Faculty Profile: Joseph Smith

Joseph W. Smith may be a native of Nashville, but he is a Memphian at heart and by marriage. Joe received his undergraduate degree from the University of Memphis where he met his college sweetheart, now wife, Racheal. They are the proud parents of Joseph W. Smith, II, nicknamed Deuce. As a husband, father, and son of divorced parents, Joe has a unique perspective and appreciation for preserving his client’s legacy.

As a board member of the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Alumni Chapter, Joe helps raise scholarships for University of Memphis law students. In 2019 Joe Co-Chaired the 10th Annual Pillars of Excellence Awards, which raised nearly $160,000 toward scholarships.

Trial advocacy is an essential skill to have, especially for a family law and domestic relations litigator. Joe participated at the Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute in Boulder, Colorado. Sponsored by the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA), this annual program is an intensive 7-day trial advocacy and education course where practicing attorneys receive personalized instruction from the nation’s leading family law trial lawyers, judges, advocacy teachers, and expert witnesses.

Not only is Joe a sophisticated litigator, but he is also passionate about helping those in need, especially those in the Memphis community. Joe volunteers at the Saturday Legal Clinic sponsored by the Memphis Area Legal Services, where community members may consult attorneys without fee. In 2021, the Memphis Business Journal honored him with its 40 Under 40 Award.  Joe also serves as Vice Chair of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Family Law Section Executive Committee.

Joe mentors high school students in the Memphis Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program, which seeks to develop and nurture an interest in the legal profession among young people from underrepresented groups. This program is similar to the one Joe participated in as a high school student in Nashville, which ultimately led to him becoming an attorney.

Joe graduated from Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis in 2015. In his last semester of law school, Joe worked as a Student Attorney with the Child & Family Litigation Clinic and received the CALI Excellence Award (highest grade award).

In May 2016, Joe became Amy Amundsen’s associate. He represented sophisticated clients in complex domestic relations and family law matters including divorce, custody, paternity, prenuptial agreements, and child support.

When Joe is away from the office, he enjoys his work raising scholarship money for law students at the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, spending time outdoors with Deuce, and cheering on the Memphis Tigers. #GoTigersGo