Richard E.T. Smith

Richard ("Richie") Smith retired from his law practice at the end of 2013. He's no longer actively advising clients, but he may be reached by special request.

Richard concentrated his practice in the areas of business planning, estate planning, probate, and tax issues. He handled complex development work as well as mergers and acquisitions. Richard also represented many of the local school districts in the Wahpeton/Breckenridge area.

Richard grew up near Campbell, Minnesota. In 1974, he graduated from Creighton University with a B.A. in History. In 1977, Richard received his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law. While there, Richard played for Creighton’s baseball and basketball teams, and he was captain of Creighton’s basketball team during the 1973-1974 season. That year, the team made the “Sweet 16.”

Following law school, Richard returned to Wahpeton and practiced law in the Wahpeton/Breckenridge area until he retired at the end of 2013. Richard and his wife, Ann, reside in Wahpeton, North Dakota. They have four grown children and two grandchild.



Areas of Former Practice

  • Business Planning
  • Estate Planning
  • Probate
  • Tax Issues

Education

  • Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, Nebraska
    • J.D. - 1977
  • Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
    • B.S.B.A. summa cum laude - 1974
    • Major: History

Honors and Awards

  • "AV" Rated by Martindale Hubbell
  • Community Service Award - State Bar Association of North Dakota, 2011

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • North Dakota Bar Association, Member
  • Southeast Judicial District Bar Association, Member
  • Richland County Bar Association, Member, Past President
  • North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, Past Member and Past President, 2005 - 2012
  • North Dakota Attorney Disciplinary Board, Past Member and Past Chairman, 1995 - 2001
  • North Dakota Inquiry Committee, Member (1987-1993, 2001-2007)
  • North Dakota State College of Science Foundation Board, Past Member, Director and Past President
  • North Dakota Council of School Attorneys, Past President, 1986
  • St. Francis Medical Center, Breckenridge, Minnesota, Past Member and Director, 1984 - 1994