Early Life & Career

Madison Elizabeth Livingston grew up in Garland, Texas, where she attended South Garland High School and began building confidence through theater and live performances after overcoming a significant fear of public speaking in middle school. She went on to earn a B.A. in Criminal Justice from The American Military University, where she was placed on the Dean’s List, reinforcing her early interest in accountability and public service. Madison’s commitment to service deepened when she spent five years in the United States Marine Corps, followed by two years working as a corrections officer, roles that exposed her to systemic failures and strengthened her resolve to pursue a path dedicated to justice, advocacy, and protecting vulnerable communities.

Legal Training

Motivated by her firsthand experiences with institutional accountability, Madison earned her Juris Doctor from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2022 and was admitted to practice in Texas in 2023. She began her legal career in family law, representing victims of abuse and developing a compassionate, client-centered approach that emphasized dignity, empathy, and clear communication. Her time in public service and early legal practice shaped her belief that the law must serve as both a safeguard and a voice for those who are often unheard, particularly individuals facing trauma and systemic neglect. Madison is also an active member of the Dallas LGBT Bar Association, reflecting her commitment to advocacy and inclusion within the legal community.

Career at Smith Clinesmith

Madison serves as an Associate Attorney at Smith Clinesmith LLP, where she advocates for seniors who have been harmed by abuse or neglect and works to ensure that institutions are held accountable for the obligations entrusted to them. Guided by her identity as a Native American attorney and her dedication to elevating vulnerable voices, she is driven by the belief that no system or organization should be beyond scrutiny when people’s wellbeing is at stake. Madison is excited to contribute to the firm’s mission by helping clients seek justice in environments that too often overlook or minimize their suffering, and she remains committed to protecting dignity, demanding accountability, and giving a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.