256-764-ATTY-(2889)

Mr. Smith began the practice of law in 1984 in his hometown of Florence, Alabama after graduating Cumberland School of Law “84 and the University of North Alabama “81.  Mr. Smith’s practice concentrates in the areas of divorce, matrimonial law, family law, child support and child custody.  Mr. Smith represents the Alabama Department of Human Resources for child support IV-D services as an Assistant District Attorney for Chris Connolly, District Attorney of Lauderdale County, Alabama.  Mr. Smith is active in organizations designed to improve his profession and community.  He is involved in fund raising activities for children’s programs, college scholarships and other charitable causes.  
Mr. Smith is a lifetime resident of Florence, Alabama. He attended Gilbert Elementary School and Appleby Junior High School both of Florence, Alabama. He graduated from Bradshaw High School in 1977 and the University of North Alabama (UNA) in 1981.
While attending UNA he was elected Student Government Association, President, Vice President and Senator. He was president of the Political Science Club and the UNA Young Democrats. He was inducted in to ODK honor society and was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity.
He graduated in 1981 with a B.S. degree in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration.. Also, while in college he was elected President of the State of Alabama Young Democrats and served on the State of Alabama Democratic Executive Committee.
After graduating in the top of his class at UNA, he entered The Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. While at Cumberland he was elected to represent The Cumberland School of Law as its representative to the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association. He was awarded the Bronze Key Award as the outstanding Representative in the Southeastern United States. Also, he received the AmJur Book Award for earning the highest grade in Professional Responsibility (Ethics).
In 1984 he graduated in the top of his class with a Juris Doctorate degree. He was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in September, 1984.
Upon his admission to the Bar he returned home to Florence, Alabama to open The Law Office of Robert F. Smith.
Since his return he was elected to serve as a member of the Florence City Council representing District 2. As a member of the governing body of the City of Florence, Alabama he served on the Finance and Utilities Committee and was Chairman of the Recreation and Museums Committee. Also, the Lt. Governor, Jim Folsom, Jr., appointed him to serve on the Board of Directors of The Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA).  While on the AHFA he served on the Legislative and Multi Housing Committees and traveled extensively representing the State of Alabama.
In 1990, he became involved as state campaign manager for A. W. Todd for the statewide office of Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. He had helped A. W. Todd campaign for office since the late 70's. In one of the most amazing campaigns in Alabama history, A. W. Todd was elected to his third term as Commissioner in 1990.
Todd appointed Robert as his Executive Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture and gave him an adjoining office. A. W. Todd has since passed away. 
A. W.  taught me that politics is about people. If you love helping people then you will be successful in politics. He also taught me to never give up. Keep on fighting and campaigning until the end. Those are lessons of life and they relate to my law practice every day,
After a short stay in Montgomery, Robert chose to return to Florence, Alabama to continue his practice of law.
Mr. Smith continues to be active in the state and local projects.
He has served the UNA National Alumni Association as, National President, vice-president and member of the Board of Directors. During his involvement with the UNA National Alumni Association he re-initiated the Phon-A-Thon, which for the first time located and identified UNA graduates. This data bank of information is now used by the UNA Foundation and has been expanded each year.  It is an integral part of recruiting, fund raising and communicating for UNA today.
Mr. Smith has served on the Lauderdale County Democratic Executive Committee and on the State Democratic Executive Committee as Vice Chair of Youth Affairs.
In 2003, the Family Law Section of the Alabama State Bar recognized as an outstanding Family Law practioner and elected him to serve on their Executive Committee.
In 2004, at the Alabama State Bar Annual Meeting, the membership of the Family Law Section elected him Treasurer, in 2005 Chair-Elect and in 2006 he was elected Chair of the Family Law Section of the Alabama State Bar.  Under his leadership he has sponsored "CLE Road Shows" and “CLE on the Seas” for the Section to help educate other lawyers in divorce and family law practice.  In 2007 while Section Chair   he chaired  "Divorce on the Beach XXI"  with the theme “Best & Brightest” making it the highest attended DOB in the Section’s history. Also, the silent auction that year raised the largest contributions to date being over $15,000 for law school scholarships, the National Children’s Advocacy Center (Huntsville), Storybook Farms (Opelika) and Children’s First.   Mr. Smith continues leadership in the Family Law Section and chairs “CLE on the Seas” each year and an annual Shoals area seminar for attorneys who practice divorce and family law.
In 2005, FAMLAA, (Family Law Association of Alabama) was formed and he was selected to serve on the initial Board of Directors with other distinguished attorneys from throughout the state.  This organization is comprised of attorneys who are interested in litigation affecting the divorce and family law practice.
Mr. Smith is a member of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association.  He regularly attends national meetings of the ABA.
In 2008 Mr. Smith was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fellows across the United States are generally recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners with a high level of knowledge, skill and integrity
In 2008 Mr. Smith was retained to represent the Alabama Department of Human Resources for child support IV-D services as an Assistant District Attorney for Chris Connolly, District Attorney of Lauderdale County, Alabama.  
His side interests include travel, gardening, and investing in resort properties.  He is an active member of the executive committee of the Shoals Area Auburn Club and support the Auburn Tigers (as a member Tiger Unlimited and as lifetime member of the Auburn Alumni Association.  He also supports the UNA Lions as a member of the UNA Sportsman Club and member of the UNA Alumni Association.
This year Mr. Smith hosted a “Dining with Friends” event in support of HIV prevention programs and the North Alabama Aids Action Coalition.
His parents are Bill and Christine Smith of Florence, Alabama. They are both retired from the Florence City Schools. They own and manage Smith Apartments of Florence, Alabama.
Robert has two brothers, William E. Smith, Jr., Attorney at law and a former Lauderdale County Commisioner, of Florence, Alabama and Allen Lee Smith and his wife Heather Piper Smith now living in Birmingham (Inverness), Alabama. Allen and Heather have one son, Connor Allen Smith and one daughter Piper Joy Smith who are the pride of the family.