David Tyson Smith grew up in Columbia, Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He attended Tulane Law School where he was elected Class President. David grew to love Civil and Criminal litigation after spending some time working in both the Civil and Criminal litigation clinics while enrolled in Law School. David received the honors designation for finishing in the top 10% in Tulane Law School's Trial Advocacy Program. After graduation, David worked in downtown New Orleans for a Plaintiif's law firm where he focused on Tobacco Litigation.
David returned to his hometown in Columbia, Missouri and founded the law firm of Smith & Parnell LLC with Malia Parnell. Due to increasing complaints of excessive use of force by law enforcement, David along with other community leaders, organized the effort for a Citizens Police Review Board for the City of Columbia, Missouri. David was appointed by the Columbia City Council to sit on the committee to assess the need for a review board and he chaired the sub-committee designed to draft the model for the operation and structure of the Board which was ultimately established in 2009.
David focuses his practice on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury Law. David has handled high profile cases that have garnered national attention. He has received numerous designations and awards including being selected for membership in The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only, national organization composed of America’s Top Trial Lawyers. He was also listed as one of the "People You Should Know", by the Columbia Business Times and in 2009 as one the City's "20 under 40."  David and his wife Tiffani attend the Crossing Church in Columbia, Missouri and have two children.
Areas of Practice
50% Personal Injury
50% Criminal Defense
Litigation Percentage
100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
Missouri, 2002
Education
Tulane Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana
J.D. - 1999
University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
B.A. - 1996
Major: Sociology
Classes/Seminars
Excessive Force by Law Enforcement, Citizens Police Review Board
Honors and Awards
The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers
People You Should Know
20 Under 40
