Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Smith Joeckel '09
A Conversation with Taylor Smith Joeckel '09
November 5, 2025
We are honored to feature Taylor Smith Joeckel '09, a distinguished attorney and dedicated legal advocate, as our November Alumni Spotlight. Taylor uses her legal expertise to bring safety and stability to families facing crisis. We are also thrilled that she and her father, Justice Craig Smith P'09, will be our featured speakers for the upcoming Legal Eagles Club Networking Breakfast.
Join us at our Legal Eagles Club Networking Breakfast on Thursday, November 13, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. in the North Dining Room at ESD. Taylor and Justice Smith will be speaking on ESD’s influence on legal careers and the pursuit of public service.
RSVP TO OUR LEGAL EAGLES CLUB NETWORKING BREAKFAST
Purpose Found in Service
ESD instilled in me the idea that service and purpose are not separate from success. The emphasis on community, empathy, and leadership through service helped shape how I approach my work today.
For Taylor, purpose means using your skills to make life better for others. She discovered this calling through the practice of family law, which allows her to help people find safety and stability when their world feels vulnerable.
This dedication led her to found a powerful pro bono initiative within her firm, Armstrong Divorce & Family Law, PLLC, in partnership with the Genesis Women’s Shelter. This program provides essential legal representation to women and children escaping domestic violence, filling a critical gap and working to break the cycle of abuse in the community.
Career and Achievements
- Education: J.D., Texas Tech University School of Law (Cum Laude); B.A., English, University of Alabama
- Current Role: Attorney at Armstrong Divorce & Family Law, PLLC
- Specialization: Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Pro Bono Work: Founder of a firm-wide pro bono initiative in partnership with the Genesis Women’s Shelter
- Recognitions: Texas Super Lawyers "Rising Stars" (2022 - 2025); Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" (2022-2024), "America’s Best Lawyers" (2025-2026)
- Involvement: Director for the Texas Young Lawyers Association (2019-2021); Member of the Genesis Women’s Alliance Board (2025-2026), and various local bar associations (Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant Counties).
Highlights of Her ESD Experience
The highlight of Taylor’s ESD experience was the tight-knit community and genuine care:
ESD is a place where people expect your best while surrounding you with support and encouragement.
She formed lifelong friendships at ESD that continue to support her growth. She credits the exceptional teachers and staff for fostering a spirit of belief in students, giving them every opportunity to reach their potential. These lessons in support and commitment continue to guide her work and how she shows up for others every day.
Her favorite ESD tradition is Pass It On.
Advice for Current Students
Taylor’s key advice for current students hoping to follow a similar career path is to never underestimate the value of empathy.
"Family law is about understanding people as much as it is about knowing the law," she says. She encourages students to work hard and build strong relationships, as the bonds created with classmates and colleagues will shape not only their success but also the kind of professional and person they become.
Every day, our alumni are fulfilling ESD’s mission by making an incredible impact on the world. From innovative entrepreneurs to community leaders to creative trailblazers, their stories are a testament to the power of our community and the values we share. This series is dedicated to showcasing the diverse paths our alumni have taken and the meaningful work they are doing. We believe their journeys will inspire you and highlight the many ways our alumni are living lives of purpose.
Are you an alum with a story to share? We want to hear from you!
Each month, we feature a new Alumni Spotlight, and we're looking for alumni stories to highlight your success, purpose, and impact. Whether you've launched a new business, led a community initiative, achieved a personal goal, or made a difference in your field, we want to celebrate your accomplishments. Ready to be featured? Submit your updates and achievements through the form below for a chance to be our next alumni spotlight.
