Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Environmental and Water Law Partner in Austin
The Smiley Law Firm, located in Austin, Texas, has been dedicated to providing expert legal representation in environmental and water law since 2012. Our founder, Cindy Smiley, brings over 30 years of experience in environmental and administrative law, having previously served as a staff attorney for the Texas Water Commission and held leadership roles in prominent legal and environmental organizations. We specialize in regulatory counseling, permit applications, rulemaking participation, and defending clients against enforcement actions at both state and federal levels. Our practice extends to water rights, groundwater conservation, oil and gas regulation, and international boundary water issues, supported by Cindy's deep understanding of agencies like the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency. We pride ourselves on a collaborative approach, combining decades of experience with a commitment to delivering practical, long-term solutions for clients across Texas and the broader EPA Region 6 jurisdiction.
Services
Environmental Law
Water Law
Regulatory Compliance
Permitting
Enforcement Defense
Groundwater Conservation
Oil & Gas Regulation
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in environmental and administrative law.
- Our team maintains deep relationships with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality professionals.
- We provide native Texan perspective on international water rights issues.
- Our founder served on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Texas.
- We combine regulatory expertise with practical solutions for complex legal challenges.
Associations and certifications
- Best Lawyers in America
- Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation
What people say
Exceptionally effective
Finest environmental attorney
Delivers results
Professional but friendly
Astounding expertise
Services
Environmental Law
The Smiley Law Firm provides comprehensive environmental law services, including regulatory counseling, permit applications, and enforcement defense. We represent clients before agencies like the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Our expertise covers hazardous waste management, air emissions, and Superfund site remediation.
Water Law
Our water law practice addresses surface and groundwater rights, water quality, and international boundary water issues. We assist clients with water planning, permitting, and disputes, leveraging Cindy Smiley's extensive experience with Texas water agencies and her native perspective on regional water challenges.
Permitting
We guide clients through complex permitting processes for environmental and water-related projects. Our services include preparing applications, negotiating with agencies, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations to secure timely approvals for development projects.
Enforcement Defense
The firm defends clients against environmental enforcement actions, offering strategic representation during investigations and negotiations. We focus on minimizing liabilities and resolving disputes with regulatory agencies while protecting clients' operational interests.
Groundwater Conservation
We provide legal counsel on groundwater conservation district regulations and sustainable water management practices. Our services help clients navigate Texas water law requirements while balancing development needs with environmental stewardship.
People
Cindy Smiley
Attorney at Law
Cindy Smiley has over 30 years of experience in environmental and administrative law, previously serving as a staff attorney for the Texas Water Commission. She is recognized by Best Lawyers in America and has held leadership roles in environmental law sections of the State Bar of Texas.
Questions
What areas of law does Smiley Law Firm specialize in?
We specialize in environmental law, water law, regulatory compliance, permitting, and enforcement defense for clients across Texas and EPA Region 6.
How many years of experience does Cindy Smiley have?
Cindy Smiley has over 30 years of experience in environmental and administrative law, including roles with the Texas Water Commission and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Texas clients and those in EPA Region 6 states: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
What makes Smiley Law Firm unique?
Our unique combination of regulatory expertise, agency relationships, and native Texan perspective on water issues provides clients with practical, long-term legal solutions.
How does the firm handle complex regulatory challenges?
We use a collaborative approach to navigate regulatory processes, combining decades of experience with strategic problem-solving to address permitting, compliance, and enforcement issues.
