Smith, Lavenski R. Born 1958 in Hope, AR Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Nominated by George W. Bush on September 4, 2001, to a seat vacated by Richard S. Arnold. Confirmed by the Senate on July 15, 2002, and received commission on July 19, 2002. Education: University of Arkansas, B.A., 1981 University of Arkansas School of Law, J.D., 1987 Professional Career: Law clerk in private practice, Arkansas, 1985-1987 Staff attorney, Ozark Legal Services, 1987-1991 Private practice, Springdale, Arkansas, 1991-1994 Assistant professor, John Brown University, 1994-1996 Regulatory liaison, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Arkansas, 1996-1997 Arkansas Public Service Commission, 1997-1999, 2001-2002; chairman, 1997-1999; commissioner, 2001-2002 Associate justice, Arkansas Supreme Court, 1999-2000