Rachel H. Smith

Rachel H. Smith is the Mary C. Daly Professor of Legal Writing and Vice Dean for Student Success at St. John’s School of Law, part of St. John’s University. She teaches Legal Writing, Legal Research, and Law & Literature. Her research focuses on legal pedagogy, innovative classroom techniques, and integrating literature into legal education. Smith holds a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and a B.A. from the University of California.

Her publications include The Handbook for the New Legal Writer and The Legal Writing Survival Guide, both emphasizing accessible legal writing strategies. She has presented nationally on topics like positive teaching methods and using non-fiction in legal education.

Smith received the 2009 Association of Legal Writing Directors Grant for her Perk Up Your Pens podcast series. Previously, she taught at the University of Miami and Santa Clara University, where she was twice honored as Legal Writing Teacher of the Year. Her work bridges litigation experience (as a former litigator at Quinn Emanuel) with academic contributions in legal education and communication.

Key professional contributions include developing courses on advanced persuasive writing and mentoring law students through research assistant programs. Her scholarship highlights empathy in pedagogy and joyful feedback practices.