Member Spotlight: Claris Smith
Claris Smith is an associate at Akerman where she focuses on consumer financial services, data, and technology. She represents a wide array of financial services companies in state and federal litigation including class actions and regularly defends financial services providers against individual and class claims brought pursuant to RESPA, TILA, FCRA, FDCPA, and TCPA. We hope you enjoy getting to know Claris!
How has being a member of the FBA enhanced your career or benefited you personally or professionally?
I first joined the FBA in law school, and I served as the VP of the Tulane chapter. As both a student and young professional, one of my favorite parts of being a member is the ability to dialogue with experienced attorneys and judges across the 5th Circuit. Over the years I have participated in several Lunches with the Court where I have gleaned insight into how local judges analyze briefs, practice self-care, and render their opinions. These experiences and others have served as a guidepost for best practices that I can strive toward as I develop in my own legal career.
What is your biggest strength as an attorney and why? (e.g., legal writing, oral advocacy, marketing yourself and your firm).
I have always been a good listener and a strong communicator. I have found that the ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written form has been critical in establishing credibility with clients, peers, and the court.
What is your favorite part about being an attorney and why?
Being a lawyer is intellectually challenging. I enjoy being confronted with questions, circumstances, and scenarios, and developing strategies to resolve them.
What is one thing you wish you would have known before becoming an attorney and why?
The value of an hour. Understanding that time is money has helped me value my time and use it more efficiently in other aspects of my life.
What is the best advice you have ever received in the legal profession?
Ironically, some of the best advice I have received comes from the fictional litigator, Atticus Finch who said, "The one thing that does not abide by majority rule is a person's conscience". This quote reminds me to listen to my conscience first, even when the results are unpopular.
Where are you from and how did you end up in New Orleans?
I am originally from Tyler, TX but I have always been fascinated by New Orleans.
Where did you go to law school?
Tulane Law School.
Name one thing that you could not live without and why?
My faith. On my best days and my worst, it keeps me grounded.
What would you do professionally if you were not an attorney and why?
I would be an artist. I studied art in undergrad, and I find that I am most at peace when engaging in the creative arts. I particularly enjoy charcoal drawing and ceramics when I have the chance.
Other than your career, what are you passionate about and why?
I am passionate about helping people. Regardless of what else I am doing personally or professionally, I always try to make time to serve my community. I have served on the board of Special Olympics Louisiana since 2018, and I am currently the vice chair. I also regularly volunteer with my church's homeless ministry which prepares lunch for the homeless every other week, and I participate in a variety of legal pro bono and mentoring programs.
Favorite New Orleans dish and restaurant?
My favorite dish in New Orleans is the Catfish Jourdain from Lil' Dizzy's. The dish is comprised of fried catfish topped with shrimp & crabmeat in a lemon butter sauce. It comes with a selection of sides including mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. I started eating at Lil' Dizzy's my first year of law school, and it is still one of my favorite spots for comfort food.
You get one superpower. What is it and why?
I love to travel, but travel has become so inconvenient. My superpower would be to teleport so I could travel around the world without sitting on a plane.
What is a recent “success” you’ve had, either professional or personal, and how did you make it happen?
After 4 years at my old firm, I started a new job in October of 2022 as an Associate with Akerman, LLP. I consider this a success because the job application process can be so daunting, and even after receiving and accepting the offer, there is a tendency to question "Did I make the right decision?" Having worked at Akerman for over 6+ months, I am happy to report that I made the right decision. At Akerman, I have found mentorship, support, and a great sense of work-life balance.
