Gloria Smith

Gloria Lynn Smith is the founder of GLS Litigation Services, LLC, where she leads the firm’s criminal defense and personal injury practice. With decades of experience in high-stakes legal cases, Attorney Smith is renowned for her strategic precision, thorough preparation, and unwavering commitment to her clients. Her unique combination of legal expertise, compassion, and a deep understanding of the Chicago community allows her to serve her clients with the personal attention and dedication they deserve.

Born into a military family, Gloria’s childhood involved moving across the country, which shaped her resilience, adaptability, and sense of discipline—qualities that would later guide her career in law. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Alaska in Anchorage, she pursued her legal education at Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. Early on, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and talent, earning a place in the Moot Court program and later serving as its Vice Justice.

Attorney Smith launched her legal career in 1993 in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she quickly earned a reputation for her relentless advocacy in criminal defense. She handled high-profile felony cases, including homicide, drug offenses, and sexual assault, just two years after law school. Her dedication to justice led her to represent law enforcement officers as General Counsel for a police union, handling criminal investigations and overseeing hundreds of arbitration disputes.

Her practice spans a broad range of areas, with criminal defense as her core focus. However, her diverse experience also includes civil rights, personal injury, family law, bankruptcy, abuse and neglect, dependency, and general litigation. This comprehensive knowledge of various legal disciplines gives her a unique perspective and an edge in understanding how complex life situations intersect with criminal cases.

Known for her thorough preparation, Attorney Smith dives deep into the facts and legal issues of each case, ensuring that her clients are fully informed and confident in their legal strategy. Whether deciding whether to accept a plea or proceed to trial, she is dedicated to ensuring that each client has the best possible legal advantage at every stage.

Guided by her deep faith, Attorney Smith views her work as a calling to serve those facing legal troubles. She believes that everyone deserves grace and a strong advocate—especially in a system that can often prioritize profit over people.

Attorney Smith holds a Doctorate in Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and is licensed to practice law in Illinois and Ohio, as well as in the Southern District of Ohio, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

When she’s not advocating for justice in the courtroom, Attorney Smith enjoys weightlifting and writing books.