Criminal Defense + Immigration + and Trial Counsel
Why Do People Hire You?
I would like to think it's because I'm honest, non-judgmental, relatable, and don't back down from a fight. I could lean on my accolades, which are below, but I prefer to deal with my clients from a human perspective. I didn't choose the areas of law I practice by accident or for money; I chose them because they are real to me. I'm an immigrant and a black man in America. The need to protect and be protected is ingrained and a necessary part of who I am.
I believe in this country and what it represents, that's why I spent two years of my life in Afghanistan advancing its principles. I also don't blame the system for everything; working as a prosecutor helped me to see things from the other side. But it's no secret that most of the individuals that are in the criminal justice system are minorities and men; immigrants are often treated as second-class citizens when indeed we are an indispensable part of the growth and development of this country. I've had my run-ins with the police growing up in New York City, so I know firsthand what it's like to have your rights violated. Thank God, none of those encounters ended my life, or with me being charged with anything serious. That's why I approach my cases, and clients, with the thought process - “but for the grace of God goes I”.
My interaction with my clients is not just limited to legal representation. I am fighting for me, for my children, and for the American values we talk so much about. My official title is Counselor-at-Law, but I use my life experience as a guide in my representation of my clients. My desire to serve others and share my experience is why I mentor young people in the community. I don't just talk law with my clients, I help them deal with the real consequences of being accused of something serious, fighting for an opportunity, and trying to make a life for themselves and family.
My Legal Experience
I loved the law long before I became an attorney. I took every opportunity to “practice” law. I worked as an intern and later a paralegal with the Staten Island District Attorney's Office before I went to college. When I did get to college, I was on the mock trial team that won multiple regional championships and came in second in nationals. I work for The Bar of the City of New York as a Guard Ad Litem representing disabled veterans in housing court. I was advocating in a real court helping real people with real issues before I was a “real” lawyer. That's who I was…looking for every opportunity to get into the courtroom and fight for the rights of others.
That passion only got stronger when I did go to law school. As a member of the Elder Law Clinic, I represented the elderly in consumer fraud cases. Once again, I was able to go to court and speak before a real judge to deal with real issues. I also spent two semesters working for the Queens County District Attorney's Office as part of the Prosecutor Clinic handling real cases.
In the summer of 2002, I interned at the New York County (Manhattan) District Attorney's Office. That experience led to me being offered a job, which I accepted, and became a Prosecutor the next year. I spent my tenure at the office in one of the trial bureaus, which means I spent lots of time in court and did actual trials.
After leaving the District Attorney's Office I became a Trial Attorney for a civil litigation firm in Manhattan. The people were phenomenal, but honestly, there aren't many trials in asbestos litigation. I love the courtroom, so I went out and started my practice.
I spent 2013-2015 in Afghanistan on behalf of the United States Department of State Rule of Law Program (Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs). It was an amazing experience. During my two years I was promoted 3 times (I made it to the third highest position and sometimes served as the second in command). I am very proud of that accomplishment because everything in life said coming from where I came from, I should not have been there let alone able to accomplish what I did.
Smith & Company, PLLC
Smith & Company is the culmination of all my experiences, hard work, and commitment to serving others. It's about me seeing myself in the people I am privileged to represent.
When you spend time in an environment where the only thing that separates you from the people that are trying to kill you is a wall, it's hard for you to be afraid of a fight. You might even like it more than you should. If you want a firm that is not afraid to fight for your rights, you have come to the right place. We have handled cases in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago. We are committed to fighting for you, wherever you are. Give us call.
Professional Credentials
Areas of Practice
- Immigration
- Trial Counsel
- Criminal Defense
Education & Bar Admissions
Education
- St. John's University School of Law
- Hugh Wooding Law School – Trinidad & Tobago
- St. John's University
- Villanova University
Honors
- Fellow, St. John's University School of Law
- Multiple Cali Awards (highest grade in class)
- P. Kevin Castel Award Recipient (faculty selection for most likely to succeed in law)
- Best Advocate - Civil and Criminal Trials
- National Trial Competition Champion
Bar Admissions
- New York
- Connecticut
- The Cooperative Republic of Guyana
- The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court District of Connecticut
Activities
- Executive Director, Trial Institute
- Student Attorney, Elder Law Clinic
- Student Attorney, Prosecutor Clinic
- National Mock Trial Team
- Moot Court Honor Society
Associations & Memberships
- New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA)
- American Trial Lawyers Association (ATLA)
- America Bar Association (ABA)
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- Commissioner – Hartford Charter Review Commission
- Board of Directors – Blue Hill Civic Association
Past Employment Positions
- Belluck & Fox, LLP
- New York County District Attorney's Office
- U.S Department of State – Rule of Law, Kabul Afghanistan
Publications
- Retribution for Rats: Cooperation, Punishment, and Atonement, VLR Vol. 56 Iss. 1 (2003)*