Smitha Mathews

Smitha Mathews is the Faculty Supervisor of the Mid-Size and Small Firm Externship Program at SMU Dedman School of Law. In combination with a weekly class, the externship program places second- and third-year law students with law firms for a semester to gain substantive and practical legal experience in their relevant areas of interest.

Smitha also serves as a Director in the Office of Career Services, where she works with mid-size, boutique, and small firms to develop employment opportunities and advise JD students. Additionally, she serves as the OCS Liaison to diverse students, as well as student organizations on campus.

Prior to joining SMU Law, Smitha began her law practice as an intellectual property attorney at Sidley Austin LLP, where she focused on patent litigation. She later transitioned her practice to assist clients with patent and trademark procurement and strategic portfolio development, working at the law firm of Harper Bates & Champion LLP, and later, Baker Botts LLP. Smitha is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and is a member of the Dallas Bar Association, the DFW Women in IP Group, Attorneys Serving the Community, and the National Association for Law Placement. Smitha is a “Double Pony,” having earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, with honors, from SMU in 2000, and a Juris Doctor degree from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2004.