Today we’d like to introduce you to Stan Smith.
Stan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 1983 I was asked to place a value on the loss of life in a fatal injury shooting of a 19-year-old black kid by a white cop in Joliet, IL. I developed an economic model for this and testified in Federal Court in Chicago. This was the first time it had ever been done in the nation’s courts. The appellate court called the testimony “an invaluable guide to the jury” and I have used the model is the majority of states since then. State laws have been changed as a result in a number of states recognizing the value of life in court. I was able to do this as a result of my background and training while getting my Ph.D. in economics at the University of Chicago under a half dozen Nobel Prize winners in economics. I later taught this at DePaul and elsewhere, and now work for thousands of attorneys nationwide in every state. This work has been featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Many people opposed this concept, some economists, lawyers, etc. At one point one attorney argued it would be cheaper to have me killed than to oppose me in court.
Smith Economics Group – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I and my staff of 18 top economists and administrators analyze damages everywhere in the nation for business and personal lawsuits. One of my cases in calculating restitution for child pornography went up to the U. S. Supreme Court which affirmed the method of calculations.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I see a broad spectrum of factors. Engaging in a meaningful career of one’s choice. Nourishing personal and family relationships. Freedom from addictions. A healthy financial life. Having significant life challenges and being able to meet them with optimism and support.
Contact Info:
- Address: Smith Economics Group
1165 N. Clark St., Ste 600
Chicago, IL 60640 - Website: www.SmithEconomics.com
- Phone: 312-943-1551
- Email: Info@SmithEconomics.com
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