Trusted Legal Solutions
Bio
Ryne Smith is a dedicated attorney with a passion for justice and advocacy. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in 2016 and his Juris Doctor with a Certificate of Public Interest Law from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2022.
After graduating, Ryne joined the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, where he performed a joint role as Community Access Team attorney and Voting Rights Fellow. Prior to this, between his studies, Ryne served with the Peace Corps in Lesotho, teaching English and working on HIV/AIDS mitigation efforts. While in law school, Ryne championed various social justice causes, including animal advocacy, habeas relief for ICE detainees, and alternative dispute resolution for indigent clients. With a diverse background in both international service and legal advocacy, Ryne brings a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to every case he takes on.
Education
- The University of Alabama School of Law, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Juris Doctor - 05/2022
- Honors: Certificate in Public Interest Law
- Honors: Academic Scholarship
- Honors: Order of the Samaritan, 190 pro bono and community service hours
- Columbia University School of General Studies, New York, New York
- B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 05/2016
- Honors: magna cum laude
- Honors: Departmental Honors
- Honors: Paris, France Study Abroad Program, Summer 2014 and Fall 2015
- Major: French
- Middlebury College, French Language School, Middlebury, Vermont
- 7-week non-degree program, Summer - 2015
- Harry S Truman College, Chicago, Illinois
- Associate of General Studies - 06/2013
- Honors: High Honors
Bar Admission
- Alabama
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Alabama
Published Works
- Mitchell Hamline Law Review, Vol. 48, The Lawyer’s Role in Improving “Humane” Meat Labeling, March, 2022
Past Positions
- Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, Staff Attorney – Law Fellow, 2022
- Mediation Clinic – The University of Alabama School of Law, Student Mediator, 08/2021 to 05/2022
- Animal Legal Defense Fund, Legal Intern, 01/2022 to 04/2022
- Animal Outlook, Legal Intern, Litigation Program, 05/2021 to 11/2021
- Animal Welfare Institute, Legal Intern, 01/2021 to 04/2021
- United States Peace Corps, Primary School English Teacher, 09/2016 to 11/2018
- PeopleScout, Inc., Strategic Sourcing Consultant/Supervising Coordinator/Call Center Supervisor/Recruiter, 2008 to 2013
Pro Bono Activities
- Immigration Detention Defense Board, Community Liaison, 08/2020 to 05/2022
- Nondirected kidney donor, 05/2021 to 05/2021
- Volunteer Ombudsman, West Alabama Area Agency on Aging, 10/2019 to 05/2020
- Free Legal Advice Clinic, Alabama State Bar, 01/2020 to Present
- Moral Forum Debate Tournament, Judge, 11/2019 to 11/2019
- Temporary Emergency Services, 08/2019 to 08/2019
Languages
- French
- Sesotho