Biography
Stephanie Smith is an attorney in the Columbia, South Carolina office. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2011. She earned her juris doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2016. She is admitted to practice in South Carolina. Stephanie practices in family law and is deeply involved in the Columbia community with a broad network, and those relationships and her passion for helping people allow her to obtain optimal outcomes and creative solutions for her clients, gaining their trust. She overcame obstacles early in life, and she finds it essential and a true privilege to support others in similar situations.
Stephanie began her legal career in Lexington and Richland counties prosecuting child abuse and neglect cases for the Department of Social Services (DSS). This experience not only gave her siginifcant experience in the courtroom, but it also provided her with a wealth of knowledge about child welfare law which has proven to be instrumental in handling private court actions. After a few years, Stephanie transitioned to handling private family court matters and became a senior litigation attorney with a national firm solely focused on domestic issues. Stephanie handles contested divorces, child custody, separation, adoption, separate support and maintenance, spousal support, equitable division, modification of custody / child support, QDROs, separation agreements, termination of parental rights, name changes, and defending parents against claims of abuse/neglect by DSS.
Stephanie does not have a traditional background and faced many adversities throughout her life which caused her to have to work harder and smarter to fulfill her dream of being an attorney. Even though she has fulfilled this dream, she is always reminded of her humble beginnings. Stephanie did not complete high school traditionally as a result of childhood misfortune, but she persisted as a young adult and obtained her equivalency diploma. Her GED hangs in her office next to her other accomplishments, because she believes her GED is just as significant, if not more. Her understanding of chaotic and unconventional situations has allowed her to be the type of attorney that is both a calm and a force for her clients.
- University of South Carolina School of Law – Juris Doctor
- University of North Carolina, Wilmington– Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
- South Carolina Bar Association, 2016
- South Carolina Legal Elite (Family Law) – 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024
- Make-A-Wish Committee, 2018
- Families Forever Committee, 2016
- Voices Against Violence Committee, 2016
- Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, 2011
“I do not view my role as “work” but wake up every day and consider what a privilege it is to serve my clients. There is a saying I always use and and live by: ‘I don’t have to, I get to. I get to help people who are hurting. I get to make a difference. I get to do what I love.’ I find loving what I do makes me do it better, so this perspective serves both my client and me during the most challenging stages in their case.”
Stephanie is passionate about staying active and embraces every opportunity to enjoy sunny weather, whether it’s running, pool days, or soaking up the sun at the beach. Traveling is another big part of her life; she loves exploring new places and cultures, which she finds enriches her perspective. Most importantly, she cherishes spending quality time with family and friends, creating lasting memories through shared experiences and adventures.