Alison Smith, a highly accomplished attorney of Jamaican heritage, etched her name in history as she became the first black woman to assume leadership of the Broward County Bar Association (BCBA) in Florida. However, her remarkable journey does not end there. According to an article by Jamaica Observer, Smith plans to break more barriers and seize new opportunities within the legal realm.
A Swift Ascent: Florida Bar Board of Governors
Almost immediately after her BCBA presidency concluded in June 2023, Smith, with the assistance of BCBA’s Executive Director Braulio Rosa, embarked on a fresh endeavor.
She decided to run for a position on the Florida Bar Board of Governors and her determination paid off when her opponent withdrew from the race, securing her a place on the board.
The Florida Bar is the regulatory authority for attorneys in the state of Florida, responsible for a myriad of matters that relate to the practice of law, including creating policy that promotes professionalism and integrity and addressing issues of attorney misconduct.
Paving the way for higher aims
Smith’s election to the Florida Bar Board of Governors positions her to pursue the presidency of the entire state Bar, an organization comprising over 100,000 attorneys.
Notably, no Jamaican woman has ever held the prestigious position of Florida Bar president, an institution established in 1889.
As Smith works towards her ambitious goal, the Florida Bar has just elected its first African-American woman president, Sia Baker-Barnes, a distinguished lawyer from West Palm Beach.
Significantly, Smith and Baker-Barnes share a close friendship and mutual respect.
A Dream Realized: “Wi Likkle But Wi Tallawah”
Expressing her humility and passion for serving her constituency, Smith told the Jamaica Observer that she is honored, and passionate about serving her constituency, the 17th circuit, which is one of the largest circuits in the state.
She added that she intends to make the whole world aware that “wi likkle but wi tallawah,” showcasing her deep-rooted Jamaican pride.
A Jamaican at Heart
Although born in New York, Smith’s heart has always remained in Jamaica, where her parents raised her.
She migrated to the United States in 1996 after completing her education at Manchester High School in Mandeville, Manchester.
Smith proudly identifies as “very Jamaican” and serves as an unofficial ambassador for her beloved homeland.
A legacy of achievement
Smith’s trailblazing journey began when she became the first black woman to achieve partnership status at her Hollywood, Florida law firm, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Berman, a firm with a quarter-century legacy.
Her academic prowess shines through her valedictorian status at Nova Southeastern University’s law school and her magna cum laude graduation from the Shepard Broad College of Law.
Before entering law school, she earned a BSc in Psychology with a minor in legal studies. Currently, she chairs the membership committee of the board of governors for her alma mater.
A commitment to community
Beyond her legal career, Smith dedicates substantial time to community service, with a particular focus on programs benefiting the Caribbean-American community.
As a former president of the Caribbean Bar Association, she established mentorship initiatives to support minority students.
Smith also serves on the Board of Directors for Legal Aid and is an active member of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.
Her legal practice encompasses labor and employment, municipal, appellate, and administrative and regulatory matters.
