achieved a desirable outcome. I have previously hired other lawyers for resolution of similar issues. Mr. Smith is my lawyer of choice. He is competent, knowledgeable and personable. I highly recommend him to my business acquaintances.

anonymous
February 1, 2016

Steve successfully represented our Condominium Association against a home owner in a suit to recover assessments and fines. He is a skilled negotiator who values collaboration over confrontation where possible. He has provided legal consult on a number of issues and advises our board when laws are passed that affect us.

Scott
January 31, 2016

My experience with Stephen was excellent. He took the time needed to understand my case, he was very knowledgeable and worked hard with me to get the outcome I felt I deserved. I would highly recommend Stephen Smith without hesitation.

Bryan
January 31, 2016

A year and a half ago I wanted to purchase a large, beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom craftsman style home and did not have enough cash on hand and did not want to get a bank loan. I asked Steve to put together a 14 month land contract for me. Steve checked the owners documents and put together the paperwork even faster than he promised. The house is now paid off and everyone is happy. He made everything easy.

anonymous
January 30, 2016

Mr. Smith handled some landlord-tenant issues for us. He did so in a most professional manner. All court forms were filed in a timely manner and he did a great job in representing us in court. We were very pleased with the quality of his work. We will definitely hire him for all of our real estate needs in the future.

anonymous
January 29, 2016

Mr. Smith helped me resolve the sale of my late mother's home, after negotiations with other family members had stalled. He brought a swift and fair resolution to a difficult situation. I am happy to recommend him.

anonymous
February 9, 2016

I hired Stephen Smith to help with a commercial landlord issue. As a small business owner, I didn't have unlimited financial resources to throw at the problem, but after failed attempts to reason with this individual, professional help was necessary. Mr. Smith was able to resolve the issues without needing to go to court, reducing my overall costs - both financially and emotionally. He exudes a sense of calm confidence rarely seen these days. While I would never want to be on the opposite side of him in court, he consistently treated me with respect, kindness, and understanding. I would not hesitate to hire Stephen Smith again in the future.

Scott
February 6, 2016

I was in need of a good lawyer in real estate law during a separation. Got about 95% of my desired results, and was not shocked when we could not win the last point. I can't imagine what I went through with him. Highly recommend.

anonymous
February 5, 2016

Steve was very helpful in my purchase of a MI condo. He clearly explained details and was proactive in helping to settle a last minute situation.

anonymous
February 5, 2016

Steve always does a great job on my real estate transactions - very knowledgable - and always very prompt and timely in answering any questions.

anonymous
February 3, 2016

I hired Mr. Smith to assist with landlord-tenant issues. Mr. Smith provide excellent advice, represented my company in court and achieved a desirable outcome. I have previously hired other lawyers for resolution of similar issues. Mr. Smith is my lawyer of choice. He is competent, knowledgeable and personable. I highly recommend him to my business acquaintances.

anonymous
February 1, 2016

Steve successfully represented our Condominium Association against a home owner in a suit to recover assessments and fines. He is a skilled negotiator who values collaboration over confrontation where possible. He has provided legal consult on a number of issues and advises our board when laws are passed that affect us.

Scott
January 31, 2016

My experience with Stephen was excellent. He took the time needed to understand my case, he was very knowledgeable and worked hard with me to get the outcome I felt I deserved. I would highly recommend Stephen Smith without hesitation.

Bryan
January 31, 2016

A year and a half ago I wanted to purchase a large, beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom craftsman style home and did not have enough cash on hand and did not want to get a bank loan. I asked Steve to put together a 14 month land contract for me. Steve checked the owners documents and put together the paperwork even faster than he promised. The house is now paid off and everyone is happy. He made everything easy.

anonymous
January 30, 2016

Mr. Smith handled some landlord-tenant issues for us. He did so in a most professional manner. All court forms were filed in a timely manner and he did a great job in representing us in court. We were very pleased with the quality of his work. We will definitely hire him for all of our real estate needs in the future.

anonymous
January 29, 2016

Mr. Smith helped me resolve the sale of my late mother's home, after negotiations with other family members had stalled. He brought a swift and fair resolution to a difficult situation. I am happy to recommend him.

anonymous
February 9, 2016

I hired Stephen Smith to help with a commercial landlord issue. As a small business owner, I didn't have unlimited financial resources to throw at the problem, but after failed attempts to reason with this individual, professional help was necessary. Mr. Smith was able to resolve the issues without needing to go to court, reducing my overall costs - both financially and emotionally. He exudes a sense of calm confidence rarely seen these days. While I would never want to be on the opposite side of him in court, he consistently treated me with respect, kindness, and understanding. I would not hesitate to hire Stephen Smith again in the future.

Scott
February 6, 2016

I was in need of a good lawyer in real estate law during a separation. Got about 95% of my desired results, and was not shocked when we could not win the last point. I can't imagine what I went through with him. Highly recommend.

anonymous
February 5, 2016

Steve was very helpful in my purchase of a MI condo. He clearly explained details and was proactive in helping to settle a last minute situation.

anonymous
February 5, 2016

Steve always does a great job on my real estate transactions - very knowledgable - and always very prompt and timely in answering any questions.

anonymous
February 3, 2016

I hired Mr. Smith to assist with landlord-tenant issues. Mr. Smith provide excellent advice, represented my company in court and achieved a desirable outcome. I have previously hired other lawyers for resolution of similar issues. Mr. Smith is my lawyer of choice. He is competent, knowledgeable and personable. I highly recommend him to my business acquaintances.

anonymous
February 1, 2016

Steve successfully represented our Condominium Association against a home owner in a suit to recover assessments and fines. He is a skilled negotiator who values collaboration over confrontation where possible. He has provided legal consult on a number of issues and advises our board when laws are passed that affect us.

Scott
January 31, 2016

My experience with Stephen was excellent. He took the time needed to understand my case, he was very knowledgeable and worked hard with me to get the outcome I felt I deserved. I would highly recommend Stephen Smith without hesitation.

Bryan
January 31, 2016

A year and a half ago I wanted to purchase a large, beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom craftsman style home and did not have enough cash on hand and did not want to get a bank loan. I asked Steve to put together a 14 month land contract for me. Steve checked the owners documents and put together the paperwork even faster than he promised. The house is now paid off and everyone is happy. He made everything easy.

anonymous
January 30, 2016

Mr. Smith handled some landlord-tenant issues for us. He did so in a most professional manner. All court forms were filed in a timely manner and he did a great job in representing us in court. We were very pleased with the quality of his work. We will definitely hire him for all of our real estate needs in the future.

anonymous
January 29, 2016

Mr. Smith helped me resolve the sale of my late mother's home, after negotiations with other family members had stalled. He brought a swift and fair resolution to a difficult situation. I am happy to recommend him.