Gloria Lynn Smith was raised as a “little soldier” in a military family, attending eight different schools across her childhood. This foundation instilled in her a sense of discipline, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that would later shape her career as a lawyer. She ultimately earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Alaska in Anchorage and then moved on to Northern Kentucky University to attend Salmon P. Chase College of Law where she earned her Juris Doctorate (Law Degree). Additionally, Gloria earned her Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Guided by her deep faith, she views her legal career as a calling to serve people who are in need of justice.

Gloria launched her legal career in 1993 in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she cut her teeth defending high-stakes felony cases—including, but not limited to, homicide, drug offenses, and sexual assault. Her relentless commitment to the law and her clients eventually earned her the role of General Counsel for the local police union, where she represented law enforcement officers under criminal investigation and oversaw hundreds of arbitration disputes between union members and management.

While criminal defense has been Gloria’s core focus, in her over thirty-two (32) years of practicing law she has also obtained extensive experience in both civil rights litigation and accident/injury law. This wide breadth of knowledge and experience gives her a unique strategic advantage. Widely known for her strategic precision and thorough preparation, Gloria dives deep into the facts, legal issues, and personal stories that shape each case. She believes that whether to accept a plea in a criminal case or a settlement in an accident/injury case or proceed to trial is one of the most important decisions a person can make—and she ensures her clients have every legal advantage before making that choice.