Russell Evans Smith

Who was Russell Evans Smith?

Russell Evans Smith was a United States federal judge.

Born in Butte, Montana, Smith received an LL.B. from the University of Montana School of Law in 1931. He was a marshal and law clerk to the Montana Supreme Court from 1931 to 1933. He was in private practice in Cut Bank, Montana from 1933 to 1935, and in Missoula, Montana from 1935 to 1942. He was an Instructor, University of Montana Law School from 1937 to 1942, and was then chief attorney of Montana's Office of Price Administration from 1942 to 1943. He was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, in Aviation Combat Information during World War II, from 1943 to 1945. He returned to private practice in Missoula from 1945 to 1966, also continuing to teach at the University of Montana Law School from 1946 to 1966.

On February 16, 1966, Smith was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Montana vacated by William D. Murray. Smith was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 25, 1966, and received his commission the following day. He served as chief judge of the District from 1968 to 1978, assuming senior status on May 12, 1979. He served in that capacity until his death.