Law Offices of Christopher R. Smith - North Syracuse, New York

Katie H.

Chris made our entire process of selling our previous house and buying the new one a breeze. He was always quick to get back to me with any questions and concerns. Can not recommend him enough. Thank you!!

Dennis S.

Dropped in without appt. And Dan Arno and support staff were so accommodating and professional. Very impressed! We highly recommend. Thank you!

Oswego E.

Zero stars for the fraudulent misrepresentation in the sale of my home in 2023. Attorney Smith represented his personal friend and myself in the sale of my home of which I was selling well under market value to my now former best friend of 20 plus years’ husband with a well negotiated agreement and terms for a fixed rental rate at a separate apartment building.

Attorney Smith presented me with closing documents after his client had already assisted in moving 99% of my belongings into the apartment building and his storage unit facility (also negotiated into sale price) , that had NO mention of our agreement.

When I immediately asked attorney Smith about where these negotiated terms were, he advised “such agreement does not belong in closing documents”. I argued that these terms were the terms by which I was agreeing to said sale price, again which was significantly under market value. Both Attorney Smith and client/friend argued they did not go into closing documents but rather a lease. The now former friend who was purchasing my home attempted to ease my concerns through laughter, and statements regarding us being family and I “worry too much”…

Feeling outnumbered, over powered and ignorant to selling a home for the first time and wanting to believe an attorney was advising me ethically and honestly, In addition to now having an empty home to return to and a child already set to begin a new school, I signed.

Within one day- the contract was breeched when Attorney Smiths client and friend refused to provide a lease as said at closing the day prior with all the terms I had agreed to. Within five months of living in our new space, Attorney Smiths friend/client began negotiating the sale of the apartment building he agreed to fixed rental rates for in exchange for the sale price of my home. Within 9 months the building has been sold and I’ve already been served a notice to vacate.

This unethical, fraudulent misrepresentation of Attorney Christopher Smith and his friend Michael has not only caused immense emotional distress, it’s resulted in significant in a huge financial loss from the sale of my home and additional financial harm for the costs now to recover from another move and impending eviction.

These acts of Attorney Smith and his friend Michael are reprehensible. The Attorney Grievance Committee and Bar Association will be made aware as are other legal entities to ensure these individuals do not commit further acts of fraud against innocent individuals.

Feng Z.

Smith Christopher office provided me misleading information to take a course to reduce charges to the speeding ticket. I asked specifically how much I could reduce before taking the course as the course took $55. They said it worth the money. After I took the course, it turned out I have to pay a higher fine with reduced points. But the NY points won’t be counted toward my PA license. When I asked further questions regarding the fines in detail. They didn’t bother to do the research and just replied they didn’t know. They didn’t want to drive to court to represent me for the case and harassed me that I would need to pay higher fine and insurance if I go to the court. They just wanted to earn easy money without doing anything. They have no professionalism in dealing with traffic issues and don’t bother to find the answer for the clients. Given their attitude in my traffic ticket case, I doubt they will value their clients’ need in any law cases. All I got from them is to pay extra for my traffic ticket. And their paralegal, Ellen Taylor, is extremely rude and ignorant.

John S.

Needed to add someone to a deed to help get a home equity loan. Chris was extremely responsive to his emails. He was knowledgeable about what we wanted and answer all my questions. His office staff was extremely friendly and professional. They were able to get things done fast and set expectations from the start. If you need a real estate lawyer, I highly recommend Chris!

Kenneth G.

Chris Smith just completed my closing for my first home. He has been exceptional. Very responsive to anything I needed and got back to me as soon as possible, and was with me every step of the way. He answered all questions I had and explained everything very well. Excellent job and will be using him in the future. I would highly recommend!

Matthew S.

I've been through multiple real-estate transactions in NYS and hiring Law Offices of Christopher R. Smith was the worst decision I have every made. His office caused multiple headaches, required me to do the work the law office should have done, his paralegal has zero customer service skills and is extremely rude, he didn't ensure that my loan was paid off after selling my house which cost me daily interest every day (the loan was supposed to be paid after closing on 9/10/21 but didn't get paid off until 10/20/21. It only got paid after I called the buyers attorney and the banks attorney to get help because Chris Smith's office was useless in trying to finalize my transaction). If I was forced to choose between hiring the Law Offices of Christopher R. Smith or having a toddler represent me, I would choose any toddler over this office because the toddler is almost guaranteed to be more competent and professional than Chris Smith's office.

John

Chris worked with us to buy our home from a family member. We changed the closing date three time on him and he was able to accommodate us swiftly and professionally. Very easy to work with. Thank you again Chris for your professionalism.