Description of field of expertise

Schuyler A. Smith is a partner in her firm’s Miami office, where she represents a wide range of clients; from Fortune 500 companies and major cruise lines to insurers, hotels, retailers, and governmental entities throughout Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation, personal injury, premises liability, and product liability matters. Known for her calm confidence and strategic mindset, Schuyler thrives in high-pressure settings where preparation, precision, and empathy intersect to achieve meaningful results for her clients.

A proud Jamaican native, Schuyler’s path to the courtroom was shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep respect for justice. After earning her B.S. in Political Science from the University of the West Indies, she moved to the United States to attend St. Thomas University School of Law. There, she served as an editor of the Intercultural Human Rights Law Review.

Schuyler began her career as a trial attorney with the Florida Department of Children and Families, where she learned to think on her feet and advocate for some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. That experience cemented her belief in preparation, professionalism, and diplomacy as the foundations of effective advocacy—principles that continue to guide her work today.

Outside the courtroom, Schuyler is deeply committed to mentorship and advancing women in law. As a past president of the Caribbean Bar Association and a Guardian Ad Litem, she leads with purpose and compassion. Recognized as a Florida Super Lawyers “Rising Star” since 2014, listed in The Best Lawyers in America (2022), and honored as one of Florida Trend’s Notable Women Leaders in Law (2025), Schuyler continues to inspire through her excellence, leadership, and dedication to empowering others.

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

Litigation demands resilience, preparation, and self-assurance. My advice to new attorneys is to be curious, fearless, and proactive. Embrace every opportunity to learn, observe, and advocate. Seek out mentors and surround yourself with people who are excellent at their craft; study not just what they do, but how they do it. Never shy away from difficult tasks or challenging cases because those moments sharpen your instincts and accelerate your growth. Preparation builds confidence, and confidence earns respect both in and out of the courtroom. Equally important, learn to advocate for yourself when appropriate. Your voice matters, and self-advocacy often opens the very doors that hard work prepares you for. Integrity, professionalism, and diplomacy will sustain your career, but courage and initiative will define it. Every experience, win or lose, is an opportunity to grow into the lawyer and leader you aspire to be.

 

Final thoughts…

I am passionate about creating pathways for women and minority attorneys to thrive in the legal profession. Mentorship and inclusion are central to my purpose. Beyond the courtroom, I find fulfillment in helping others gain confidence, embrace challenges, and use their voice to advocate for themselves and others with strength and integrity.