“Doing what is right and fair always matters, even when no one is looking.” – Bonnie “Michelle” Smith, Esq., attorney at law.
Michelle Smith has now been practicing law for 16 years. She was born in Decatur, Georgia, but was raised in Houston County. She is the first one out of more than 100 relatives in her family to become a lawyer. And how she did that, she said, was hard work and determination.
“My family and I moved here after I completed kindergarten,” said Smith. “My mother took a job then at Robins Air Force Base. I attended Shirley Hills Elementary and by third grade we moved to the other side of town. So, I then attended Russell Elementary, Northside Junior High and Northside High School. I graduated as the top third person in my class in 1990 and then it was off to college to pursue a degree in music.”
Smith graduated with her bachelor’s degree in music from the Agnes Scott College in Decatur. From there, she then attended the American Music and Dramatic Academy in New York City to earn her graduate degree in music.
“I am a vocalist,” said Smith. “When I was 3 years old, my mother said that I could sing every word to ‘Everyday with Jesus is Sweeter than the Day Before,’ before I could read. But during that time in New York, I realized everyone could sing and dance and also do a cartwheel (she said laughing). So, I knew I needed to go back to school to some real education in order to make a living for my life, but music is important.”
Smith took some time off to think and reflect on what profession she wanted to get into. In 1998, she was accepted into the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. Her inspiration to become a lawyer came from President Ronald Reagan.
“I was a child of the 80s,” said Smith. “I was really inspired by President Ronald Reagan because he was both an actor and politician. He was able to do both and still be professional. I always kept that in my mind, and when I took time off from school, I then realized I could do both. So, I went back to school in 1998. I went into the accelerated program and earned my degree in two years. I joke with my colleagues now that I need to go back to Michigan to go sightseeing because the whole time I was there, the only thing I saw was the inside of my lawyer’s book.”
Smith practices general practice in helping small businesses and people. She said she also has some areas of specialization.
“Currently, I have a case that I petitioned to the United States Supreme Court, Brooks versus the Air Force,” said Smith. “My client and I understand that thousands of cases are petitioned to the United States Supreme Court, but we are hopeful. But I really enjoy helping people. The greatest compliment I have ever received from my clients is that I’m not like other lawyers in making them feel like they don’t know what they are talking about. It always makes me proud when they come to see me. I think about my grandparents when I’m practicing, that it’s important to do good for others. What you do for others, you pass on to the universe.”
Smith said she is content with her practice and hopes to continue on her path and do more nonprofit work, along with performing.
“I won’t ever say never; it’s not appropriate to close a door when God thinks it should stay open,” said Smith. “So, whatever the future holds, I’m ready for it. Soon I will be opening my own theater in Lilly, Georgia. It’s the old Lilly School House that is 100 years old and I am turning it into an event hall and theater. I hope to be performing there not long after I open it.”
“To future lawyers, don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do it,” said Smith. “Make sure you go to school and don’t take too much time off. I remember when I was thinking about becoming a lawyer, people told me that I shouldn’t because lawyers are mean and you’re not mean enough. Do what your heart leads you to go. And just because no one in your family has done something doesn’t mean that you can’t do it.”
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