HJR629 Summary

• Commends Ms. Karen Smith as the 2011 Legislative Employee of the Year, recognizing one exceptional employee annually from Alabama's Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches.

• Recognizes Smith's 17-year tenure with the Legislative Reference Service beginning in 1994, including her work drafting complex statutes, legal opinions, and serving as Sunset Committee Attorney.

• Highlights her educational credentials including a magna cum laude degree from University of South Carolina and top-fifth law school class ranking from Widener University, plus legal experience as a prosecutor, private practice attorney, and court staff attorney.

• Notes her specialized expertise in school law, codification of local laws, and recompliation of Title 16 (Education Chapter) of the Code of Alabama.

• Acknowledges her personal qualities including her role as a six-year breast cancer survivor, devoted mother of three, and active community member, while maintaining her professional contributions to the Legislature.