Andrew Smith - Grand Junction, CO

Overview

Andrew was born in Logan, Utah in 1976. His family then moved to Kansas but eventually settled in Colorado Springs in 1980. Andrew's father operated a successful chiropractic clinic there while his mother stayed home to care for their eight children. Andrew graduated from William Mitchell High School and then attended the United States Air Force Academy. While at the Academy, Andrew played outside linebacker on the WAC Champion Football team. He was also the recipient of the Commandant's pin for military excellence, as well as the Athletic Director's pin for excellence in physical fitness. Andrew subsequently served a two-year mission for his church in Ontario, Canada where he became fluent in Spanish and served primarily Spanish-speaking communities.

Upon his return to the United States, Andrew resumed his studies and graduated in 2004 with a degree in Business Management from the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. While still in school, Andrew worked as a mortgage broker and followed his entrepreneurial spirit by starting a used car sales business with his brother. When Andrew and his brother each got married within a few months of each other, they decided to close down the business and pursue different dreams. At that point, Andrew decided to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer.

Six weeks prior to beginning law school, Andrew and his wife welcomed their first little baby, a girl, into their family. While still in school they welcomed their second child, a boy. While in law school, Andrew translated for Spanish-speaking defendants, participated in the Public Interest Law Society, was a regular attendee at the Federalist Society lectures, and earned the CALI Award for Taxation of Property Transfers. Andrew graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2010, and then went to work for the Public Defender's office in Aiken, South Carolina.

At the Public Defender's office in Aiken, South Carolina, Andrew’s case load varied widely - from careless driving and simple possession of marijuana to armed robbery, kidnapping, burglary, and murder. He has led and participated in many jury trials. Andrew, co-counsel, and his clients have been fortunate to hear the verdict of "not guilty" on charges such as attempted murder, burglary, and criminal sexual conduct. He enjoys the investigation, negotiation, and preparation that occurs prior to trial. His fellow defense attorneys, as well as those at the prosecutor's office and most importantly his clients, have valued Andrew for his ability to secure a favorable outcome.

Andrew and his wife are now the parents of four beautiful children, and they are very active in their church activities. He has a thirst for knowledge, with varied interests such as history, politics, finance, physical sciences, and health and fitness. Andrew also enjoys many outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, snow skiing, water skiing, and sailing. He and his wife decided to move back to the West so they could be closer to their family and enjoy the lifestyle that Colorado offers.

He serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Mesa County. From 2015 through 2020 he served on the board of the Community Hospital Foundation. In 2016 he graduated from the Mesa County Leadership Program.

Andrew is licensed to practice law in Colorado and Arizona.

Se habla español.