In 2021, Mary was joined by Julie Danos, a standout legal mind who graduated at the top of her law school class and spent thirteen years as an “elbow clerk” to Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll at the Louisiana Supreme Court. Julie’s encyclopedic knowledge of the Louisiana Civil Code and her ability to pivot across every area of state law brought new depth to the firm’s appellate and trial-level briefing work.

 

To strengthen the firm’s federal and strategic litigation capabilities, Tom Watson, Mary’s father and a 31-year veteran of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined as Of Counsel. Tom’s career — from prosecuting complex federal criminal cases to leading the Civil Division — gives the firm unique insight into the workings of the Department of Justice and high-stakes federal litigation.

 

In 2025, the team expanded again with Justice Scott J. Crichton (Ret.) joining as Of Counsel after a decade on the Louisiana Supreme Court. His judicial experience, leadership in judicial education, and decades on the trial bench have made him an invaluable resource in shaping persuasive arguments for trial and appellate courts alike.

 

What began as a boutique appellate practice has grown into a full-service litigation firm, handling serious personal injury cases, complex trial support, and appeals at every level — from district court motions to arguments before the Louisiana Supreme Court and the United States Fifth Circuit. With a team whose collective experience spans decades in courtrooms and chambers across Louisiana and beyond, Smith Trial and Appellate Lawyers is now recognized as a force in the Louisiana legal community — trusted by clients, respected by peers, and committed to advocacy that is strategic, ethical, and relentless.