Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS) proudly congratulates alumna Shauki Smith (’19) on receiving the Chairman’s Award at the National Bar Association’s 100th Annual Convention. Smith was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the legal community after serving as a featured panelist on Sports and A.I.
A San Francisco native now thriving in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, Smith exemplifies resilience, vision, and leadership in the legal profession. After nearly two decades in corporate accounting and more than 13 years as an adjunct accounting professor, she boldly pivoted her career to pursue her passion for sports and the law. Following her admission to the Georgia Bar in 2021, she founded The Key Practice, LLC, a boutique law firm serving athletes and entrepreneurs in contract drafting and review, mediation, and intellectual property matters.
Currently, Smith serves as Contracts Manager for the Washington Spirit, where she drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, manages intellectual property matters, and supports the Chief Legal Officer. She also holds certification as an NFLPA Contract Advisor/Agent and teaches Sports Law as an adjunct professor at Georgia State University College of Law.
Her extensive educational journey reflects her dedication to excellence: a B.S. in Business Administration (Accounting) from San Francisco State University, an MBA with a Marketing Concentration from Mercer University, a Master of Accounting from Kennesaw State University, a Juris Master from Emory University School of Law, and a J.D. from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.
Smith remains actively involved in professional organizations, including the Sports Lawyers Association, Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA), the ABA Forum on Entertainment and Sports, and the NBA Entertainment, Sports, and Arts Section. In addition to her work with the NBA, she has moderated and spoken on panels for BESLA and the Black Sports Business Symposium, further solidifying her role as a thought leader in sports law.
Reflecting on her time at AJMLS, Smith credits the school with shaping the foundation of her legal career. “When I applied for law school, I had one goal: get in and get out. I entered with a clear vision, pursuing a career in transactional work as an in-house attorney within the sports industry. What I didn’t expect was how profoundly my experience at AJMLS would influence the lawyer I’m becoming.”
She recalls Professor Van Detta’s engaging Contracts class, Dean Boone’s sponsorship of her student membership in Atlanta’s IP Inn of Court, and Dean Ortega’s support with an externship at Arrington & Phillips, LLP. Serving as President of the Sports & Entertainment Law Society and collaborating with her evening classmates provided lasting professional and personal connections.
“These experiences extended beyond the classroom and have played a vital role in my growth as a legal professional,” she shared. “That’s why I remain committed to giving back, sharing my experiences with students interested in sports law, and highlighting the valuable opportunities AJMLS provides to help guide their career paths.”
Smith’s recognition with the National Bar Association’s Chairman’s Award is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and trailblazing role as an advocate for women and diverse pathways in sports law. The AJMLS community celebrates her achievements and looks forward to the continued impact of her leadership in the legal and sports industries.