J. Brooken Smith

Member

J. Brooken Smith is a founding member of Swansburg & Smith, PLLC.  Licensed to practice in Kentucky, his practice focuses on representing businesses and employers in litigation and employment matters.  Mr. Smith previously practiced with a large regional law firm for more than five years, representing businesses in a variety of legal disputes and defending employers in discrimination and other claims.  Mr. Smith practices in state and federal courts throughout Kentucky. 

Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has gained extensive experience in public service at the state and federal level.  Before entering the private practice of law, Mr. Smith served as a law clerk for the Honorable Gregory F. Van Tatenhove, United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky.  He served as the chief of staff for the Kentucky Labor Cabinet and, later, the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.  Mr. Smith also served as the ex officio chair of the Unemployment Insurance Commission, a three-member executive branch agency that hears administrative appeals of unemployment insurance claims. 

Mr. Smith graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he was admitted to the Order of the Coif and was a member of the Moot Court team and the First Amendment Moot Court Team.  He graduated cum laude from Georgetown University in Washington D.C., earning a bachelor of arts in government.  

Education

Juris Doctor, University of Kentucky College of Law, 2009; Order of the Coif

Bachelor of Arts, Georgetown University, 2000; cum laude