We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our friend and colleague, Charles Smith. Charlie’s impact on Jackson Walker and on the many lives he touched was profound and enduring. He will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to ethics and his reputation for integrity, excellence, and skillful conflict management.
San Antonio managing partner Julia Mann said, “Charlie touched countless lives throughout his career and helped train so many of us, including me. His courtroom skill was matched only by his kindness. His was a life well lived.”
“His courtroom skill was matched only by his kindness. His was a life well lived.”
Mentorship and Friendship
Even after retirement, Charlie remained a fixture in the office, continuing to mentor and inspire the next generation of Jackson Walker lawyers, often joining them on courthouse visits. His influence stretched far and wide—many outstanding lawyers in Texas, including Senator John Cornyn and longtime Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee Chair David Pritchard, were shaped by their time with Charlie at Groce Locke.
Firmwide managing partner Wade Cooper shared, “I first met Charlie Smith in the summer of 1980, when I clerked at Groce, Locke and Hebdon. My path there was influenced by his sons, Jim and Larry, fraternity brothers of mine at SMU. My respect for them piqued my interest in the firm, even though San Antonio hadn’t really been on my radar. From the moment I met Charlie, it was clear he was a role model for any aspiring litigator: calm and unfailingly polite, yet possessing a sharp, formidable instinct in the courtroom.”
“From the moment I met Charlie, it was clear he was a role model for any aspiring litigator: calm and unfailingly polite, yet possessing a sharp, formidable instinct in the courtroom.”
He continued, “He genuinely enjoyed being around people, loved to teach and mentor, and was incredibly proud of his family and Texas A&M. In 2007, our paths crossed again when Charlie joined Jackson Walker with a group from Jenkens & Gilchrist, rekindling our friendship and my appreciation for his guidance. He remained a great friend and encourager in that new role, and later when I became managing partner. I feel incredibly fortunate to count Charlie as a mentor, friend, and partner.”
Leadership and Legacy
After serving his country for 16 months in Korea with the United States Army, Charlie devoted his life to the law and to public service. He believed the greatest satisfaction in the practice of law came from opportunities to serve in leadership roles in the organized bar, and from the impact those roles could have on the profession, the judicial system, and the public.
San Antonio partner Jed Morrison said, “Charlie was a kind, gentle soul who always looked you in the eye and made time to talk—even when he was busy. He served his country, his community, and his profession. We were fortunate to call him our partner and our friend.”
“Charlie was a kind, gentle soul who always looked you in the eye and made time to talk.”
Senior administrator of HR operations and compliance Jo Ann Stevens said, “Charlie was genuinely caring and generous with his time. Before he retired, he offered me so much personal advice that I’ll always be grateful for. He truly was one of a kind, and he’ll be deeply missed.”
Professional Achievements
Charlie had more than 50 years of litigation experience, focusing primarily on tort litigation in state and federal courts, where he tried more than 300 jury cases. He was a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and an advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates. He served as president of the State Bar of Texas and the San Antonio Bar Association and as chair of the board of directors of the State Bar of Texas, the Commission on Judicial Conduct, and the Commission for Lawyer Discipline. He also served on the State Board of Disciplinary Appeals and was active in state, regional, and national legal associations throughout his career.
Charlie was recognized by peers and the broader legal community for his exceptional service. The San Antonio Bar Association awarded him the Joe Frazier Brown Senior Award of Excellence. The San Antonio Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates presented him with the Piro Lomas Memorial Award. The Texas Bar Foundation honored him with a 50-Year Outstanding Lawyer Award. The Board of Directors of the State Bar of Texas unanimously named him a Texas Legal Legend. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Antonio Business Journal, and the San Antonio Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel awarded him the Lee Cusenbary Ethical Life and Leadership Award.
Charlie’s commitment to the community matched his dedication to the profession. He was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown San Antonio YMCA, the Texas Cradle Society, and the San Antonio A&M Club. He was proud to serve as a Child Advocate of San Antonio (CASA), a member of the Alamo Kiwanis Club for more than 50 years, and a “Reading Buddy” at local elementary schools. He also enjoyed teaching Sunday school and coaching softball and basketball.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 73 years, Ann McRoberts; his sons, Dr. James Smith and Larry Smith; and his daughter, Holly Smith. His legacy at Jackson Walker lives on in the matters he led, the clients he served, the colleagues he mentored, and the values he championed. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
