Emily Smith Email and Phone Number

As part of this non partisan agency, I follow certain legislative committees and provide public summaries of each bill that is taken up by that committee. If the bill is passed out of committee to be taken up on the House Floor, I expand the original summary into a policy analysis for the public and include the reason(s) for the bill, arguments from supporters and critics, stated positions from organizations, and any other relevant legislative history or background information on the bill topic. The committees I have followed include the following: (2017/2018 Legislative Session) Agriculture; Communications and Technology; shared Energy, Law and Justice, and Judiciary; Natural Resources.(2019/2020 Legislative Session) Agriculture; Commerce and Trade; Communications and Technology; shared Judiciary; Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.(2021/2022 Legislative Session) Agriculture; shared Judiciary; Military and Veteran's Affairs; and Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation.

As part of MSU COL's Bridge to Practice Program, I worked with various lawyers in the office to provide free legal service to low-income residents of Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Shiawassee, and Livingston counties. Apart from various research projects and memorandums regarding Mortgage and Housing law, I drafted various Motions, Briefs in Support of Motions, Judgments of Divorce, and Orders. I also attended court and worked closely on the litigation for different Mortgage and Housing law cases, including participating in the discovery process. As part of providing legal services, I helped with the intake of clients to create folders and set up client information and issues. I also contacted clients during the course of their representation to relay any messages from my supervising attorney or to gather information. In addition, I drafted client letters from myself or from any supervising attorney. In addition to all of the activities in the office, I traveled to Mason, MI, and participated in the Eviction Diversion Program. I helped indigent clients with money judgments and pending evictions against them and worked with their landlords or the property's lawyer/representative to negotiate a settlement. I then presented the settlement to the judge, who entered it after the parties verified the agreement.

Traveled to Ingham County probate court and Wayne County family court to observe and take notes for cases that involve or possibly involve Native American children and parental termination. Answered any questions presented by the presiding Judge or Referee relating to ICWA regulations. Completed forms to be sent to QUICWA headquarters in Minnesota, where the data is compiled and put together to give awareness to the courts of any shortcomings or wrongdoings during the court proceedings.

Worked for the Tribe’s General Counsel and assisted in various projects, including, but not limited to: developing a tax agreement between the Tribe and Grand Traverse County; re-writing and drafting Tribal code; conduct various research projects; acted as a student lawyer in Tribal Court to represent the Tribe’s position in Minor Trust Account Hearings; and developed Farmer's Market Regulations, which I subsequently presented to the Tribal Council for immediate passage.

Assisted in preparations for cases by constructing criminal files and drafting notices, as well as distributed files at the Wexford County Court House. Observed a variety of criminal defense case and drafted various legal documents. Met with clients to gather information for wills and cases on divorces and criminal trials, and reviewed evidence for criminal cases.