Joe Smith Honored by The Links for Professional Excellence and Community Leadership

Joseph L. Smith of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP was recognized by the Circle City Chapter of The Links Inc. as an outstanding member of the legal profession at the group's 16th annual Jazz Brunch and Fundraiser on June 16, 2012.

The event, "In Defense Of — Hats Off to Men in the Legal Profession," recognized men in the Indianapolis legal community who exemplify the heart of Indianapolis through commitment to their profession, volunteerism and leadership of initiatives that improve the city. Smith, a partner on the government team at Faegre Baker Daniels, was honored along with Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Carr L. Darden and three other local attorneys. Smith was supported at the luncheon by his family, Faegre Baker Daniels Chief Operating Partner Thomas C. Froehle Jr., Indiana Government Team Leader Chip Garver and Partner Christopher G. Scanlon.

Smith assists businesses and nonprofits in drafting legislation and lobbying for laws that can improve life for organizations and individuals throughout the state. He also counsels on certified business enterprises and supplier diversity.

Smith has worked extensively in public service and political leadership. Former positions include: executive assistant to former Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon; Gov. O'Bannon's liaison for minority business development, the Department of Transportation and the Hoosier Lottery; political director of the Indiana Democratic Party; compliance officer for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance in the U.S. Department of Labor; and general counsel for the Indiana Professional Standards Board.

The Links Inc. is an international nonprofit comprised of 12,000 professional women of color in 274 chapters nationwide and in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Established in 1946, it is one of the nation's oldest and largest volunteer service organizations. Members are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry, and they collectively contribute more than 500,000 hours of community service annually.

The luncheon took place at the Ritz Charles on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. Proceeds benefitted service programs of the Circle City Chapter of The Links Inc., including the Asante Children's Theatre, Coburn Place, Celebration of the Arts and Scholarships in the Arts.