Page 22 - 2021 Men of Excellence Awards

The Trailblazer Award

Attorney Grasford Smith is a successful litigator, advocate
and community servant. Born and raised in Jamaica,
Grasford moved to the United States at the age of eleven.

After graduating from high school, he attended the Florida
State University where he received a Bachelor of Science
degree. He later received his law degree at the prestigious
New York University School of Law (“NYU”). Today,
Grasford is a Partner at the Akerman law firm and was the
first black partner in his previous firm’s almost century-
long history. He focuses his practice on complex
commercial litigation matters with a diverse range of
clients, including Fortune 500 companies, government
agencies, athletic leagues, technology companies, and a U.S.
Congressman. Grasford also reserves a portion of his client
roster to work with small and medium-sized businesses.

With a deep desire to give back to the community, Grasford
believes it is only by the grace of God that we are each
where we are in life. Grasford Smith

Paying it forward by giving back is his method of advancing the community and propelling others to
greatness; a foundation given to him by his parents. When mentoring and speaking to young people,
Grasford readily imparts these words of wisdom, “find your passion and give it your best.” This simple
phrase has remained with Graford and putting the phrase into action has led him to be the man he is
today.

A passionate community leader, Grasford currently serves as a board member for the American Heart
Association and chairs the organization’s Leadership Development Committee. He also sits on several
other boards including the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Bar
Association, the Urban League of Palm Beach County and the Anquan Boldin Foundation. He serves as
board chairman of the Palm Beach County Black Chamber of Commerce and currently leads the minority
law partners division of the National Bar Association. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.,
Grasford holds a national position as the Assistant General Counsel and chair of the national civil rights

commission. He has also served as President of the Virgil Hawkins Chapter of the National Bar
Association and the F. Malcolm Cunningham Bar Association.

Grasford has received an array of awards and honors in recognition of his dedicated service to the
community and professional accomplishments; yet, he remains humble and continues to inspire others to
strive for greatness.

MEN OF EXCELLENCE