MaKenzi D. Smith

MaKenzi D. Smith built a career centered on advocacy, negotiation, and strategic legal thinking. Early experience negotiating complex talent contracts introduced her to legal language and dispute resolution. That foundation shaped a practice focused on protecting client interests while balancing negotiation and assertive representation when legal conflicts require firm action.

MaKenzi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History -Cum Laude with Honors from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She also completed a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art -Cum Laude with Honors from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She later obtained a Master of Business Administration – Summa Cum Laude from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She then received a Juris Doctorate with Honors from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

MaKenzi provides legal guidance across multiple practice areas that affect individuals, families, and business owners. Her work includes real estate matters, contracts, estate planning, probate, guardianship and conservatorship, corporations and business organizations, and domestic litigation. She also handles family law matters, including modifications and third-party visitation cases.

MaKenzi regularly represents a wide range of small business owners with both personal and professional legal matters. Her clients include landlords, contractors, physicians, dentists, licensed therapists, restaurateurs, movers, HVAC professionals, and entrepreneurs involved in real estate or property investment. She approaches each matter with careful analysis and practical legal solutions.

MaKenzi has also contributed significant time to community-focused legal efforts. While studying law, she provided more than 200 hours of pro bono legal service to domestic abuse victims. She also worked with the Urban Development Team at Legal Aid of Western Missouri, supporting efforts aimed at revitalizing abandoned properties.

MaKenzi combines legal training with business education, allowing her to understand the operational and financial realities facing many clients. This perspective helps her guide individuals and business owners through contracts, transactions, and disputes with a balanced approach that considers both legal strategy and long-term practical outcomes.

MaKenzi D. Smith is recognized for determined advocacy and thoughtful representation. Her approach focuses on resolving disputes efficiently when possible, while firmly defending client rights when agreement cannot be reached. Through careful legal strategy and dedication to fairness, she works to support individuals, families, and businesses facing complex legal challenges.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner Attorney / Mediator, Juris Law & Mediation, LLC
• Member, Johnson County Family Law Inn of Court, Executive Council
• Member, Johnson County Bar Association
• Member, Missouri Bar Association
• Member, Kansas Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association (YLD)

Licensed State

• Kansas
• Missouri

Education

• University of Missouri
  Juris Doctor (JD) with Honors
• University of Missouri
  Master of Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude
• University of Missouri
  BA in Art History & Studio Art, Cum Laude with Honors

Awards & Badges