Meet Tenette Smith, the driving force behind Tenette Smith Legal and Consulting PLLC. With a passion for breaking barriers and a commitment to fostering accessibility in the legal world, Tenette brings a fresh perspective to the table. As a seasoned attorney, entrepreneur, and trailblazing black female business owner, she understands the unique challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Tenette's journey, from humble beginnings as a first-generation college and law school graduate, has instilled in her a deep appreciation for the pivotal role accessibility plays in fostering community prosperity. She has worked as a litigator, an in-house business attorney, a public defender, and a nonprofit consultant, all while maintaining her dedication to giving back to the community.

Now, at Tenette Smith Legal and Consulting PLLC, Tenette's mission is clear: to provide expert legal representation, comprehensive professional consulting, and tailored services to businesses of all sizes and individual clients. She believes in empowering clients to adeptly navigate complexities and achieve success that stands apart. With Tenette at the helm, the firm is more than a legal service provider; it's a strategic partner in your growth and success. Discover Tenette's unwavering dedication and commitment to creating generational wealth for the community. Connect with her today and unlock unparalleled excellence for your legal and business needs.

LICENSES - CALIFORNIA | WASHINGTON, D.C. | MARYLAND

Ms. Smith is a Licensed Attorney and admitted to practice law in California, D.C., and Maryland.

SKILLS

• Jury Trials
  
• Negotiation of complex settlement agreements
  
• Draft and review contracts
  
• Labor and employment counsel and litigation
  
• Business formations

EXPERIENCE: LEGAL CONSULTANT

• Provided litigation support for federal and local cases across the country for a national civil rights organization focused on protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals and communities.
  
• Lead and support complex federal cases, including case development, client and witness interviews, pleadings, discovery, depositions, motions, trials, appeals, and settlements for cases related to defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, criminal, and Freedom of Information Act cases.
  
• Investigated and screened new intakes and presented them to the legal team for review.
  
• Coordinated with law firms and community organizations to connect individuals with pro bono counsel or local nonprofits for representation that exceeded the scope of the organization’s practice. 

EXPERIENCE

TRIAL ATTORNEY and LITIGATOR

OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC DEFENDER, SAN FRANCISCO

ALAMEDA COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE

Trial attorney representing indigent clients accused of crimes by providing superior legal representation from arraignment through post-adjudication of a case. 

Sole attorney on 20 complex multi-week/multi-day jury trials securing favorable outcomes, including full acquittals.

Handled a range of legal issues on behalf of indigent clients, including prisoner’s rights and advocacy, law enforcement abuse of force, quality of life crimes, mental health defenses, veteran’s rights, and other standard criminal cases from petty thefts to homicides.
Handled all aspects of litigation, including motion practice, discovery, subpoenas, investigation, witness preparation, and legal research and writing from inception through post-adjudication for a caseload of up to 130 cases at a time.

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO SCHOOL OF LAW, J.D.

SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY, B.S. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Ms. Smith obtained her Juris Doctorate at the University of San Francisco School of Law, where she was in the Honor Society, on Law Review, and was a Moot Court Case Counsel. Prior to Law School, she obtained her Bachelor's Degree at San Diego State University and an Associate Degree at Cuyamaca College in San Diego.