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William E. Smith
Nominee to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- Judge William E. Smith of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island is a highly respected judge known for his strong intellect, excellent judicial temperament, and sterling character.
- Judge Smith has been nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which hears appeals from the federal district courts of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Puerto Rico. The Senate should give Judge Smith a fair up-or-down vote and promptly confirm him to the First Circuit.
- The seat to which Judge Smith has been nominated has been declared a judicial emergency by the Judicial Conference of the United States.
- Judge Smith's nomination has been pending since December 6, 2007 and he is yet to receive a hearing or a vote.
- Judge Smith possesses a distinguished record as a district court judge and as an attorney in the public and private sectors. He received a "Well Qualified" rating by the ABA to serve on the First Circuit.
- Judge Smith was confirmed by a voice vote in the U.S. Senate to the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island in November 2002.
- From 1987 to 2002, Judge Smith practiced labor and employment law with the Providence, Rhode Island, firm of Edwards & Angell. His work included representing the Town of West Warwick, Rhode Island, in labor matters and serving as the City Solicitor of Warwick, Rhode Island.
- From 2000 to 2001, Judge Smith served as Staff Director for U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee's Providence office.
- While in private practice, Judge Smith served as a municipal court judge for the Town of West Warwick from 1993 to 1998.
- Judge Smith has excellent academic credentials and professional training.
- He graduated cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 1987, where he was a member of the American Criminal Law Review.
- He attended Georgetown University as a George F. Baker Scholar, graduating in 1982.
- Judge Smith has actively served his state and local communities in several capacities.
- Judge Smith currently serves on the board of directors for the Family Service of Rhode Island, a non-profit organization that provides social, medical, and educational services to low-income children, adults, and families.
- He has served on the Diocesan School Board for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, which provides services for low-income students in inner-city schools.
- He served on the board of directors for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank from 1993 to 2003, including a term as president from 1998 to 2000. His service included significant pro bono legal work on behalf of the Food Bank.
- Judge Smith has provided pro bono legal services to several non-profit organizations, including the Galilee Mission for Fisherman, which helps fishing-industry workers who have drug or alcohol problems, and the Samaritans, which aims to lower the incidence of suicide through counseling and educating the community.
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