SALESIA
SMITH - GORDON, ESQ.
AWARD - WINNING ATTORNEY
STRATEGIST
ADVOCATE
SPEAKER
LEADER
Meet
SALESIA V. SMITH - GORDON
As founder of a boutique personal injury law firm, Salesia Smith-Gordon has multiple layers of success. For more than 31 years, she has served as an advocate of justice for her clients, support system for her professional peers, and trusted advisor within the community. Smith-Gordon has won several multimillion-dollar awards for her injured clients by repeatedly demonstrating persistent dedication inside and outside of the courtroom. A resident of West Palm Beach, FL, this adventure-seeking philanthropist sits on multiple local and state boards serving as a trailblazer for civil justice and policy changes for the community.
he retired pharmacist turned injury lawyer received her education at the first-rate law school of Florida State University, College of Law. She completed her undergraduate at Florida A & M University earning a Bachelor’s of Science from FAMU’s illustrious College of Pharmacy. In 2017 FSU named the Law school’s faculty office in her honor. Salesia continues to “pay it forward” with time and funding to the College of Law to express her appreciation for the opportunities afforded to her and serve as a beacon of encouragement for students. In 2020 Salesia co-founded FSU Law’s first Black Alumni Network and currently serves as its inaugural president.
Smith-Gordon continues to spearhead leadership within the community by receiving prestigious awards year after year. In 2021 the International Career and Business Alliance gave her the ICABA Woman of Impact Award. She has also been named 2019 & 2020 Lawyers of Distinction “Power Lawyer,” and 2018 Florida Most Influential Black Women in Business.
Salesia’s legal successes and community interests in health, education, politics, civil justice, arts, and mentorship reflect her propensity for authentic compassion and resilience. She has honed solid skills that make her an unstoppable game-changer. Attorney Salesia enjoys the fruits of her labor with her husband, Vice-Mayor of the Town of Haverhill, FL, Lawrence Gordon, and their spoiled rescue animals.
News
HOT OFF THE PRESS!
Salesia launches first
black Lawyers alumni association
FSU Law Hangs Smith-Gordon’s Portrait on Rotunda’s Wall of Distinction
Salesia Smith-Gordon, Esq. was adorned with a prestigious honor in recognition of her ongoing service to Florida State University (FSU), continued mentorship to students, and historic $200,000 gift to the College of Law. On Thursday, October 27, Smith-Gordon’s hand-painted portrait was unveiled in the FSU Law School Rotunda. Smith-Gordon’s portrait now lives alongside other influential alumni, cementing her powerful tenure and legacy.
Recognitions
Salesia has been recognized as a Lawyer of Distinction. Her compilation of works as a strategist, litigator, advocate, and community servant has been recognized professionally and civically with honors and awards include:
2025
2025 (ICABA) Black Professionals Month (BPM) 2025 Global 100 Impact Honoree.
2025 ICABA Women of Impact Leading Light Award as President, SDCBWLA.
2024
2024 Inlet Grove’s My Teacher My Hero Distinguished Leadership Award
2024 FSU Law – Black Alumni Assoc. President’s Award of Excellence
2024 FSU College of Law – Special Hooding Ceremony for Atty. Mathew Russell
2024 Keynote for National Junior Honor Society Ceremony at Yeager Middle School
2024 Certification for Equine Emergency Treatment
2024 Urban League – Special Recognition Law Firm as Community Partner
2024 Town of Haverhill – Chair, Surtax Committee (reappointed)
2024 FSU College of Law – Chair, Alumni Outreach
2024 SDCBWLA -President
2024 Election Certification Training
2024 ZTO-AKA – Chapter Legal Advisor
2023
2023 – 2024 FAWL Diversity Award
2023- 2024 PBCBA – Co-Chair PI-WD Committee
2023 – 2024 Lawyers of Distinction
2023 National Diamondback Pharmacy Alumni Council Service Award
2023 PBC- FAWL Justice Ruth Bader Gingsberg Workplace Diversity Award
2023 Town of Haverhill – Chair, Surtax Committee
2023 Florida Bar- Keynote Legal Lecturer “Roadmap of the Trial Notebook”
2023 YWCA – Honorary Chair
2023 FSU College of Law – Board of Visitors
2023 Distinguished Lawyers
2023 Top 100 National Black Lawyers
2023 FL Justice Assoc. – Keynote Lecturer: Bookcamp: Mediation Basics
2022
2022 FSU Alumni Association Service Award
2022 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., L.E.A.D. Award Recipient
2022 National Top 100 Lawyers Award
2017-2021
2021 ICABA Woman of Impact Award
2020 FAWL – PBC Legal Legend Award
2020 Ambassador – Lawyers of Distinction
2018-2020 FL 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Personal Injury
2020 Urban League PBC “Trailblazer”
2020 PBC Women’s Chamber – Giraffe Award Nominee
2019 & 2020 Lawyers of Distinction “Power Lawyer”
2019 Eta Phi Beta – Justice Award
2018 Legacy Award- So FL Most Influential Black Women in Business
2017 & 2018 Legal Elite – Best Boutique Injury Firm – Premises
2018 WPB Illumination Award -Philanthropy.
2017 FL Best Boutique Injury Law Firm in Premises Liability
2017 The Salesia V. Smith-Gordon Faculty Office at FSU College of Law
2025
2025 (ICABA) Black Professionals Month (BPM) 2025 Global 100 Impact Honoree.
