Colleen Smith

Colleen is widely recognized as one of the leading young attorneys in the nation (Young Lawyer of the Year (finalist), The American Lawyer (2023); Top 40 Young Lawyers, ABA (2023); Lawyers on the Fast Track (winner), The Recorder (2023); Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers (2022 – present)). Colleen’s breadth of experience sets her apart from her peers. She has experience representing clients on both sides of the “v” across multiple industries, from financial services, to life sciences, to media and communications. Colleen is also deeply dedicated to helping all of her clients reach successful outcomes, in whatever form that takes. She has helped her clients achieve those successes at all stages of litigation, from pre-suit settlements, through Supreme Court appeals.

Colleen is known as an exceptional legal writer with the ability to draft a persuasive brief that simplifies and synthesizes complex law on even the tightest of deadlines. She is the “go to” lawyer to execute emergency motions, petition for certiorari, and eleventh-hour appeals.

Colleen maintains an active pro bono practice with a focus on high-impact civil rights litigation in her home state of Idaho. She serves on the ACLU of Idaho Legal Panel and regularly litigates cases impacting reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and First Amendment rights. Colleen also believes in giving back to her community through board service. She currently serves on the William & Mary Law School Association Board of Directors and on the Board of Directors for a nanotechnology startup.

Prior to entering private practice, Colleen clerked for three federal judges: Judge Liam O’Grady of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Judge N. Randy Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and Chief Judge David Nye of the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho.