Background
Judge Smith received his bachelor's degree from the Georgetown University in 1982 and his Juris Doctorate cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 1987.
He was in private practice in Providence, Rhode Island from 1987 until 2000. From 1993 until 1998, he was also a part-time judge in the town of West Warwick, Rhode Island. Judge Smith was the staff director of the Rhode Island office of U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee from 2000 until 2001. From 2001 to 2002, he returned to private practice in Providence.
From 2001 to 2002, Judge Smith was an adjunct professor at Providence College. He currently teaches as an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University School of Law.
Judge Smith was nominated by President George W. Bush on July 18, 2002, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island vacated by Ronald R. Lagueux. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 14, 2002, and received his commission on the next day.
Read more about this topic: William E. Smith (judge)
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