Jacqueline “Jackie” D. Smith – Former NJ Prosecutor and Attorney General

Former Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor and Deputy Attorney General in Major Crimes Unit

With nearly three decades of legal experience, Ms. Smith brings deep knowledge and proven leadership to complex criminal prosecutions involving fraud, public corruption, financial crimes, and racketeering. A seasoned litigator and strategic thinker, she has served in both prosecutorial and private attorney roles, including high-ranking positions within the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

Previously serving as Deputy Chief of the Specialized Crimes Bureau, Ms. Smith supervised major investigations and prosecutions involving financial facilitation (money laundering), insurance fraud, auto theft rings, and other organized criminal enterprises. Prior to the Deputy Chief position, she held key positions in the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and the Corruption Bureau, where she developed a reputation for successfully managing large-scale, high-stakes prosecutions.

Now, since leaving the prosecutor’s office and going into private practice for criminal defense, Ms. Smith has represented hundreds of clients in both Superior Court and Municipal Court throughout Sussex County and Warren County relating to a host of charges including gun charges, restraining orders, drunk driving (DWI), and aggravated assault strangulation.

She recently argued a sentence for the Tormey Law Firm in Passaic County before the presiding criminal Judge where the client was facing 5 years in prison, 1 year without parole on an illegal gun charge, and Ms. Smith was able to convince the Judge to sentence the client to probation instead, with no jail time.

Representative Achievements

Landmark Prosecutions

Led the prosecution of the first financial facilitation (money laundering) case in the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor: State v. Clements-Wright.

Successfully prosecuted major racketeering operations, including:

Operation Big Stash
Operation Key Code Express

Directed and prosecuted complex investigations into:

Staged automobile accident rings (e.g., Iris Saulkowski et al)
Auto theft organizations, including Operation VIN Swap and Operation Steal a Deal

Leadership and Mentorship

Mentored and supervised Deputies, Attorneys General, provided legal oversight on high-profile cases, and contributed to strategic case development.

Practice Areas While an Attorney General

White-Collar Crime
Public Corruption
Insurance Fraud
Financial Crimes and Money Laundering
RICO and Racketeering
Auto Theft and Organized Crime

Education

Seton Hall University School of Law

Juris Doctor, 1990

Centennial and Hudson County Bar Association Scholar
Member: Phi Alpha Delta, BLSA, Entertainment Law Forum

Rutgers University

B.A. in Sociology

Certificate in Criminology
Dean’s List Honors

University of Detroit – London International Law Program

International Law Studies (1989)

Teaching and Legal Instruction

National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) – Instructor, Advanced Trial Techniques (2015–Present)
NJ Attorney General’s Advocacy Institute – Instructor, Criminal Case Fundamentals (2010–Present)
Wilmington University (Adjunct Professor) – Ethics in Criminal Justice, Domestic Violence (2012–2016)

Professional and Community Involvement

Supreme Court Committee on Minority Concerns (2013–2020)
New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement (2007–Present)
Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey (2005–Present)
American Bar Association (2007–Present)
Rutgers Action Community – Big Brother/Big Sisters Program (1985–1987)

Professional Philosophy

Ms. Smith is committed to justice, integrity, and excellence in legal practice. With a courtroom skill, investigative acumen, and team leadership, she ensures that every case is handled with meticulous care and unwavering dedication to the rule of law.