Early Life & Career

Monica Blanding grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where she realized at just 8 years old that she wanted to pursue a career in law. Her early life was marked by significant accomplishments, especially during her time at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was involved in Track & Field and was honored with the Americorps/Civitan scholarship for her academic excellence and commitment to community service. Upon completion of the program, she earned her Bachelor of Science.

Legal Training

Monica attended Birmingham School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree in 2018. During her time in law school, she actively participated in the Mock Trial Team, which allowed her to develop and refine her litigation skills. Her dedication and hard work were evident throughout her legal training and her admittance to the Alabama Bar. She brings extensive experience to the firm, with her background including criminal, civil, family, and bankruptcy law. Although the state of Alabama and its municipalities did not issue awards to prosecutors during her years of service, she holds a notable trial success rate, winning 19 out of 21 cases to go to trial.

Career at Smith Clinesmith

In joining the firm, Monica is most excited about the opportunity to advocate for victims affected by neglect and abuse. She is dedicated to fighting for justice and looks forward to contributing to the firm's mission of making a positive impact through tenacious legal advocacy.