Rachel M. Smith
Partner at Rachel M. Smith
Rachel Smith represents and counsels clients in employment-related disputes and litigation before state and federal courts and administrative agencies. She is both a litigator and trusted counselor. Keenly aware that proactive solutions are central to avoiding litigation, Rachel’s litigation practice is enhanced by her strong commitment to practical advice and counsel. She is a frequent speaker on a variety of employment law topics, including harassment, discrimination and developing trends in employment law.
Experience
• Has defended national and international employers across industries in obtaining dismissals of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charges of discrimination, and in obtaining summary judgments and settlement in claims of race, disability, gender, religious, age and national origin discrimination, harassment and retaliation across the country.
• Regularly conducts training on various aspects of the employee-employer relationship. Provides practical legal advice with respect to wage and hour issues, personnel and policy manuals, and on a variety of employment matters including strategies for minimizing employment charges and litigation in light of a client’s business objectives.
• Presently managing Houston-based legal teams responsible for the ongoing discovery of more than 250 matters being litigated by BakerHostetler on behalf of Irving H. Picard, SIPA Trustee for the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (BLMIS).
Recognition
• Houston Top 50 Women Lawyers Award (2017)
• Texas Lawyer “Lawyer on the Rise” (2017)
• Houston Business Journal “40 Under 40” (2016)
• Texas Monthly “Rising Star” (2010 to 2012)
• Who’s Who in Black Houston (2010 to 2015)
Memberships
• Federal Bar Association
• Texas Bar Foundation: Fellow
• Texas State Bar Association
• Houston Bar Association: Employment Law Section
Community
• City of Houston Civil Service Commission and Police Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Civil Service Commission: Commissioner (2012 to 2015)
• Moms-in-Law: Founder
• City of Refuge Evangelical Presbyterian Church
– Member
– Kindergarten Sunday School Teacher
• Girl Scouts of America: Parent Volunteer
Pro Bono
• Counsel to The Printing Museum.
• Obtained a favorable outcome for a federally court-appointed pro bono client in an employment matter.