The award was presented at the National Bar Association’s Annual Convention in Memphis, Tennessee.
The award recognizes Professor Smith for championing civil rights in the courts, leading direct action campaigns for equal justice in the community, and teaching cutting-edge trial advocacy skills to lawyers and law students alike.
Vanita Banks, Chair of the NBA Civil Trial Advocacy Section, presented the award and extolled the many contributions made by Professor Smith that earned him this honor.
Professor Smith is a past president of the National Bar Association.
Upon receiving the award, Professor Smith said, “this award is special because it is coming from an organization that I love and from colleagues who I have worked with for decades to advance the art of legal storytelling while advancing the righteous cause of racial justice.”
A trailblazing civil rights pioneer and trial lawyer, Professor Smith is founding director of the FIU Law Trial Advocacy Program. He teaches Trial Advocacy and Advanced Trial Advocacy.
Contact Professor Smith at 305-348-8095 and htsmith@fiu.edu.