Lesley D. Smith, 38

Assistant Federal Defender, Western District of Missouri, Kansas City

Practice Area: Indigent criminal defense

Law School: University of Tulsa

There are no cases in Lesley D. Smith’s workload.

“I don’t have cases, I have clients,” she says. “Each client has a history, a family and a story to tell. They are more than their worst moment.”

Originally on a path to business and corporate law, an internship at the Tulsa County Public Defender’s office shifted her toward a career helping level disparities in the criminal justice system.

She now serves as vice-president of the Jackson County Bar Association and is on the Missouri Supreme Court’s Commission for Racial and Ethnic Fairness.

She advises young attorneys to develop a personal mission statement.

“Don’t chase money, chase purpose,” she said. “I know that’s hard to do with student loan debt, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself.”

What is something that would surprise people about you? 
Many people are surprised that I lived overseas and earned my MBA before attending law school.  I lived in Geneva, Switzerland; London, England; Leiden, the Netherlands; Chengdu, China and Vienna, Austria.

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what profession would you have chosen?
I had several roles in business before becoming an attorney, so I truly believe I am walking in my calling.  With my knowledge of both the state and federal criminal legal system if I had to pick another career it would likely be in a nonprofit or the legislative branch.  There is a need for criminal reform at all levels — municipal, state and federal — and those of us that are client-facing should [have] a greater voice in shaping new legislation and policy.