AL HR721

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.

Ms. Smith is an attorney with the Legislative Reference Service who joined in 1994 and has contributed to crafting complex statutes, composing legal opinions, and serving as Sunset Committee Attorney since 1994.

Her professional accomplishments include 12 years as Attorney for the Senate Education Committee, expertise in school law, and significant contributions to codification of local laws and Title 16 of the Code of Alabama.

Ms. Smith holds degrees including magna cum laude graduation from the University of South Carolina and top fifth ranking from Widener University Law School, with prior legal experience as an assistant prosecutor in New Jersey and private practice in California.

The House of Representatives formally honors Ms. Smith's invaluable contributions, knowledge, professionalism, persistence, and genuine concern for others demonstrated throughout her service to the Legislative Branch.