On Thursday, January 2, 2025, the Supreme Court of Wyoming reinstated former tribal judge Terri Virginia Smith to the practice of law following a period of disbarment that began on May 24, 2019. This decision came after the court reviewed a Report and Recommendation for Reinstatement submitted by a review panel of the Board of Professional Responsibility for the Wyoming State Bar.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Terri Virginia Smith,” with case no. D-20-0006.
Smith was disbarred following a series of legal troubles that culminated in federal charges related to the unlawful distribution of controlled substances. In 2019, Smith faced indictment in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming, where she was accused of conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone and engaging in the unlawful distribution of cocaine. At the time of the indictment, Smith was serving as chief judge of Wind River Tribal Court.
After pleading guilty to these charges, Smith received a six-month prison sentence followed by a period of home confinement and supervised release. The disbarment process for Smith commenced shortly after her sentencing, as required by the Wyoming Rules of Disciplinary Procedure.
Following her disbarment, Smith sought reinstatement, which is permissible under Rule 22(b) of the Wyoming disciplinary guidelines after a five-year period. Her reinstatement petition included evidence of her rehabilitation and compliance with all disciplinary requirements.
The review panel’s recommendation for reinstatement highlighted that Smith had demonstrated significant personal and professional rehabilitation since her disbarment. During this time, she completed a five-month inpatient substance abuse treatment program, followed by extensive aftercare and individual therapy. Additionally, Smith became a certified Peer Support Specialist, assisting others in recovery, and contributed to the recovery community by working at a detox and sober living facility.
Moreover, Smith has continued her legal education, fulfilling five years of continuing legal education credits, and has actively engaged in community service. She has held a position as a board member for Recover Wyoming and has shared her recovery journey through various public speaking engagements and written contributions to legal discussions.
The court’s order to reinstate Smith not only approves the panel’s recommendation but also directs that the reinstatement order be published in the Wyoming Reporter and the Pacific Reporter as part of the public record.
The Disposition states:
“ADJUDGED AND ORDERED that the Respondent, Terri Virginia Smith, be, and hereby is, reinstated to the practice of law in Wyoming, effective immediately.”
According to avvo.com, Ms. Smith is a general practice attorney in Riverton, Wyoming. She acquired her law license in Wyoming in 2011.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
