J. Arthur "Art" Smith, IV grew up in Clinton and then Amite, Louisiana before moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas. Thereafter, he returned to Louisiana to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre. He started his legal career around 2006 as a paralegal working for his father, J. Arthur Smith, III, at the Smith Law Firm. He then attended Tulane University to obtain a post-baccalaureate certificate in Paralegal Studies.

Art worked as a paralegal off and on for about ten (10) years at both plaintiff and defense firms in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. He also worked as a stagehand in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and surrounding areas prior to attending law school. He attended Southern University Law Center’s night program while clerking at the law firm of Maley, Comeaux and Falterman, LLC and then at the Smith Law Firm. While in law school, he was selected for the Dean’s list three times.

Prior to joining the firm, Art obtained substantial experience in labor and employment law. He handled all phases of litigation and appeals in matters arising under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and other areas in both state and federal courts in Louisiana and out of state. Most recently, he was selected for Super Lawyer’s Rising Stars list in 2024 for his work in the area of employment law for workers.

In his spare time, Art enjoys spending time with his wife and children, exercising, woodworking, and practicing martial arts.