"The NBA is proud to partner again with IMPACT for this year's 40 Lawyers Under 40 event.  We applaud the awardees for their significant accomplishments and contributions towards the legal profession and community," said Demetrius Shelton, NBA President.  "We look forward to honoring these awardees during our 86th Annual Convention in Baltimore and most importantly, we look forward to sustaining our mission of service and ensuring that justice is achieved by all."

 

"The 2011 Nation's Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40 are continuing the tradition of legal giants in American history," said Angela Rye, IMPACT Director of Strategic Partnerships. "The invaluable contributions made by these attorneys set a standard for service and excellence in our communities and our Nation."

 

Mr. Smith concentrates his practice on Commercial and Complex Litigation.  He currently serves as the Immediate Past President of the F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association of Palm Beach County and is a board member of the Palm Beach County Legal Aid Society and the Black, Latino, Asian Pacific American Alumni Association at NYU School of Law for which he previously served as First Vice President. Mr. Smith also serves on the Committee for Diversity and Inclusion of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and the Committee for the Southern District of Florida Bench & Bar Conference.

 

Selected nominees demonstrate a strong commitment to empowering, uplifting, and advocating within the legal community. They represent a cross-section of legal professionals: solo practitioners, government lawyers, judges, academicians, corporate counsels, young elected officials, and other lawyers who are using their degree in innovative ways. Nominees were selected based on their achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and legal community involvement.

 

A celebration in honor of the winners will be held Sunday, July 31, 2011 at the Nation's Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40 Gala during the 86th Annual NBA Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, the recipients of the Nation's Best Advocate of the Year, Excellence in Leadership, Service, Activism, and Innovation will be recognized at the event.

 

The National Bar Association was founded in 1925 and is the nation's oldest and largest national network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges. It represents approximately 44,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students and has over 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and around the world. The organization seeks to advance the science of jurisprudence, preserve the independence of the judiciary and to uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession. For additional information about the National Bar Association, visit www.nationalbar.org.

 

IMPACT is a nonprofit organization that was founded by a group of young professionals of color in 2006. IMPACT's mission is to engage and build a network of young professionals of color to foster civic engagement, increase knowledge of the political and legislative processes, and enhance economic empowerment opportunities. For additional information about IMPACT, visit www.IMPACT-dc.com.