Noel L. Smith Jr.

Noel L. Smith, Jr. is a lifetime resident of Southern Illinois who grew up in Mt. Vernon. Having graduated at the top of his high school class in three years, he initially pursued his studies at the University of Illinois. After his first year, he transferred to Washington University in St. Louis (B.A. 1997) where he graduated with honors and earned a degree in political science. His academic achievements while at Washington University earned him an induction into the nation's oldest and most widely known academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa, as well as an induction into the national political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha.

After graduating, he decided to return to his roots in Southern Illinois by attending Southern Illinois University School of Law (J.D. 2001). Both of his parents, an aunt and uncle, and one of his brothers had all previously attended Southern Illinois University so he was proud to carry on that tradition. He was equally excited to have the opportunity to watch his beloved Salukis each basketball season. He graduated magna cum laude from law school having earned the top grade in seven classes (Contracts I, Corporations, Lawyering Skills I, Lawyering Skills II, Constitutional Law, First Amendment Rights, Senior Seminar-Constitutional Law).

He is licensed to practice law in Illinois (2001) and Missouri (2003). He is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Southern District of Illinois, the Central District of Illinois and the Eastern District of Missouri.

Mr. Smith has litigated cases for products liability (with a special emphasis in toxic torts), personal injury, construction litigation, commercial litigation, and labor and employment matters. He was recently selected for inclusion in Illinois Rising Stars (outstanding young and new attorneys). He has authored several legal works including a collaboration with one of his former SIU law professors.