Elaine Smith

Elaine Smith is a distinguished family law attorney with over 35 years of experience guiding clients through complex divorce, custody, and domestic relations matters. Renowned for her work on high-stakes custody disputes, she devotes half her practice to litigation and consistently achieves strong outcomes through careful strategy and unwavering advocacy.

Elaine earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts from Bryn Mawr College, and her Juris Doctor from Temple University School of Law. In addition to her practice, she has taught, lectured, and published widely, contributing thought leadership to the American, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia Bar Associations.

Elaine is widely recognized for her strong commitment to pro bono legal services, regularly taking on complex cases for low-income families. She has long viewed legal advocacy as a professional responsibility, explaining, “As attorneys, we are leaders and we need to make a commitment to the law and clients across the board.” This service-focused philosophy has earned her significant recognition, a stellar reputation, and deep respect throughout the legal community.

Elaine has held numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Family Law Section and multiple committee chair positions on custody, diversity, legislative reform, and judicial selection. Her long-standing influence includes initiating the Smith & Leibel Annual Prize in Family Law at Temple University School of Law and judging moot court competitions.

With decades of experience, Elaine Smith combines legal knowledge, compassion, and courtroom skill to serve families in transition. Her career has shaped not only client lives but also legal standards and practices within family law. She remains a pillar of integrity and excellence in the Philadelphia legal community.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Law Office of Smith & Horwitz
• Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Member, Philadelphia Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Pennsylvania Bar Institute

Licensed State

• Pennsylvania

Education

• Temple University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Bryn Mawr College
  Masters of Arts (MA)
• University of Pennsylvania
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges