About Paula

More Than 30 Years of Legal Experience

For more than 30 years, Paula Lock Smyth has represented individuals and families throughout North Texas in Family Law, Estate Planning, Probate, and related legal matters. Over the course of her career, she has served as a litigator, mediator, Collaborative Divorce attorney, and trusted legal advisor, helping clients resolve legal issues through negotiation, mediation, and when necessary, litigation.

Her professional experience reflects a longstanding commitment to providing practical legal guidance, thoughtful representation, and personalized service. The following highlights her legal background, education, and professional experience.

A Career Built on Experience and Client Service

Throughout her career, Paula Lock Smyth has remained committed to helping clients understand their legal options and make informed decisions during some of life’s most important transitions. Whether assisting with a Family Law matter, Estate Planning, or Probate, her approach is centered on providing experienced legal guidance, practical solutions, and personal attention to every client. To learn more about her approach to representing clients, visit the My Practice page. Scroll down to view her professional affiliations, community involvement, and Memberships, Activities & Recognitions.

Professional Experience

Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices
Principal Attorney | 2002–Present
Founded Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices to provide legal representation in Family Law, Collaborative Divorce, Mediation, Estate Planning, Probate, and Estate Administration. Represents clients throughout North Texas with an emphasis on practical solutions, clear communication, and personalized legal counsel.

Zisman Law Firm, P.C.
Shareholder | 1999–2002
Represented clients in state and federal courts with a primary focus on Family Law, while also handling Probate, Guardianship, contract disputes, and mediation matters.

Paula A. Lock Mediation Services
Principal Attorney-Mediator | 1994–1999
Provided mediation services after completing professional mediation training through the American Academy of Attorney-Mediators, helping parties resolve civil disputes through negotiated settlements.

Biles & Lock, P.C.
Partner | 1991–1994
Represented clients in a predominantly Family Law practice, handling litigation, negotiations, and complex legal matters.

Hammerle & Associates
Associate Attorney/Branch Manager | 1985–1991
Practiced in Family Law, Probate, business law, contract matters, and general civil litigation. Assisted in organizing the first Denton County Settlement Week.

Education

Southern Methodist University School of Law
Juris Doctor, 1985

Duke University
Bachelor of Arts in Business with a minor in English, 1982

Bar Admissions

State Bar of Texas (1985)
United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Professional Leadership and Community Involvement

Throughout her legal career, Paula Lock Smyth has remained actively involved in the legal profession and the community. She believes that continuing education, professional collaboration, volunteer service, and community involvement all contribute to providing thoughtful, well-rounded legal representation.

The following organizations, leadership roles, and recognitions reflect her longstanding commitment to both the legal profession and the communities she serves.

Professional Associations

Collaborative Section of the State Bar of Texas
Collaborative Divorce Texas
Collaborative Law Dallas Practice Group
Family Law Section of the State Bar of Texas
Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association
Dallas Bar Association
Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
College of the State Bar of Texas
Annette Stewart Inn of Court, Master

Leadership and Professional Service

Past President, Dallas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (Dallas LCL)
Volunteer, Texas Lawyers Assistance Program

Community Involvement

Bible Study Fellowship Group Leader
Fellowship Dallas Life Group Co-Leader
Fellowship Dallas Care Team

Music and Community Organizations

Paula has been actively involved with the Rich-Tone Chorus for many years, serving in both leadership and performance roles.

Member, Rich-Tone Chorus
Former Member, Rich-Tone Chorus Management Team
Recipient of the Trailblazer Award from Rich-Tone Chorus
Recipient of the Summit Award from Rich-Tone Chorus
Member, SingUnited, formerly Sweet Adelines International

Academic Leadership

During law school and college, Paula served in leadership roles that reflected her commitment to service and professional development.

Past President, Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, SMU Dedman School of Law
Founder and Past President, Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Upsilon Chapter, Duke University

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What People are Saying

Shana Swint

If we could give Paula and Courtney 10 STARS, we would. We required something custody-related and required it in VERY short order, and Paula and Courtney turned our documents for the court around NEXT DAY. Not only were they knowledgeable, but they were friendly and courteous and respectful of our situation and our timeline. Gold star service, 100%, and we look forward to continuing our attorney-client relationship for any future family legal matters.

Amber Ramirez

Grateful for the guidance provided by Paula and Courtney throughout my divorce process. From the very beginning, they were professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable about family law. What could have been an overwhelming and stressful situation was handled with patience, clarity, and genuine care. Together, they made a difficult life event much more manageable. I’m grateful for their professionalism, dedication, and compassion during such an important time. I would absolutely recommend this team to anyone needing experienced and supportive representation in family law matters.

travis gilliam

There comes a moment when you need someone to speak for you. I ended up in a predicament where I felt completely overwhelmed and confused. Paula was the best decision I could’ve possibly made. I spoke with Courtney, her paralegal, when I initially called her legal practice. She was well-organized, professional, and able to quickly grasp the situation. Paula and Courtney persisted in asking insightful questions about my circumstances throughout the process, which would eventually result in a well-considered defense. I had to go to court after Paula helped me navigate the mediation, which regrettably did not settle the matter. With the documentation provided, Paula was able to generate a strategy for the hearing that was straightforward and organized. I greatly benefited from her professionalism and knowledge of courtroom procedures during the actual hearing. Paula was able to represent me professionally while maintaining my composure and mental clarity. She won my case thanks to her successful strategy. If you're searching for a qualified attorney, I suggest Paula lock Smyth.

Matthew White

Hands-down, they were very easy to work with. Courtney really made this whole experience easy for me and was very knowledgeable, she constantly kept me updated as soon has she had new info for me. 10/10 I would recommend calling them for your legal problems. I truly wish I could give them more than 5 stars.

Melissa Munoz

Paula and Courtney did an amazing job in helping me with my divorce! I found them through my job benefits and reading the reviews I went with them. They got me divorced so fast and didn't have to show up to court. I would recommend them to anyone!!!

Keri D

Paula and her paralegal Courtney have been nothing short of incredible. They have walked with me through one of the most difficult and emotional times of my life with compassion, strength, and unwavering support. Paula is honest, knowledgeable, and has been a true advocate for myself and my kids. She never tells you just what you want to hear. She tells you what you need to hear, and she does it with care and clarity. Courtney has been equally amazing. She is always responsive, organized, and supportive. Together, they made me feel heard, informed, and genuinely cared for. I never felt like just another case to them. They took the time to understand my situation and went above and beyond to protect what mattered most. If you are looking for a family law team who will not only fight for you but truly care about your well being and future, I cannot recommend Paula and Courtney enough. I am forever grateful for what they have each done for me and my children.

Erika Escobedo

Going through a divorce process can be very hard. I want to thank Paula and Courtney for their thorough guidance and patience. If you are looking for an attorney I highly recommend contacting them. Thank you Paula and Courtney once again!

Vanessa George

Going through any transitional period can be hard, but Paula and Courtney made the divorce process smooth and easy (uncontested, with kids). I initially found Paula via a work benefit website, read her reviews, and spoke with her to discuss the process. She was clear, concise, and direct, which I appreciated. She and Courtney have been very quick and helpful with their replies to my questions. The experience has been efficient and pretty stress-free, which I greatly appreciate in an otherwise stressful time! Thanks ladies! ETA: Courtney was so sweet to call me after hours and update me that the decree had been signed. She knew I was anxiously awaiting the news, and I appreciate her taking that time to give me the news when she did. They've been great!