Scarlet R. Smith

Whether it is due to her unique perspectives on life, her drive to succeed, or simply her delightful personality, Scarlet is well-liked wherever she goes.

Scarlet joined Strong & Hanni in 2016 after finishing a judicial clerkship at the Utah Court of Appeals. Although she focuses her practice on insurance defense, insurance coverage and bad faith issues, and appeals, her experiences at the appellate court have exposed her to a broad scope of legal issues. Moreover, Scarlet is recognized as an effective and accomplished legal writer, having been published and having received numerous writing awards.

A Utah native, Scarlet learned the value of a hard work ethic while growing up in the small agricultural town of Escalante. After an early career as an auto mechanic, she spent several years working on behalf of various health care providers to resolve provider enrollment and comprehensive insurance billing issues, including administrative appeals.

She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in psychology and Italian studies (although her Italian degree was likely just an elaborate excuse to live in Torino, Italy for a year where she worked with the U.S. Olympic Committee during the 2006 Winter Olympics). During law school at the University of Utah, Scarlet served on the executive board of the Utah Law Review and also obtained a master’s degree in public administration. She received various recognitions, including certificates for outstanding performance in several courses and the Most Outstanding Student Award (voted by her peers).

When she isn’t working, Scarlet enjoys traveling, photography, jigsaw puzzles, and watching college sports (Go Utes!).

Professional Memberships

• Women Lawyers of Utah, Board Member and Co-Chair of the Retreat Committee
• David K. Watkiss – Sutherland II Inns of Court, Member and Pegasus Scholarship Finalist
• Utah State Bar Leadership Academy, Member
• Utah Defense Lawyers Association
• Defense Research Institute

Professional Recognitions

• National Pi Alpha Alpha Manuscript of the Year Award
• National Association of Women Lawyers Award
• Commendation from Senator Harry Reid for advocacy on behalf of foster children (prior to law school)
• 2017 Pegasus Scholar
• American Inns of Court

Judicial Clerkships & Externships

• Utah Court of Appeals
  • Law Clerk, Judge Kate A. Toomey
  • Judicial Extern, Judge Michele M. Christiansen
• Federal District Court, District of Utah
  • Judicial Extern, Judge Dale A. Kimball
  • Judicial Extern, Magistrate Judge Evelyn J. Furse