Western New England University General Counsel Cheryl I. Smith, of Longmeadow, MA was honored at the 15th Annual "Leaders in the Law" event presented by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The event was held on Thursday, March 5 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.
Smith was chosen from a field of nominees across the Commonwealth for the 2020 In-House Leader Award. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Leader Awards recognize general counsel and staff attorneys who are nominated by their colleagues, clients, and other legal professionals for being leaders in the community and forward thinkers.
For the past two decades Smith had managed all litigation commenced against Western New England University. She also supervised the legal and contractual aspects of a complex new ERP for the University. Additionally for the past two years, Smith has served as the Title IX Coordinator.
"Cheryl is a great lawyer," says Alan D. Rose, who enthusiastically supports Smith's In-House nomination. "She has gained and kept the respect of officials at every level of the University, and she has always exhibited excellent judgement while representing the best interest of the University. She always wants the University to do better and improve."
"Attorney Smith practices a special kind of leadership," said Anthony S. Caprio, Western New England University president. "Her actions exemplify the noble traditions of the legal profession that are recognized and honored through this In-House Leaders in the Law award. I am thrilled to see her receive this recognition. Cheryl stands tall and always demonstrates that she can best lead folks through the issues at hand – however emotional or complex they may be."
Smith began her academic career at Wellesley College and concluded at Western New England School of Law in 1983. At Western New England Smith is a senior lecturer for "Human Resource Management," "Legal Aspects of Human Resources," "Business Law," and "Business Communication."