2025 ICABA Women of Impact Leading Light Award as President, SDCBWLA.
2024
2024 Inlet Grove’s My Teacher My Hero Distinguished Leadership Award
2024 FSU Law – Black Alumni Assoc. President’s Award of Excellence
2024 FSU College of Law – Special Hooding Ceremony for Atty. Mathew Russell
2024 Keynote for National Junior Honor Society Ceremony at Yeager Middle School
2024 Certification for Equine Emergency Treatment
2024 Urban League – Special Recognition Law Firm as Community Partner
2024 Town of Haverhill – Chair, Surtax Committee (reappointed)
2024 FSU College of Law – Chair, Alumni Outreach
2024 SDCBWLA -President
2024 Election Certification Training
2024 ZTO-AKA – Chapter Legal Advisor
2023
2023 – 2024 FAWL Diversity Award
2023- 2024 PBCBA – Co-Chair PI-WD Committee
2023 – 2024 Lawyers of Distinction
2023 National Diamondback Pharmacy Alumni Council Service Award
2023 PBC- FAWL Justice Ruth Bader Gingsberg Workplace Diversity Award
2023 Town of Haverhill – Chair, Surtax Committee
2023 Florida Bar- Keynote Legal Lecturer “Roadmap of the Trial Notebook”
2023 YWCA – Honorary Chair
2023 FSU College of Law – Board of Visitors
2023 Distinguished Lawyers
2023 Top 100 National Black Lawyers
2023 FL Justice Assoc. – Keynote Lecturer: Bookcamp: Mediation Basics
2022
2022 FSU Alumni Association Service Award
2022 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., L.E.A.D. Award Recipient
2022 National Top 100 Lawyers Award
2017-2021
2021 ICABA Woman of Impact Award
2020 FAWL – PBC Legal Legend Award
2020 Ambassador – Lawyers of Distinction
2018-2020 FL 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Personal Injury
2020 Urban League PBC “Trailblazer”
2020 PBC Women’s Chamber – Giraffe Award Nominee
2019 & 2020 Lawyers of Distinction “Power Lawyer”
2019 Eta Phi Beta – Justice Award
2018 Legacy Award- So FL Most Influential Black Women in Business
2017 & 2018 Legal Elite – Best Boutique Injury Firm – Premises
2018 WPB Illumination Award -Philanthropy.
2017 FL Best Boutique Injury Law Firm in Premises Liability
2017 The Salesia V. Smith-Gordon Faculty Office at FSU College of Law
Animal Enthusiast
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Salesia has a deep love and appreciation for animals. She is passionate about promoting compassion, respect, and responsible care for animals of all kinds. Her connection with animals reflects her nurturing spirit and belief that kindness and empathy should extend to every living being.
Salesia is a devoted animal rescuer who has supported and cared for a variety of animals including cats, dogs, horses, and even wildlife she deeply admires, such as elephants. She is committed to animal welfare and advocates for protection, rescue efforts, and awareness about the humane treatment of animals. Her dedication reflects her broader mission of service, protection, and advocacy both inside and outside her professional work.
Speaking
A VOICE FOR TODAY'S WOMAN
Voted as one of Florida’s Most Influential Black Women in Business, civil justice, and leadership advocate, Salesia Smith-Gordon is an award-winning attorney, keynote speaker, and entrepreneur. Her strong yet diverse background allows her to share her insightful expertise in the areas of healthcare, education, business, politics, and civil justice. She is a highly sought-after thought-leader who advocates for her clients and community inside and outside of the courtroom.
This adventure-seeking philanthropist is known for trailblazing community initiatives while enforcing accountability and policy changes for the betterment of all. Salesia holds seats on multiple local and state boards lending her voice and passion to the issues affecting voter’s rights, education, and justice for the vulnerable.
As a mentor, she has a natural and authentic charm that reflects her compassion and strength to guide her clients, peers, and audiences to effectively elevate their personal goals and professional visions to new heights.
Attorney Salesia is most passionate about helping people learn the strategies they need to succeed. She engages groups from the moment she steps in front of them, leaving them feeling encouraged, enlightened, and empowered with a new focused mindset.
SPEAKING TOPICS OF INTEREST:
Community Leadership, Activism, Voting Issues
Running a Personal Injury Law Practice
Owning Your Power As a Woman of Color
Manifesting Your Dreams as a Woman of Color
Personal Development and Career Tips for Female Lawyers
Mindset and Wellness Tips for Entrepreneurs
PAST SPEAKING EVENTS
Hustler Podcast
What it Takes to Create a Legacy
Speaking Engagement
Andrew Gillum Event
Smith Gordon Law
No Photographic Evidence in a Case
Photos
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