Cherokee chief elected to prestigious American Law Institute

0 Comments | Indian Country Today (Lakota Times), April, 2005 | by King, Patti Jo

King, Patti Jo Indian Country Today (Lakota Times) 04-27-2005 TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma since 1999, has been selected for membership in the American Law Institute (ALI), an affiliation of noted federal and state judges, lawyers and law scholars.

Membership in the organization is based on professional achievement and dedication to improve law. Previously employed as a state prosecutor and public defender, Smith also worked as a tribal attorney and prosecutor, an administrator of the Cherokee Nation Tax Commission, a legal historian and a director of justice, and has managed his own private law practice. Smith holds a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Georgia, a Master of Arts in...