Recent News

July 27, 2006

New lawyer spotlight: Emily Smith

Being a new lawyer is not the only “new” undertaking for attorney Emily Smith of Carlile Patchen & Murphy. She is also currently in the process of moving into a newly-purchased home and is excitedly waiting to become a new mother. Yet with all these changes going on at the same time, Smith still manages to perfect her roles both on the job and at home, while maintaining a good nature and a sense of humor.

Smith received her B.A. from Miami University in Anthropology, and then her law degree from OSU Moritz College of Law in 2002.

“I spent a summer studying chimps while I was at Miami University,” she said. “I loved it, but realized that it was not that practical, so I decided to go to law school.”

During law school, Smith kept herself very busy with internships, jobs and extracurricular activities. She said she always wanted to be a litigator, so she participated in the Herman Moot Court Competition and argued civil rights issues in law school. The intern and work experience she gained during her years at OSU were invaluable, she said.

“I worked for a trademark attorney during my first year and summer of 2002,” she said. “I also interned for the Department of Commerce in 2001.”

Currently, Smith does security and business litigation and has been at Carlile Patchen & Murphy for a little over a year. Before that, she spent two and a half years working in the Attorney General’s Office.

“I love my job,” she said. “I hope to continue developing my litigation skills and I am looking forward to many different opportunities to do so in the future.”

Smith also has a full and very rewarding life away from work. She said she has a wonderful marriage and family, and enjoys spending her free time exercising, staying involved in the community and participating in Columbus Bar programs.

Smith was a 2005-06 Barrister Leader and described her experience as being “great all around.” Smith said one of her favorites was the seminar on courtesy and etiquette presented by Stephen Chappelear.

“The Columbus Bar’s Barrister Leader program helped me get to know other new, young attorneys,” she said. “They also know how to throw a great party!”

Smith said she hopes to be more involved at the Columbus Bar in the future and spend even more time volunteering at the Interfaith Legal Clinic.

With numerous upcoming life-changing events, Smith keeps a hold on her positive attitude and said she does not regret a thing.

“I wouldn’t change anything about my education or work,” she said. “I hope to make a future at my current firm, and develop a more client-based practice in the future.”