In 1919, Eugene R. Berry opened a law office on the north side of Huntsville’s downtown square. Known today as Smither, Martin, Henderson & Blazek, P.C., five attorneys continue the general practice of law, including family, civil and criminal litigation, real estate, probate, juvenile, and oil and gas. Robert B. Smither (1906-1996) became Berry’s law partner in 1936, forming the firm of Berry and Smither. They continued that association until Berry’s death in 1968. In 1970, Lloyd C. Martin, a former member of the Texas House of Representatives, joined the firm. After serving in the Legislature, he was an Assistant Attorney General and TRA attorney who was instrumental in the creation of Lake Livingston. Former Walker County Attorney and Court at Law Judge Joe B. Henderson, Jr., was added to the firm as a partner in 1980. Former Criminal District Attorney Frank Blazek joined the firm in 1991.

Huntsville native and Municipal Court Judge John R. Gaines and Nicholas C. Beaty, a 2001 graduate of Huntsville High School, are currently associates with the firm. Martin and Blazek are Board certified in the areas of real estate and criminal law respectively. Henderson has represented the Walker County Hospital District since 1981, as well as other public entities in Walker and surrounding counties. Both Martin and Henderson, as active owners and officers, continue the firm’s long relationship with Walker County Title Company. The firm’s staff includes three legal assistants and two office assistants. A number of young attorneys who have subsequently become successful in public service have been associated with and trained by the firm. Among them are Texas Board of Pardons & Paroles member Thomas Leeper, State District Judge Elizabeth Coker and former Madison County Criminal District Attorney William Bennett. The office is now located in the historic Gabe Smither home at 1414 Eleventh Street. The firm continues a long history of providing quality legal services in the general practice of law.