Page 33 - Miami Vol 7 No 2

NALISE SMITH
doors for each other if we nd ourselves in a position to do so.
AALM: How supportive are fellow women practitioners? How do you personally try to help women following in your career path?
Smith: Unfortunately, men have been much more supportive and instrumental in my professional growth than women. I have, however, been fortunate to have female cli- ents who recognize my abilities and have en- sured my success by vocalizing my value, in their minds, to my superiors and by sending me cases directly.
Most notably, a few years ago I met a fe- male in-house lawyer while waiting in line to attend an event at a conference. We ex- changed cards, discussed our practices, and kept in contact. About two years later she reached out to me and provided me with an opportunity to pitch for her company’s busi- ness. When I doubted my ability to coordi- nate and lead the e ort to pitch to her and her colleagues she assured me I was fully ca- pable and did not need to solicit the “crutch” of my partners. Due to her support and en- couragement, my rm was hired, my e orts were lauded by her and her team to my part- ners, and my value was solidi ed at my rm.
Her actions exemplify what it means to pay it forward when in a position to do so. I strive to be an advocate for other female at- torneys and facilitate opportunities to other women where I can. Women supporting other women is critical to greater diversity and inclusion in our profession.
AALM: Do you nd that as a woman you face any challenges that men don’t?
Smith: Undoubtedly, women in the legal profession face more instances of implicit bias. Women are o en judged by their choice of fashion, hair styles and the way in which they communicate. Women must battle the norms that have formed within the culture of the profession for generations. On far too many occasions, I have been mistaken as the court reporter – even in mediations where a court reporter would not usually be in attendance. I have also been told I am too aggressive; some- thing no one ever told a man. e color of my nails and my suits has frequently been a topic of discussion though neither has inhibited my ability to obtain successful results for my cli- ents. Unconscious and implicit bias must be addressed in our profession because it serves
to stymie female lawyers who may not feel comfortable in a profession and society where people feel forced to be everyone but them- selves to “make it.” Fortunately, there are more women now in law school than ever before and it is my hope that a transformation of the makeup of the profession is forthcoming.
AALM: How do you balance your home life and work life?
Smith: Many in our profession struggle with nding the optimum work-life bal- ance. I o en say I work to live and don’t live to work, though it may seem the opposite to my peers. ere is not a complete balance in all aspects of my life at all times, but I un- derstand and choose to accept that reality. I strive for perfection and excellence at work which leads me to work long and hard hours. I also recognize that being “burnt out” is a real phenomenon and therefore make the conscious decision to sleep seven-eight hours every day, schedule vacations or stay- cations at least once a quarter, and maintain a social life with friends and family.
AALM: What rst drew you to your rm? Tell us about your role there.
Smith: e rm’s diverse attorneys, di- verse practice areas, and Caribbean reach piqued my interest. I joined Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel as an associate in 2012 because the rm had a need for a lawyer willing to take the bar exam in the U.S. Virgin Islands to service its clients there. As a Jamaican-Amer- ican, I gured practicing in an island was an opportunity I would be foolish not to take. Jerry Hamilton, the rm’s managing partner, also had a reputation that preceded him as trial lawyer which made the rm that more attractive given my desire to re ne my skills as a trial attorney.
I am currently a partner in the rm’s Flori- da and U.S. Virgin Islands o ces and handle commercial and business litigation matters, as well as, personal injury, premises liability, and product liability lawsuits.
AALM: What accomplishment are you most proud of achieving?
Smith: My recent elevation to partner. Rising to the ranks of partnership last year at the age of 32, and being the youngest law partner in my rm was validation for the years of hard work and commitment to the rm and served as an a rmation that I am deserving of a seat at the table.
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AT a glance
HAMILTON MILLER & BIRTHISEL LLP 150 SE 2nd Ave. 12th Floor
Miami, Fl. 33131 www.hamiltonmillerlaw. com
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor, St. Thomas University Bachelor of Science,
The University of the West Indies
AWARDS
Rising Star, Florida Super Lawyers, 2014-Present
40 Under 40 Black Leaders of Today & Tomorrow, Legacy Miami Magazine, 2014
40 Under 40 Outstanding Lawyers of South Florida, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2018
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Floria Bar, Young
Lawyers Division,
Board of Governors Dade County Bar
Association, Past
Director Caribbean Bar
Association, Past
President
Florida Association of
Women Lawyers, Miami Dade Chapter, Director
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Patience and fortitude conquers all things.”
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