2023 Top 40 Under 40

Nominee: Dorissa S. Smith

Deadline: November 11, 2022
https://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/nomination/86765/2023/2023-top-40-under-40#/

The Birmingham Business Journal is seeking nominations for its Top 40 Under 40 Awards.
The Top 40 Under 40 is always the most popular issue of the year. Please help the Birmingham
Business Journal identify dynamic businessmen and women who have distinguished themselves
before reaching their 40th birthday.

Do you know someone under 40 who is already taking the lead in the business world? If so,
nominate them for the 2023 Top 40 under 40, Birmingham's most prestigious honor for young
achievers in business, civic and social accomplishments.

Tell Us About Your Nominee:

● First Name: Dorissa S.
● Last Name: Smith
● Job Title: Attorney, Associate
● Email: dsmith@handfirm.com
● Company Name: Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC
● Industry: Law
● Company Address: 1801 5th Ave N
● Company City: Birmingham
● Company State: Alabama
● Company Postal Code: 35203
● Phone: 205-502-0129 (direct dial)
● Nominee’s exact job title: Senior Associate
● Birthday:1/27/88

Why is this person a good candidate for BBJ 40 Under 40?

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC Senior Associate Dorissa Smith is a light that shines bright in
her field. Smith focuses primarily on insurance claims and coverage litigation. She strives to
provide exceptional legal representation for her clients and goes above and beyond to best serve
their interests and needs. She has shown exceptional leadership skills and comes highly
recommended by her peers and superiors.

Smith’s integrity and attention to detail has made her a trusted lawyer in her community and one
whose reputation proves she’s willing to fight for her clients and their rights. Since the age of 9,
after falling in love with the hit television show “Law & Order,” Smith has stayed on track to
become the attorney she is today. Without a “Plan B” or “Plan C,” she’s always known her
purpose would be most fulfilled in the role of a legal advocate. Her calm delivery, organizational
skills and persistence are what make her one of the best. Here is a list of some of her
accomplishments already:

● 2022 Birmingham Business Journal NextGenBHM: Law honoree

● Listed as one of 2022’s Best Lawyers in America: Ones To Watch, Insurance Law,
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
according to Best Lawyers
● Recognized as an honoree in the Best Lawyers of America of 2023
● Recognized as a Mid-South Rising Stars by Super Lawyers (2017-2020) - The Rising
Star category is for attorneys who are under 40 years old or who have fewer than ten
years of legal experience. Only five percent of attorneys are selected to the Super
Lawyers list and two and a half percent are selected to the Rising Stars list in each state.
The annual selection process includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent
research of candidates and peer reviews by practice area.
● Her current practice focuses primarily on insurance defense; however, she has extensive
litigation experience defending personal-injury cases, which enhances her current
practice tremendously.
● Smith currently serves as a project manager for hurricane litigation. In this role, she
manages approximately seven local-counsel firms. She’s also responsible for providing
detailed and accurate information to clients on a timely and consistent basis.
● She has routinely served as the primary drafter of and successfully defended dispositive
motions on behalf of her clients.
● Member of the Birmingham Bar Association in the Women Lawyers section looking to
land an executive position within the organization.
● Member of the Magnolia Bar Association, Inc, a Mississippi based organization where
she remains active in case she can help remotely with expungements.
● An active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she has worked with
various chapters to coordinate and assist in volunteer efforts, including hosting events for
disadvantaged youth and participating in fundraising events to raise money for the
homeless.

Smith’s proudest, most memorable moments were at the beginning of her career. Her first cases
helped her learn the importance of pivoting and stepping out of your comfort zone. She’s carried
those lessons with her every day since and shown community members, clients, and peers that
she is dedicated to being a leader and mentor in Birmingham, the city she now calls home. She
inspires others to shoot for the stars and stops at nothing to make sure her clients have what they
need to be successful. She’s forward-thinking and prides herself on being a forever student. Her
work is never done.
“I want to make sure I’m never in a position where I become stagnant,” Smith said. “If I ever get
to the point where I’m not learning something new, there’s something wrong.”

Smith would love to become a judge one day in the future. She’s been inspired by other female
judges who have put their heart into their profession. She hopes to model after them and show
grace and fairness to those in her courtroom too.

Dorissa Smith has set the bar high. Her quiet confidence and friendly demeanor may fool some,
but she comes alive in the courtroom and her peers can attest to that. Smith is a valuable member
of her team and community, and is beyond deserving of a top spot on the Birmingham Business
Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 esteemed list. It’s a decision you will not regret.