James Monroe Smith (lawyer)
James Monroe Smith (1957–2003) was an American lawyer focused on HIV/AIDS-related issues.[1][2]
Biography
[edit]Born in Connecticut, he moved to Chicago in 1982 to attend John Marshall Law School.[1][3] After a stint with the U.S. Department of Health, he established the AIDS Legal Council (ALC) in 1988, a standalone agency offering legal services to HIV-affected individuals in Chicago.[3]
By 1993, ALC had a team of eight members, with some stationed at Cook County Hospital to assist with patient benefits.[3] Smith's efforts led to an increase in pro bono services from Chicago's legal community for HIV/AIDS legal cases.[3]
Smith received the Maurice Weigle Award from the Chicago Bar Association. He wrote two textbooks on HIV/AIDS topics, including AIDS and Society in 1996, and taught related courses at institutions such as Loyola University Chicago School of Law and Northwestern University.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "JAMES MONROE SMITH,46". Chicago Tribune. July 29, 2003.
- ^ "PASSAGES James Monroe Smith, Scott D. Batcke". Windy City Times. August 6, 2003.
- ^ a b c d e "JAMES MONROE SMITH – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame".