Mr. Smith has been a life-long resident of the Inland Empire, attending public schools in San Bernardino, graduating from Pacific High School. He attended San Bernardino Valley College, then California State University San Bernardino, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. He attended graduate school at CSUSB in clinical psychology before entering into law school at the University of La Verne College of Law. While in law school, Mr. Smith worked on Law Review, becoming the Editor-in-Chief during his senior year. Gary Wenkle Smith opened his office as a sole practitioner in 1979 in San Bernardino.

Staying in San Bernardino to Practice Law

Mr. Smith chose to stay in the Inland Empire, living in San Bernardino, because it has always been home. He loves the way of life here. He appreciates the close proximity to the ocean, the mountains, the vast desert, and the feel of living here. He practices in all of the courts in San Bernardino counties, and knows their history, and the people who have also engaged in their professional careers in our justice systems in the Inland Empire. He grew up spending time in the courthouse in downtown San Bernardino. His mother was a County Supervisor whose office was in the courthouse at the time, and he spent many days of his summer vacations watching courtroom proceedings, and getting to know the courthouse personnel, the Judges, and the lawyers. He observed many trials during this time, and watched some excellent lawyers practice their art.

More Than a San Bernardino Criminal Defense Attorney

Among his other-than-law activities, Mr. Smith is actively involved in the “recovery community,” serving on numerous boards and committees. He is also a member of The Other Bar. He serves as a fee dispute arbitrator for the San Bernardino County Bar Association, as well as a member of the John Lewis King Scholarship Committee. He was a recipient of this scholarship during law school, and has been doing his part to keep the scholarship alive, and to “pay it forward.” He is a writer, poet and artist, as well. He paints daily, and has displayed his art at various locations. See his art at garywenklesmithart.com Gary Wenkle Smith enjoys time with his family; riding motorcycles with his friends; surfing; and the beauty of the ocean.