Focus on Environmental Problem Solving

The Smiley Law Firm, P.C., located in Austin, Texas, represents a wide variety of clients in environmental and water law matters. The firm is dedicated to serving its clients as they participate in regulatory processes, including:

  • permit applications and authorizations
  • rulemaking and petitions for rulemaking
  • responses to environmental enforcement actions.

A large part of the firm’s practice centers on regulatory counseling and assistance in identifying and addressing environmental issues and concerns. The firm’s founder has more than 30 years of wide-ranging experience in environmental and administrative law.

Our Practice

Environmental Law

Cindy Smiley has a collaborative style proven successful in over 25 years of resolving regulatory, permitting and enforcement issues for her clients. EPA Region 6, located in Dallas, has responsibility for AR, LA, NM, OK, TX.

Water Law

As a native Texan, Cindy brings a lifetime of perspective to international water rights issues. The Smiley Law Firm brings this perspective to develop solutions that promise long-term gains to families on both sides of the border.

Local Government

Representation in reviewing and negotiating environmental agreements and contracts; counseling on regulatory issues; obtaining permits and authorizations for projects; and maintaining en­vir­on­ment­al permits and approvals.

Business & Industry

Representation in obtaining environmental permits and authorizations for projects; de­fend­ing enforcement actions; counseling on regulatory issues; participating in agency rulemaking activities; and identifying and evaluating potential environmental liabilities associated with transactions.

Property Owners/HOA

Representation in identifying and evaluating potential environmental liabilities and ob­li­ga­tions; counseling on regulatory issues; participating in government rulemaking and other activities; obtaining authorizations and permits; and addressing enforcement concerns.

Service Dogs

Building upon her experience as a volunteer puppy-raiser with Canine Companions for Independence, Ms. Smiley is interested in legal issues associated with service dogs in Texas and the importance of their work for people who depend upon these amazing animals.

Why Choose Us

Professional Service

The Cindy Smiley Law Firm is active in the planning of the Texas Environmental Superconference, a “SXSW for environmental professionals” sponsored by the Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. This popular, well-regarded annual conference is held in Austin in early August. The Superconference celebrated its 30th year in August 2018.

Cindy Smiley:

  • Director of the Southwest Section of the Air & Waste Management Association (2011-2017)
  • Executive Committee of the Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (2012-2013)

Honors and Recognitions

  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America in the areas of Water Law and Environmental Law (2008-2016)
  • Chair of the Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (2011-2012)
  • General Conference Vice Chair for the 105th Annual Conference & Exhibition of the Air & Waste Management Association (June 2012)
  • Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation (elected 2011)
  • Member of the College of the State Bar of Texas (2013 to present)

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

As a former staff attorney, Cindy Smiley has great respect for this agency and its mission. Through ongoing relationships with many of its dedicated professionals, the Smiley Law Firm assist clients in communicating with agency staff. A deep understanding of TCEQ’s governing laws and policies enables the Smiley Law Firm to effectively represent its clients before the agency.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The Smiley Law Firm uses a collaborative style proven successful in many years of resolving regulatory, permitting and enforcement issues for its clients.

EPA Region 6, located in Dallas, has responsibility for the states of AR, LA, NM, OK and TX.

Client Comments

“Cindy is very intelligent, thorough, thoughtful, and exceptionally effective in Environmental Law. She is most pleasant to work with (even when the legal issues are not); she is definitely a team player. We have great confidence and trust in her judgment, as well as her ability, and would highly recommend her to anyone needing her expertise in the environmental arena.”

President
Dallas, Texas Facility

“Cindy works in a very demanding field. She is without a doubt the finest and foremost environmental attorney I have ever worked with. She makes her clients feel at ease and keeps hours to a minimum, but, above all, she delivers results with the agencies, both state and federal. Her knowledge of environmental law and her expertise are astounding. Her demeanor is always professional but friendly. She is simply an outstanding attorney.”

Retired Environmental Manager
San Antonio, Texas Facility