Alexis Smith

Development Chair

New Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc.

Alexis Smith is currently the Executive Director of New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA). Founded in 1964, and in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, NHLAA was established on the principle that everyone, regardless of race or income, should have equal access to the justice system. Alexis previously served as NHLAA’s Deputy Director from 2012-2017, and before that was a staff attorney at Greater Hartford Legal Aid. Alexis has received awards from The West Haven Black Coalition, New Haven Probate Court, and Gateway Community College Foundation. She was also named to Connecticut Magazine’s 40 under 40 list in 2015. Alexis currently serves as co-chair for the Connecticut Bar Association’s (CBA) Task Force on Policing. Alexis has served as president of the George W. Crawford Black Bar Association, Secretary of the CBA, and a member of the CBA’s House of Delegates. She currently serves on the board of directors for LEAP, ConnCAT, Neighborhood Music School, Horizons at Foote, Common Ground High School, and New Alliance Foundation.