Atty. Rodney Louis Smith

Atty. Rodney Louis Smith

Rodney L. Smith has extensive practice in the areas of personal injury, workers' compensation, and bankruptcy.

Charleston Charleston 35 yrs experience 35 year
Call (217) 790-4220 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Rodney Louis Smith at a glance

Rodney Louis Smith is a Member based in Charleston, Illinois, practicing at SPJ Law- Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd.. They have 35+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1991. Their practice focuses on personal injury, business, bankruptcy, and workers comp. Admitted to practice in Illinois (1991) and Minnesota U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois U.S. District Court, Southern District o (1995). Educated at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (J.D., 1991) and Illinois State University (B.S., 1988). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Serands clients in Charleston, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Rodney L. Smith has extensive practice in the areas of personal injury, workers' compensation, and bankruptcy
  • He has argued in front of the Illinois Supreme Court and taught business law at Lake Land College and at Eastern Illinois University
  • He has lectured on the topics of bankruptcy and workers’ compensation
  • Mr. Smith has extensive trial experience in Central and Southern Illinois
  • Over the years, he has won and settled personal injury and workers' compensation cases in excess of several million dollars
  • Mr. Smith is a principal in the law firm of Smith Law, Ltd. Mr. Smith was admitted to practice law in Illinois in 1991 and in Minnesota in 1995
  • He is admitted to practice in the United States Central and Southern Districts of Illinois, and in the United States Seventh Circuit
  • Mr. Smith obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in 1988 and his Juris Doctor degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1991
  • He is a member of the Illinois Bar Association, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the Workers' Compensation Section of the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Coles-Cumberland Bar Association
  • Mr. Smith also has extensive experience in Central and Southern Illinois bankruptcies
  • He has helped individuals and businesses through financial difficulties
  • He and his firm have filed and handled over 9000 bankruptcies

Practice Areas Explained

Rodney Louis Smith's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Rodney Louis Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Rodney Louis Smith is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Illinois →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Rodney Louis Smith is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Illinois →

Bankruptcy & Debt

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Rodney Louis Smith is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Illinois →

Workers Compensation

Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.

Rodney Louis Smith is one of 55,389 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Charleston are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Charleston or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Rodney Louis Smith

Where is Rodney Louis Smith's law office located?
Rodney Louis Smith's law practice is located in Charleston, Illinois. The firm is SPJ Law- Smith, Pappas & Jones, Ltd.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Rodney Louis Smith handle?
Rodney Louis Smith focuses on personal injury, business, bankruptcy, workers comp. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
How long has Rodney Louis Smith practiced law?
Rodney Louis Smith has 35+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1991.
Where did Rodney Louis Smith go to law school?
Rodney Louis Smith earned their education at (J.D., 1991); (B.S., 1988).
How can I contact Rodney Louis Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Rodney Louis Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Rodney Louis Smith received?
Rodney Louis Smith's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D.
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- 1991
B.S.
Illinois State University
- 1988

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Illinois
Admitted: 1991
Minnesota U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois U.S. District Court, Southern District o
Admitted: 1995

Reviews

3.6
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