DANIEL HOOPER SMITH
Attorney
> Advocates in Aging, Wiesner Smith PLLC
What inspired you to work in the legal field? My late grandfather, E. W.(" Willys ") Hooper, Esq. was a humble civil rights attorney in North Carolina during the 1960s and 1970s. I often spent summers at his fishing cottage in Harkers Island, NC, where he ' d share stories of sometimes bartering with clients in exchange for his legal services and serving as an advisor to President Lyndon B. Johnson.
What accomplishment are you most proud of? This past year, I became a dad to our wonderful daughter, Willa Dean, and obtained my board certification in elder law from The Florida Bar.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received( personal or professional)? I clerked for VA Federal Judge Paul Black and us fellow law clerks compiled a list excellent southern sayings we called " Judge Blackisms." For example, if something didn ' t make sense, " That ' s like painting your house before you tear it down!" He taught me that you are going to make mistakes- take ownership and learn from them to succeed in life.
What is your favorite / most effective wellness or mental health activity? To clear my head and get in a workout, I go for a run around the Benderson Park loop twice with my dog.
What show are you bingeing or do you most recommend? My all-time favorite show is Entourage, but more recently, I loved Succession.
Daniel Smith with his daughter, Willa Dean, and wife, Brandy
Do you have a unique hobby or collection? I have a collection of UNC Tar Heels memorabilia including pictures with Coach Dean Smith when I attended Carolina Basketball School when I was young.
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be? Robin Williams
What makes you laugh? Dad jokes, movie quotes, and witty comebacks
What community or nonprofit organization are you most passionate about? 1) Suncoast Aging Network: They help advocate and provide help for seniors in our area. Being in the field of elder law, I feel passionate about helping our senior community and was honored to serve on their board 2) Forty Carrots Family Center: I ' ve volunteered as a Soleman Dancer for the Wine, Women & Shoes fundraiser for the past three years and had so much fun on stage, raising money for local family support.
20 | THE DOCKET- AUGUST 2025