Meet #MOLawyers: Dr. Dwayne Smith

Dr. Dwayne Smith is the founder of Workplace Law Solutions, a practice specializing in workplace investigations, conflict resolution, consulting, and collegiate athlete representation. He is also an adjunct professor at the Saint Louis University School of Education, where he teaches Advanced School Law. With more than 100 investigations completed for school districts and private businesses, Smith is a national speaker and the host of “Shifting the Power Balance,” a podcast focused on workplace conflict and resolution. He will be speaking at the 2026 MOSOLO Small Firm Conference about HR for solo and small firms.

What is one thing lawyers could do to help create a healthier work environment? 

“Invest in truly knowing the people you lead and serve. Cultivate a culture where individuals feel valued, heard, and respected, and ensure that your firm’s mission and expectations actually reflect those values in practice, not just in writing. Perhaps most critically: Hold yourself to the same standard you ask of everyone else. Culture flows from the top. When leaders model accountability, it becomes part of the environment.” 

What do you wish more employers and law firms understood about addressing workplace concerns? 

“The single most important thing is having the courage to genuinely listen and then following through with a timely, impartial process. Concerns should never be dismissed simply because they are uncomfortable to address. Transparency and consistency throughout the investigation are not just best practices; they are essential to maintaining organizational trust and legal defensibility.” 

You will be speaking at MOSOLO about HR for small and solo law firms. Why should small firms prioritize building an HR playbook?

 “For small and solo firms in particular, investing in the HR function creates a foundation for accountability and risk reduction. It signals to everyone in the organization — from new associates to staff — that the firm is serious about its values and that people will have a genuine opportunity to succeed. That foundation ultimately strengthens the practice from the inside out.” 

What sparked your interest in Name, Image, and Likeness contract work? 

“Collegiate athletics has always been a passion of mine, and as the NIL landscape developed, it became clear that student-athletes needed ethical, legally trained advocates in their corner. A local financial planner first reached out asking me to review NIL agreements, and that initial work opened the door to a deeper engagement in this area.” 

What are you reading right now?

“I’m working through two books simultaneously: ‘Kenny Chesney: Heart, Life, Music’ and ‘Raised on Radio: The AOR Glory Years.’ I’m drawn to autobiographies, particularly from the music world, because they are honest accounts of grit, perseverance, and the life lessons people gather along the way. There is always something transferable to the practice of law and leadership.” 

Answers have been edited for clarity, brevity, and style. Know a lawyer who you think should be featured in “Meet #MOLawyers”? Submit their name to journal@mobar.org.