Although Professor Smith’s focus is on legal research, writing, and practice skills, she majored in geology at Barnard College at Columbia University. After a few years in university research and non-profit work, Professor Smith attended the Indiana University School of Law (Maurer School of Law), where she served as an Articles Editor of the Indiana Law Journal and the Director of the Protective Order Project. She simultaneously earned her master’s degree in environmental science from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
After graduating cum laude from law school, Professor Smith clerked for the Honorable Wade Brorby (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit). She continued her public service afterwards as an Assistant Attorney General in the office of the Wyoming Attorney General. In that capacity, Professor Smith represented the Wyoming Department of Environment Quality, Water Quality Division, in administrative and court actions. She also provided daily counseling to the Water Quality Division on transactional and administrative matters. After just a couple of years, Professor Smith was promoted to Senior Assistant Attorney General for the Wyoming Attorney General’s office.
Before joining the College of Law in 2004, Professor Smith moved to Cincinnati to practice law in the litigation department of Dinsmore & Shohl. As an associate at Dinsmore & Shohl for five years, her practice focused on environmental law and pharmaceutical products liability.
Courses
- Academic Success
- Lawyering I
- Lawyering II
- Practical Lawyering Skills
Awards
- 2007 Goldman Prize for Excellence in Teaching
- 1999 Wyoming Attorney General's Office Unsung Hero Award
May 2011
Rachel was mentioned in University of Cincinnati College of Law Holds 178th Hooding Ceremony, Targeted News Service, May 10, 2011.
February 2011
Rachel attended a presentation by Professor Bruce Giffin though UC's Center for Education, Teaching, and Learning onThe Praise Approach: An Alternative To Lecturing Students To Death.
October 2010
Rachel attended the Academy of Fellows for Teaching and Learning (AFTL) Assessment Workshop by Dr. Barbara Walvoord at the University of Cincinnati.
September 2010
The Board of Trustees of the University of Cincinnati approved Rachel’s promotion to Full Clinical Professor (of Legal Research and Writing). Our heartiest congratulations to Rachel!
December 2009
Rachel was reappointed as an Associate Professor of Legal Research and Writing under a a new five year contract. She participated in the Stetson Virtual Legal Writing Conference on Outcomes and Assessments.
Rachel is participating in the year-long Course Redesign Seminar offered by the University of Cincinnati Center for the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning. She assisted Margaret Drew in the amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case of Abbott v. Abbott.
November 2007
Rachel participated as a panelist on Good Legal Writing � What Judges Want and Need at the Potter Stewart American Inn of Court (with Judges Beth Myers and Penelope Cunningham).
Summer 2007
Rachel was appointed Associate Professor of Legal Research and Writing.
May 2007
Rachel won the 2007 Goldman Prize for Excellence in Teaching.
Please see Faculty News Archives for earlier issues.