Candidate: Nirlaine Tallandier Smartt

Nirlaine Tallandier Smartt has described her life as a product of the “American Dream.” Starting from rather humble beginnings in Port au Prince, Haiti, she now serves as County Judge in and for Saint Lucie County, Florida. Judge Smartt was a toddler when her parents decided to begin a new life in America and moved from Haiti to Nyack, New York leaving Judge Smartt and her brother in Haiti in the care of their maternal grandmother. The beginning was tough and both of her parents worked two jobs to make ends meet. Her parents instilled in Judge Smartt and her brothers an appreciation for hard work, a dedication to family and a recognition of the fact that the United States of America is the land of opportunity. Judge Smartt focused on her education, earning a degree of Bachelor of Arts majoring in political science from the State University of New York College at Oswego. After graduation, Judge Smartt worked for her U.S. Congressman for one year and then went on to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, Judge Smartt was driven to make a success of herself. She worked as a prosecutor for the Office of the State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County, Florida, and then for an insurance defense firm before starting her own law practice with a partner. Lured by the prospect of paying off student loans, Judge Smartt joined her older brother for the next eleven years in a successful career in pharmaceutical sales. Judge Smartt dreamed of a return to the legal profession. Understanding she may have to wait for an opportunity, she served as a volunteer for the Office of the State Attorney for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit in Saint Lucie County, Florida. In 2009, her wait ended when she was hired by the office as an Assistant State Attorney. Judge Smartt thrived as a prosecutor, earning a reputation in the legal community for exhibiting professionalism, honesty and diligence. On June 18th, 2015, her dedication and perseverance were rewarded when Governor Rick Scott appointed Nirlaine Tallandier Smartt to serve as County Judge in and for St. Lucie County, Florida. Today, Judge Smartt serves the people of the State of Florida and her community proudly. Judge Smartt is proof that you can rise from a modest beginning and be-come whatever you dare to dream.