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Mary Watson Smith

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Mary Watson Smith
Managing Member

Mary is widely recognized for her appellate advocacy in Louisiana. She is frequently called upon when plaintiffs confront consequential issues before the state’s reviewing courts. Since beginning her private practice in 2020, Mary has been deeply involved in many of Louisiana’s most significant civil law disputes, both as enrolled counsel and in a supporting role. Her work is marked by meticulous preparation, thoughtful legal reasoning, and precise execution. Her record reflects sustained success across all levels of the Louisiana court system.

Mary’s experience spans every level of the Louisiana state court system. She began her career clerking at the

Louisiana Supreme Court, where she gained firsthand insight into how the Court evaluates and resolves complex legal issues. She later served as a research attorney at the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal and as an Assistant District Attorney, where she tried cases ranging from misdemeanors to aggravated rape. In private practice, Mary has worked on hundreds of civil matters throughout Louisiana, with a particular focus on civil law issues headed to the Louisiana Supreme Court.

​For clients and fellow attorneys, Mary brings a unique perspective of both an appellate attorney and a seasoned litigator, grounded in experience at every stage of the Louisiana court system. She is particularly effective in identifying decisive issues, shaping the record, and strengthening legal arguments before they reach a critical stage. Whether working behind the scenes or appearing as counsel of record, Mary provides steady, reliable guidance in matters where precision, judgment, and credibility before the courts matter most.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office

Assistant District Attorney

JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE

Louisiana Supreme Court

Law Clerk to Associate Justice Jeannette Knoll

Law Clerk to Associate Justice Greg Guidry

Law Clerk to Justice Pro Tempore Susan Chehardy

Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal

Law Clerk to Judge Fredericka Wicker

EDUCATION

Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University

Juris Doctorate, cum laude, 2013

University of Dallas

Master of Arts, English

Bachelor of Arts, English, magna cum laude 

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Louisiana State Law Institute

Law Institute Council

Code of Civil Procedure Committee

Appellate Subcommittee

Louisiana Association for Justice

Executive Committee

Amicus Brief-Writing Committee

Academy of New Orleans Trial Lawyers

St. Thomas More - Loyola Inn of Court

St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association

Louisiana Supreme Court Historical Society

Martindale Hubbell Award
Louisiana Association for Justice
New Orleans Top Lawyers

341 Metairie Road

Metairie, LA 70005

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T: (504) 300-1069

 F: (504) 300-1069

Smith Trial and Appellate Lawyers
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