Get to know Glenda A. Smith

Hi. My name is Glenda A. Smith. I was raised by a single parent in public housing. I was a teen mother; ostracized and told explicitly or implicitly on a daily basis I would not get out of the projects. Because of my faith, work ethic and charity I have a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. I have four children. My oldest has a master’s in social work, my son is a Journeyman Electrician and member of IBEW Local 648, my third child graduated from Wellesley College with her bachelor’s and my fourth child is in her second year at Howard University. 

If you want a juvenile judge that understands children, families and obstacles, choose Glenda for Judge and join the campaign.

Glenda A. Smith has over 20 years of experience fighting for justice for marginalized people in juvenile, domestic relations, Indiana and Ohio Court of Appeals and Federal Courts. Currently, Glenda successfully fights for civil rights of persons convicted of a crime in the Court of Appeals and for children and families whose civil rights have been violated by the government. Glenda has practiced in the United States Supreme Court.

In 2020, Glenda was recognized as one of The National Top 100 Black Lawyers by the National Black Lawyers Association.

In 2008, Governor Ted Strickland appointed Glenda, the first Black person, as judge of Butler County Area lll Court in West Chester, Ohio. Although Glenda’s tenure was not as long as she would have hoped, Glenda proudly represented thousands of people whose shoulders she stands on. During Glenda’s tenure as Judge all persons were treated with respect, everything was considered in each case and her decisions were governed by life experiences and what the law commanded of her.

Paid for by the Elect Glenda A. Smith Committee