Jessica Stankus Smith

Streamlining Processes

Jess joined BrownGreer in 2011 and, in addition to serving as the firm’s Pro Bono Coordinator, she is responsible for various aspects of the firm’s mass tort settlement administration, including designing customized review databases, developing cost-effective processes that comply with applicable bankruptcy and probate laws, and overseeing payment processes. In each program, Jess accounts for the parties’ settlement goals when optimizing procedures to control costs, streamline processes, and eliminate hurdles that could otherwise delay settlement distributions to claimants.

“There’s a level of grit and resilience here that’s so unique and something to hold onto. You don’t find it other places.”

As a law student, Jess interned in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and for the Solicitor General and Deputy Solicitor General of Virginia. Before joining BrownGreer, Jess also interned in the Labor and Employment Law division of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

Ensuring people do not get lost in the process has been a cornerstone of Jess’ career. Before law school, she trained and supervised court-appointed volunteer advocates serving children involved in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court processes because of abuse or neglect allegations. Jess expanded these skills as a student attorney in Suffolk’s Child Advocacy Clinic during law school and has continued working with child advocacy organizations after graduating, having served in volunteer and board roles with Richmond CASA, Henrico CASA, and Greater Richmond SCAN.