Candidate Profile 2021: Tiffany Thomas-Smith, Judge

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Tiffany Thomas-Smith, an attorney specializing in family law for 20 years, is running for a seat on Bucks County's Court of Common Pleas. If elected, Thomas-Smith would be the first Black woman in this role.

Her opponent is Republican Stephen A. Corr, also a career attorney.

Here's Thomas-Smith's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

54

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

No details

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Howard University School of Law (Washington, DC): Juris Doctorate, Class of 1996
Duke University (Durham, North Carolina): Bachelor of Arts, History, Class of 1989

Occupation

Attorney: 20 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

https://www.tiffanythomassmith...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for Judge in the Court of Common Pleas because my background and experiences in family law will bring diverse perspectives, with fair and compassionate justice, to the Bucks County Court System which the courts need, and which Bucks County taxpayers deserve. I am a seasoned attorney, mother, and community leader. In my twenty years of professional experience, I have represented the interest of children and families. Family Law experience matters. During the pandemic my office never shut down, we used technology to meet the needs of our clients with innovation and creativity. Judges are held to the highest standard and must make decisions with integrity. I possess the utmost level of integrity and will make decisions with “compassionate justice”, which is an analysis of facts, applied to the law with understanding and empathy to achieve just results. As a community leader, I am involved in the day-to-day struggles of Bucks County residents. As a Member of the Board of Directors, and Diversity and Inclusion Chairperson of Bucks County United Way and Bucks County Bar Association, I work directly with the community to help resolve the monumental issues which impact those families. I will bring a diverse perspective to the Bench and along with proven years’ experience.

The single most pressing issue facing our county is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The needs of families and children should be prioritized in the Court. In my twenty years of
professional experience, I have worked primarily serving the interest of children and families. The protection and safety of children is of utmost concern. During the pandemic, my office never shut down. I applied technology and paperless options to serve the needs of our clients and the community. I have the experience and technological savvy to help resolve the backlog of cases in family court. As a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas I will use my family law experience to approach these cases on day one.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

This is a historic campaign and an opportunity to bring unique perspective and depth to the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. I am running as the first black woman for the Court of Common Pleas in Bucks County. I bring the qualities of experience, integrity and commitment to community which make me the most qualified candidate. I also will provide perspective of diversity, equity, inclusion, and integration. My educational experience as a graduate from Duke University and Howard University School of Law provided the foundation for my interest in social justice. My professional experience as a trial attorney, Collaborative lawyer, and women and minority owned business has provided me with a proven track record of success. My community service nationally and internationally has broadened my perspective as to the needs of others. Working with the United Way of Bucks County, I have experienced the struggles of residents with food insecurity, homelessness, mental health and addiction issues. Internationally, I have worked with the Wiser Girls School in Muhuru Bay, Kenya, Africa educating women and girls. These qualities and perspectives make me the most qualified candidate for this position.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am the most qualified candidate and have the experience, integrity, and commitment to the Bucks County community needed for to serve as a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas. Voter protection and integrity must be a priority in all aspects of the election process. My platform also includes a commitment to provide greater accessibility to courts for all members of the community. I will work to enhance all efforts to provide safety and security and support the community by supporting labor unions, police, medical professionals and first responders.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I grew up in a blended family, the daughter of social workers. Growing up, I was encouraged to challenge myself academically. I attended Duke University and Howard School of Law. Prior to attending law school, I worked with women and children, as a student teacher in a women’s homeless shelter. I have seen the struggles of families, firsthand even before I began practicing law. In law school and early in my career, I served as a Public Defender and represented the rights of indigent clients. As a mother of two sons, I moved to Bucks County to provide them with an excellent educational opportunity. They have both successfully navigated the Pennsbury School District educational system and are now in college. When they were very young, I was diagnosed with cancer and have been blessed to be a “thriver”. I have established a women and minority owned law firm representing members of every aspect of our community including LGBTQ+ fathers, mothers, grandparents, and children. I have represented clients all aspects of Family, Criminal and Orphans Court, including custody, support, divorce, misdemeanor crimes, adoption, and guardianship matters. Currently, in addition to my private practice, I serve as Conflict Counsel for parents in Dependency Court in Bucks County. During the pandemic, my office never shut down. I applied technology and paperless options to serve the needs of our clients and the community. I have the experience and technological savvy to help resolve the backlog of cases in family court. As a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas I will use my family law experience to approach these cases on day one.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am committed to serve the needs of the Bucks County community. I promise to impart compassionate justice in the decision-making process and to preside over every case with individual attention. I, Tiffany Thomas-Smith, am the most qualified candidate for the position of Court of Common Pleas Judge, and I ask for your vote on November 2 nd .