Joe Smith focuses his practice at Faegre Baker Daniels in government, labor, employment and benefits, and certified business enterprises and supplier diversity. He advises clients, drafts legislation and lobbies for laws that can improve life for businesses, families and individuals in the community and throughout the state. Joe also provides legal advice and direction to small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses.

Joe has a breadth of experience in both the public and private sectors. He has served as Executive Assistant to former Governor Frank O'Bannon; as the Governor's Liaison for Minority Business Development, the Department of Transportation and the Indiana Lottery; as Political Director of the Indiana Democratic Party, coordinating and overseeing the Party's political operations across the state; as a Compliance Officer for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) in the U.S. Department of Labor; and as General Counsel for the Indiana Professional Standards Board. Joe's experience and interpersonal skills allow him to serve as an effective advocate for businesses and organizations.

Honors

• The Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Law, 2008-12
• Indianapolis Business Journal — Forty Under 40 Award, 2008
• Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series, 2007 graduate
• Indianapolis Center for Leadership Development — Achievement in Professions Award, 2006
• Who's Who in Black Indianapolis
• Sagamore of the Wabash — Presented by Governor Frank O'Bannon, 2003, and Governor Joseph Kernan, 2004
• Indy's Best and Brightest, 2004 Finalist
• Governor's Fellow, 1991-92

Board Memberships

• Indiana Minority Supplier Diversity Council (IMSDC) — Board of Directors
• Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) — Board of Directors
• Indy Jazz Fest — Advisory Board
• Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center — Past Board of Directors
• DePauw University — Past Board of Visitors

Civic Activities

• Indianapolis Public School 39 — Volunteer
• Coalition of United Professionals — Founder

Professional Associations

• Indiana State Bar Association
• American Bar Association