Biography
Jess Smith grew up in Monterey, CA, and attended high school and college in her hometown. As an undergraduate, Jess studied developmental psychology, and she graduated magna cum laude and was recognized with distinction within her major.
Since law school, Jess advocated for those most vulnerable to abuse, interning at organizations that represented disadvantaged individuals and victims of human rights violations.
Jess’s background gives her a strong intuition and understanding of family dynamics, along with an unwavering sense of justice.
Growing up, Jess personally witnessed how family issues, even on a small scale, require conscience and compassion. She recognizes how difficult and overwhelming these issues can be, as we hold our family close to our hearts. Jess brings a perspective of perseverance, empathy, and patience to each case she works on. Her goal is to reach the best possible solution for her clients, so they can have a fresh start and begin a new chapter.
Jess attended California State University at Monterey Bay, where she received a degree in psychology. Before deciding to go to law school, Jess worked as a content writer for a marketing firm where she honed her persuasive writing and communication skills.
During her time at Santa Clara University School of Law, Jess was a quarterfinalist in the Honors Moot Court Internal Competition, and she went on to serve on the board during her final year of school.
Chosen by her school, Jess also participated on the international level in the Clara Barton International Humanitarian Law Competition and worked on amicus curiae briefs that were submitted to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. She was recognized for her work in advocating for female human rights defenders by her law school.
Jess was the Co-President of the Social Justice Coalition while in law school. She organized community care packages, holiday food drives, and book drives for those in need in Santa Clara County. She also put together panels with attorneys and judges from the Santa Clara Community about various topics, from domestic violence to mental health and wellness in the legal field.