Cleveland Metro Foreclosure Attorney Guide
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DWSMITH LEGAL

Updated 2026-08-27 · 5,028 reviewed · 135 listed · Scored from 57 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.6(57) 82 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified
Foreclosure Defense LitigationLoan Modification & Loss MitigationForeclosure Service
DWSMITH LEGAL
Services
Foreclosure Defense Litigation, Loan Modification & Loss Mitigation, Foreclosure Service
Reviews
57

What recent reviews say

Derek Smith and his team, particularly assistant Evelyn, earn consistent praise for vigorous advocacy and emotional support through stressful legal matters. Clients report winning difficult cases-including felony defenses and trafficking cases-and credit the firm's communication style with making them feel confident the outcome would be favorable, then delivering on that promise. The reviews lack detail about fees or specific foreclosure processes, so certainty about those mechanics remains limited.

Praised for
  • attorney Derek Smith fights aggressively for clients
  • staff (Derek and Evelyn) build trust and reassurance
  • strong case outcomes reported
  • responsive communication throughout process
aggressive-advocatecompassionateresponsive-communicationempathetic-staffresults-driven
Best for: people facing serious criminal or legal charges who value strong advocacy and reassuring communication.
Think twice if: the reviews emphasize criminal defense (felonies, trafficking) far more than foreclosure work specifically; confirm the firm handles your particular foreclosure matter before committing.

Strengths

  • Attorney Derek Smith known for aggressive courtroom advocacy
  • staff builds client trust with reassurance and clear communication
  • cases described as won despite difficult circumstances

Worth knowing

  • Attorney Derek W. Smith (named principal)
  • Evelyn/Eve Lazo (staff; praised for kindness and communication)
  • cases described: eight-count felony defense (won, no record); trafficking defense (10-year sentence reduced); family cases resolved favorably
  • clients report strong courtroom presence and pre-case reassurance

What reviews say by service

Foreclosure Defense Litigation
reviews emphasize criminal defense wins; limited explicit evidence of foreclosure-specific litigation outcomes

How it compares

  • Rated 4.6 against a 4.63 average across the 81 foreclosure defense litigation businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 75% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Rank
Star rating 72
Review volume 77
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 80
Profile completeness 100
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
51
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
5

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Last updated 2026-08-27