To celebrate Black History Month, we are featuring several Philadelphia Water Employees throughout the month. We asked them to share their stories about working at PWD, what they’ve learned during their careers, what inspires them, and what Black History means to them.

Laurice Smith

General Counsel for PWD, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor
Law Department / Regulatory Unit

8 months at PWD

Tell us a little about your PWD career journey. How did you end up in your current position?

I am coming up on my ten-year anniversary with the City. My first position was in the Law Department representing the Water Revenue Bureau. After 7 years representing WRB, I briefly transferred to the Revenue Department working on tax policy in a non-lawyer role. While I enjoyed the policy work, I found that I really missed practicing law. When the opportunity to rejoin the Law Department as an attorney for PWD presented itself, I jumped at the chance. So far, it is one of the best career choices I have made!

What’s one thing that people would find interesting about your job that they might not know?

My group and I are one of the few legal teams that are embedded with their client. Most Law Department attorneys have offices separate from the Departments they represent. Sharing office space with PWD allows us to build strong working relationships with all of you!

What’s the best career advice that you received that you could pass on to a potential PWD employee that wants to do what you are doing?

Nurture the connections and relationships you build throughout your career. I think this is true whatever your career goals.

How are you going to celebrate Black History Month this year?

To be determined.

Which African American, dead, or alive, would you invite to your dinner party and why?

James Baldwin. I love his writing—both fiction and nonfiction. He had an amazing ability to identify and honestly talk about the ways racism negatively impacts people, managing to hold and name the pain of it without giving up hope.

Share an inspirational quote by an African American that motivates you?

“When I dare to be powerful — to use my strength in the service of my vision — then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” – Audre Lorde

Finish the statement: Black History means…

Black History is a story of resistance, resilience, strength, and love.