Attorney Profile

Elise Smith - Partner

Elise Smith is a federal litigator at Smith & Smith Advocates in Austin, Texas, practicing in the Western District of Texas. She handles complex federal civil litigation, constitutional law, and evidence-based advocacy, bringing a disciplined analytical approach to every case.

Before law school, Elise spent nearly a decade as a Graduate and Senior Research Scientist at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, where she designed experimental protocols, managed multi-year research projects, and co-authored peer-reviewed publications in molecular biology and stem cell research. She holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biology and dual undergraduate degrees in Microbiology and Philosophy.

Elise is admitted to the Western District of Texas and the State Bar of Minnesota. 

She is fluent in Italian and conversational in Spanish, and brings that language capability to her federal practice in a district where it matters

• South Texas College of Law Houston
  Doctor of Jurisprudence
• University of Arizona
  Dual Degree Program: 
  • Bachelor of Science, Microbiology
  • Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy
• University of Arizona
  Master of Science, Molecular Biology

• Smith & Vinson Law Firm, Law Clerk
• Law Office of Lamar Treadwell, Law Clerk 

• U.S. Federal Court Western District of Texas
• Minnesota

Elise focuses her practice on:

Federal Civil Litigation — Handling complex cases in the Western District of Texas involving constitutional law, federal procedure, and evidence-based legal strategy.

Constitutional Law — Analyzing and litigating federal constitutional questions at both the district court and appellate levels, with deep familiarity with Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment doctrine.

Scientific Evidence — Applying a research scientist's analytical discipline to cases involving complex medical, pharmacological, and forensic evidence.

Elise brings a rigorous, evidence-based approach to every federal matter she handles. With a background spanning molecular biology, scientific research, and complex federal litigation, she offers clients a rare combination of analytical precision and courtroom experience. She is committed to the rule of law and to achieving results in the Western District of Texas.

Elise is married to Jarrod Smith, a partner at the firm, and is a devoted wife and mother to five children. Outside the courtroom, she finds balance through yoga, running, and quality time with her family. This harmonious blend of personal passion and professional dedication not only enriches her life but also fuels her relentless commitment to justice and the clients she serves.

Elise is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas and licensed in Minnesota. She is based in Lakeway, Texas, and focuses on federal civil rights litigation nationwide.