Brock Smith is a tribal member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. As an adolescent, he faced socioeconomic hardships that led to his involvement with Utah’s juvenile justice system, an experience that sparked his curiosity about how society manages social issues.
“This, in turn, fueled my interest in the intersection of the criminal justice system with race, ethnicity, gender, income, public health, policy, and rehabilitation. Driven by this passion, I pursued an education in forensic social work, becoming a therapist and working closely with justice-involved individuals,” Smith explains. “My focus has been on advocating for evidence-based treatment, policy reforms, community development, and more effective systemic interventions.”
Smith also co-founded FourLifers Incorporated, a nonprofit organization that provides pro bono services to community members struggling with substance misuse and recovery, housing insecurity, and justice involvement.
“Throughout my clinical, community, and advocacy efforts, I realized that to make a more significant impact, I needed to gain a new skill set—one that would allow me to utilize the fundamental power structures within our society,” he says. “This realization led me to pursue a law degree, as I believe the legal field holds the potential to enact lasting and meaningful change.”
Participating in the Pre-Law Summer Institute with the American Indian Law Center gave Smith valuable insights about the legal field.
“Discipline, hard work, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to prioritizing my education have always been central to my approach. These habits have laid a solid foundation for the rigorous demands of law school,” he says. “Working as a professional in the community prior to law school further honed my ability to apply these skills in real-world contexts, adding a practical dimension to my academic background.”
Because Smith earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Utah, he notes that he already had a strong affinity for the institution and the community when considering law schools.
“S.J. Quinney College of Law’s location and its strong ties to local organizations make it an ideal choice, especially as I plan to continue my work in Utah. Moreover, S.J. Quinney’s strong ranking and robust programming in my areas of interest made it an even more compelling option. The presence of Indigenous representation in the school’s leadership resonates deeply with me as a tribal citizen,” Smith says. “Additionally, the school’s culture, solid academic environment, and highly accomplished professors, combined with its beautiful building, solidified my decision to pursue my legal education at S.J. Quinney.”
Now that Smith has more than a month of law school behind him, he has been impressed with Utah Law’s supportive and student-focused culture.
“The atmosphere here is one where every student is valued, and the emphasis on personal and academic development is evident in every aspect of the school. The students themselves are a highlight—interesting, friendly, and bringing a rich diversity of educational backgrounds and perspectives that enrich the classroom experience,” he says. “The leadership, faculty, and staff at S.J. Quinney are both highly accomplished and genuinely invested in student success. Their attentiveness and commitment to our growth create an environment where you feel supported and challenged to reach your full potential.”
He was also excited to be named an Arc fellow through the Arc to Justice program, which provides full-tuition scholarships to high-achieving first-year law students who have overcome significant challenges and works to integrate students from all backgrounds.
“Receiving the Arc to Justice award is both an honor and a profound recognition of my work and experiences. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to be acknowledged with this esteemed fellowship. The award resonates deeply with my lived experiences and professional journey, reflecting the values and dedication that have guided my previous efforts,” Smith says. “Further, I hope to embody the ethos of the Arc to Justice in my future endeavors and serve the community in some capacity throughout my career.”
Because Smith has a background in forensic social work, he is particularly interested in criminal law and public policy and passionate about addressing the intersections of the criminal justice system with broader social issues.
“As I am just beginning my law school journey, I remain open to exploring and developing new passions within the field of law. I’m excited to discover other areas that might resonate with me as I continue my studies,” he says. “Currently, I aspire to work in criminal defense on a federal level or to engage in some form of litigation and policy. I am driven by the desire to utilize my education to make a meaningful impact and have an enjoyable career in the legal field. I look forward to refining my career aspirations as I learn and experience more throughout my time at S.J. Quinney.”
Learn more about the Arc to Justice program.