Senator Christopher L. Smith, Esq., partner at Tripp Scott Conklin and 1988 graduate of Plantation High School, has been a dedicated public servant for the past 23 years. In 1995, Christopher was appointed as the youngest member of the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Planning and Zoning Board, and in 1998 he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives serving the City of Fort Lauderdale and six surrounding municipalities. In his final term, he was elected by his peers to be the youngest Democratic Leader in the Florida Legislature. Following a successful career in the House of Representatives, Christopher was elected to the Florida State Senate in 2008 representing Broward and Palm Beach Counties. A highlight of his charitable support includes founding the Chris Smith All-Star Classic which is a football and cheerleading battle and celebration of youth sports that encourages children ages 6 to 16 to return outdoors to play. Christopher has received the Citizen of Year Award by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Humanitarian Award from the Young Democrats of America. He was named a Legislative Champion of Justice by the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (FACDL) and Legislator of the Year by the American Jewish Congress.