MEET SCOTT SMITH
Here's what you need to know about me.
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Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, I graduated from Cornell University in 1976 with a B.S. with distinction in chemical engineering, and from the University of Michigan Law School in 1979 with a J.D. cum laude.
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From 1979 until my "big firm" retirement in 2016, I was a civil trial lawyer with several large defense firms in Indianapolis and Minneapolis, where I have lived and practiced since 1986. I tried civil cases to judges and juries in courts across the country, focusing on the defense of complex product liability, toxic exposure, and environmental disputes. Along the way, I garnered accolades from clients, colleagues and judges for my written and oral advocacy, case preparation, trial skills and professionalism.
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For essentially my entire adult life, I have also been a committed and devoted Episcopalian. I have served my church in a myriad of ways, including multiple stints as Senior Warden and other leadership positions in my Minneapolis home parish, and as a past member of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota -- the latter providing me with a strong grounding in Canon law..
In 2016, I formed Smith Legal PLLC, originally with an eye toward trial consulting, scientific case preparation for other trial lawyers and private practice legal work. By happenstance, a close church friend familiar with my trial and Diocesan experience suggested that I merge those through representing parties in Title IV disciplinary proceedings. I listened, and it took. Over time, my Title IV work on behalf of members of the clergy grew, and I added Title IV investigations and Title III pastoral dissolutions to my portfolio. Today, my legal practice is mostly confined to Canon law matters arising under Title III and Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church. I also represent individuals in immigration-related matters on a pro bono basis as a volunteer attorney through the Minneapolis non-profit Advocates for Human Rights.
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I remain admitted to practice as an attorney in good standing before the Supreme Court of Minnesota and Minnesota state and federal courts. Though my Title III and Title IV Canon law work is national in its scope, I am careful to confine it to Canon law; where issues of state substantive law outside of Minnesota arise, as is sometimes the case in Title III pastoral dissolution matters, I will consult with or refer clients to counsel admitted to practice in those jurisdictions.
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In our free time, my wife, Terri, and I are travel and outdoor activity junkies. I remain active today with the Edina Chorale, with which I have sung for many years and served as a past President and Board member, and within my home parish in Minneapolis. My prior community involvement includes serving as a Boy Scout scoutmaster, a 7th and 8th grade football coach, and a registered state high school track and field official, among many others. We are the parents of two adult sons and Ozzie, our latest in a long line of over-pampered Golden Retrievers.