Mary Smith, ’91, has had a varied and interesting legal career that has included serving as a trial lawyer in the Department of Justice, associate counsel in the White House, in-house counsel at Tyco, general counsel of the Illinois Department of Insurance, and CEO for the Indian Health Service, which provides health care for over two million Native Americans across the country. Currently, she is the vice chair of the VENG Group, a consulting firm. Last August, Smith became the president of the American Bar Association (ABA), the first Native American woman to hold that role in the organization’s 145-year history. She also recently received the University of Chicago’s 2024 Diversity Leadership Award.

Your presidency is a historic first at the ABA. Can you discuss a bit about the importance of diverse perspectives in organizational leadership?

I recognize the significance of being the first Native American woman to serve as American Bar Association president. I know it means a lot for the Native American community, but I also think it is significant beyond the Native American community. If my being in this role provides inspiration to young women and people of color and says to them, “If I want to be a lawyer, if I want to be president of ABA, I can do it,” that is very humbling to me.

What are some of the key challenges facing the legal profession in the United States today?

Law school debt is a major challenge for the legal profession. There are also significant mental health challenges facing the legal profession. And how to provide legal service to the 92 percent of low-income persons who are not able to obtain the legal help they need.

Was this the career path that you envisioned for yourself as a student at the Law School?

I don’t think I had a career path in mind other than I wanted to be a trial lawyer and clerk for a federal judge, both of which I was able to achieve. However, being open to unexpected opportunities that presented themselves was critical to the career path that I have ultimately taken.

How did your Law School experience prepare you for your career path and leadership roles?

My UChicago Law experience helped me to think outside the box and realize that we all have the power to advance and shape the law. During my time in law school, I was able to intern for a federal judge and at the US Attorney’s Office in Chicago, which gave me insight into different aspects of the profession.

What are a few highlights from your time at the Law School?

I have so many, from incredulously getting the highest grade in Professor Geof Stone’s evidence class to the kindness shown to me by Diane Wood and serving as a research assistant to Professors Mary Becker and Ann-Marie Burley Slaughter.

What advice would you give to a law student just starting out today?

Believe in yourself, be true to yourself, and be part of something bigger than yourself.

Do you have a favorite quote or personal motto that you would like to share?

Wilma Mankiller, who was the first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, famously said, “Cows run away from the storm while the buffalo charges toward it and gets through it quicker.” Her words continue to inspire me to approach challenges with courage and resilience.

What is an interesting item or decoration one might see on your desk or in your office?

I have a stone with the word “Trust” on it that was given to me by some tribal leaders when I was at the Indian Health Service. I believe they gave it to me because we had not yet built trust and to encourage me to build that trust with them. I keep it near me to remind me to build trust in all my relationships.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

Two of the most important issues facing lawyers and frankly society are threats to democracy and the misuse of artificial intelligence. To address these issues, I have created two American Bar Association task forces: the Task Force for American Democracy and the Task Force on Law and Artificial Intelligence.