[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 17 (Thursday, February 2, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JOCK MICHAEL SMITH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Alabama (Ms. Sewell) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and pay tribute to 
one of our Nation's most distinguished trial lawyers, an avid sports 
collector, historian, author, and family man, Attorney Jock Michael 
Smith.
  Attorney Smith was a well-respected member of the Alabama bar, and he 
was known nationally throughout the legal community for his exceptional 
legal abilities, his legendary courtroom style, civic activism, and 
passion for equal justice for all. Sadly, Attorney Smith passed away at 
his home in Montgomery, Alabama, on January 8 at the age of 63.
  The story of Jock Michael Smith is not just one of a notable and 
accomplished attorney. His story is one of hope, beating the odds, and 
the fearless pursuit of one's dreams. The life and legacy of Jock Smith 
is an inspiration to us all.
  Despite losing his father tragically at a young age and despite being 
told in high school that he could not be anything more than a sanitary 
worker, he did not let that deter him. This young boy, son of a widow, 
single mother of two, was determined to chart his own course.
  Inspired by the memory of his father, Jock developed his oratorical 
and academic gifts. He graduated with honors from Tuskegee University 
and then matriculated to the University of Notre Dame School of Law on 
an academic scholarship.

                              {time}  1040

  As a first year law student, Jock founded the Black American Law 
Students' Association chapter at Notre Dame. He earned his law degree 
in 1973.
  In 1996, Attorney Smith cofounded a partnership with the late 
renowned attorney, Johnny Cochran. The Cochran Law Firm, as it is 
known, is actually the law firm of Cochran, Cherry, Givens & Smith. It 
has 22 offices across this country and continues to be one of the most 
well-known criminal defense and civil plaintiff law firms in the 
Nation.
  Attorney Smith's remarkable legal career was filled with many record-
setting verdicts and settlements. A landmark $1.6 billion verdict 
against Southwestern Life Insurance was one of the largest in America's 
history in 2004. He represented the legacy estates of both Rosa Parks 
and Martin Luther King, Jr., and he represented the Negro League 
Players and civil rights activist Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth.
  During his illustrious career, Attorney Smith's hard work and 
leadership was acknowledged by numerous awards. He was recognized by 
the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association for his tireless dedication and 
unwavering commitment. As an author, Jock Smith shared his amazing life 
story in an autobiography entitled ``Climbing Jacob's Ladder: A Trial 
Lawyer's Journey on Behalf of `the Least of These.' ''
  Media personality and author Tavis Smiley best summed up the gift he 
gave us by writing down his memoirs: Jock Smith's story is part of 
America's story. It's part history lesson and part sermon and 100 
percent fascinating. He and lawyers like his late partner, Johnny 
Cochran, are modern-day knights, using their skills to protect both the 
poor and defenseless. On a personal level, ``Climbing Jacob's Ladder,'' 
his book, shows how faith and hard work can bring great success.
  Jock Smith was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, 
and he was the first African American to serve on the board of the 
President's Advisory Council of the National Wildlife Federation.
  Jock Smith was amazing. I know as a young lawyer his life stands as a 
personal tribute, to me. I am grateful to have known him. I know that I 
walk in a path that he blazed, and for that, I am eternally grateful to 
his family. Some of his family members are here with us today in the 
gallery. He is forever remembered as a remarkable and amazing man. He 
is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ms. Yvette Smiley-Smith; and his 
daughter, Janay Smith, who is with us today.
  I want to say, in closing, that his life is truly a testament to what 
is possible with opportunity--when you take opportunity--and with so 
many resources. Jock lived life by his favorite quote that he always 
would say: ``Service is the price we pay for the space that we 
occupy.''
  It is with tremendous pride, privilege, and great honor that today I 
get to recognize the life and legacy of Attorney Jock Smith on the 
floor of the United States Congress so that all of us can remember that 
we must pay our fair share for the space that we occupy.


                Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded not to make reference 
to occupants in the gallery.

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