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Smith, Lavenski R.
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. Served as chief judge, 2017-2024.
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
Member, Judicial Conference of the United States, 2017-2024
Nominated to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, May 22, 2001; no Senate vote