Asha Smith is a dynamic advocate, educator, and legal strategist with a fervent commitment to justice and equity. With a robust background in criminal defense, she has championed the rights of New York City's most vulnerable populations, handling both misdemeanor and serious felony cases as a Public Defender. She later brought that same dedication to appellate advocacy, focusing on post-conviction relief and sealing criminal records. Now, her work is centered on civil rights, policy reform, and alternative dispute resolution.
As a neutral Asha is skilled in resolving complex conflicts and fostering fair outcomes. Her work in ADR complements her broader mission of advancing equity through systemic change.
In the academic arena, Asha imparts her extensive knowledge as an Adjunct Professor in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She educates future leaders on the intricate intersections of race, gender, and the criminal legal system.
A natural leader, Asha is deeply involved in shaping the legal profession. She serves as a Director and Executive Committee Member of the New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA), and is Co-Chair of NYCLA’s Criminal Justice Committee. She is a long-standing member of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), where she is a Delegate in NYSBA’s House of Delegates, and is a Fellow of the New York State Bar Foundation. Asha also plays an active role in the Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA), as Co-Chair of the MBBA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Outside of law, Asha’s creative side shines. Merging her legal acumen with a passion for the arts, Asha collaborates on film, television, and digital media projects as a producer, director, and consultant, particularly those with a social justice focus. Whether in the courtroom, classroom, or behind the camera, she’s committed to making an impact.
Education
New York Law School, J.D.
New School for Social Research, M.S., Teaching, M.A., Media Studies
Kalamazoo College, B.A., Art
Practices
Civil Rights
Criminal Defense/Post-Conviction Litigation/Appeals
Alternative Dispute Resolution
**Entertainment
Bar Admissions
Supreme Court of the United States
New York
United States District Court, Southern District
Professional Activities
Delegate, House of Delegates, New York State Bar Association
Director, New York County Lawyers Association
Co-Chair, Criminal Justice Committee, Metropolitan Black Bar Association
Member, Association of Black Women Lawyers
Adjunct Professor, Department of Criminology, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Accomplishments
Fellowships
2023 JAMS Diversity Fellow
2024 AAA Higginbotham Fellow
Awards
2024 Eppler Award, New York County Lawyers Association, Criminal Justice Committee
2021, Re-Entry Initiatives, New York County Lawyers Association/New York State Bar Association/New York State Unified Court System's Office for Justice Initiatives
Selected Engagements
VIRTUAL MODERATOR: “4/20:Civil Rights & Marijuana Legalization: A discussion comparing legislative efforts in NY, NJ and other states regarding Cannabis legislation - a CLE (via Zoom) Co-Sponsored by multiple NYC based bar associations. 2021
ON-AIR LEGAL ANALYST: “Law and Crime Network,“ provided on-air commentary and legal analysis while watching live portions of the trial of People v Markeith Lloyd. 2019
ON-AIR LEGAL COMMENTATOR: Manhattan Neighborhood Network, “ Raising the Bar,” provided on-air commentary and analysis of New York State criminal justice reform legislation, New York, NY, 2019
PANELIST (LEGISLATION): “Criminal Justice Inequities,” a Panel of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican and Asian Legislators Conference, Sponsored by New York State Senator Jamaal Bailey; Co-Sponsored by MBBA, Albany, NY, 2019
MODERATOR (MORNING SESSION): “Wrongful Convictions: Why They Happen and How to Prevent Them” a CLE, Sponsored by New York County Lawyers Association, New York, NY, 2018
MODERATOR: Fifth Annual Hon. Theodore T. Jones, Jr. Trial Advocacy Workshop, Summations Panel, as part of a CLE, Sponsored by the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, New York, NY, 2017
PANELIST: “Civil Rights Jamboree 2016 – Dealing With Sexism in Litigation,” a CLE, Sponsored by New York County Lawyers Association, New York, NY, 2016
PANELIST: "From Prosecuting Crimes to Defending the Accused: So You’re Interested in Forging a Career in Criminal Law" a CLE, Sponsored by New York County Lawyers Association, New York, NY, 2014
