Jacqueline “Jackie” D. Smith – Former NJ Prosecutor and Attorney General
Former Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor and Deputy Attorney General in Major Crimes Unit
With nearly three decades of legal experience, Ms. Smith brings deep knowledge and proven leadership to complex criminal prosecutions involving fraud, public corruption, financial crimes, and racketeering. A seasoned litigator and strategic thinker, she has served in both prosecutorial and private attorney roles, including high-ranking positions within the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
Previously serving as Deputy Chief of the Specialized Crimes Bureau, Ms. Smith supervised major investigations and prosecutions involving financial facilitation (money laundering), insurance fraud, auto theft rings, and other organized criminal enterprises. Prior to the Deputy Chief position, she held key positions in the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and the Corruption Bureau, where she developed a reputation for successfully managing large-scale, high-stakes prosecutions.
Now, since leaving the prosecutor’s office and going into private practice for criminal defense, Ms. Smith has represented hundreds of clients in both Superior Court and Municipal Court relating to a host of charges including gun charges, restraining orders, drunk driving (DWI), and aggravated assault strangulation.
She recently argued a sentence for the Tormey Law Firm in Passaic County before the presiding criminal Judge where the client was facing 5 years in prison, 1 year without parole on an illegal gun charge and Ms. Smith was able to convince the Judge to sentence the client to probation instead, no jail time.
Representative Achievements
Landmark Prosecutions
- Led the prosecution of the first financial facilitation (money laundering) case in the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor: State v. Clements-Wright.
Successfully prosecuted major racketeering operations, including:
- Operation Big Stash
- Operation Key Code Express
Directed and prosecuted complex investigations into:
- Staged automobile accident rings (e.g., Iris Saulkowski et al)
- Auto theft organizations, including:
- Operation VIN Swap
- Operation Steal a Deal
Leadership & Mentorship
- Mentored and supervised Deputies Attorneys General
- Provided legal oversight on high-profile cases
- Contributed to strategic case development
Practice Areas while an Attorney General
- White-Collar Crime
- Public Corruption
- Insurance Fraud
- Financial Crimes & Money Laundering
- RICO & Racketeering
- Auto Theft & Organized Crime
Education
Seton Hall University School of Law
Juris Doctor, 1990
- Centennial & Hudson County Bar Association Scholar
- Member: Phi Alpha Delta, BLSA, Entertainment Law Forum
Rutgers University
B.A. in Sociology
- Certificate in Criminology
- Dean’s List Honors
University of Detroit – London International Law Program
International Law Studies (1989)
Teaching & Legal Instruction
- National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) – Instructor, Advanced Trial Techniques (2015–Present)
- NJ Attorney General’s Advocacy Institute – Instructor, Criminal Case Fundamentals (2010–Present)
- Wilmington University (Adjunct Professor) – Ethics in Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence (2012–2016)
Professional & Community Involvement
- Supreme Court Committee on Minority Concerns (2013–2020)
- New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement (2007–Present)
- Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey (2005–Present)
- American Bar Association (2007–Present)
- Rutgers Action Community – Big Brother/Big Sisters Program (1985–1987)
Professional Philosophy
Ms. Smith is committed to justice, integrity, and excellence in legal practice. With a unique blend of courtroom skill, investigative acumen, and team leadership, she ensures that every case is handled with meticulous care and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.