Northwestern Pritzker School of Law Appoints New Vice Chair of Law Board

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law announced the appointment of Sherrese M. Smith (JD ’96), Global Managing Partner of Paul Hastings LLP, as Vice Chair of the Law Board. She will become Chair of the Law Board on September 1, 2025. The Law Board is dedicated to advancing Northwestern Pritzker Law and supporting its students. The Board serves in an advisory capacity to help shape strategy and acts as an advocate for the Law School in the legal profession, business community, and general public.

“I am honored and grateful to have Sherrese Smith join the Law Board leadership in the position of Vice Chair,” said Dean Hari Osofsky. “As a member of the Law Board executive committee, 2023 convocation speaker, student mentor, and philanthropist, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to Northwestern Pritzker Law students, and the entire community will benefit greatly from her leadership.”

Ms. Smith is renowned for her expert advice on crisis issues and, as a result, is regularly sought after by corporate board members and the C-suite. She previously served as vice chair of Paul Hastings LLP’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity practice and is known as one of the country’s preeminent data privacy and cybersecurity and media and technology attorneys. Consistently ranked as a leading lawyer in Chambers USA and Legal 500, she is recognized throughout the legal, media, communications, and technology industries for her leadership, business acumen, and dedication to clients.

Before joining Paul Hastings, Ms. Smith served as Chief Counsel to Chairman Julius Genachowski at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). She was responsible for determining the agency’s business and policy agenda on a multitude of media and technology matters. She led the FCC’s cross‑agency efforts to refine and implement new rules on data privacy and cybersecurity for multinational companies navigating complex data and privacy rules in the U.S., EU, and Asia. Ms. Smith’s work also involved extensive interaction with external stakeholders, including wireless, media, cable, and telecommunications companies; industry groups and trade associations; federal and state agencies; and Congress. 

Ms. Smith serves on the Board of Directors of NortonLifeLock and Cable ONE. In addition to being a member of the Law Board, she is also a member of the University of Maryland’s Journalism School board and a member of America’s Public Television Stations executive board. Most recently, Ms. Smith received the Joyce A. Hughes Legacy Award at the Black Law Students Association’s Annual Alumni Banquet.