(PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.) — Returning to the community where he was born and raised, Martin County native Anton D. Smith, Esq. has been promoted to regional managing attorney of Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc.’s (FRLS) Treasure Coast office in Port St. Lucie.
Smith brings more than a decade of legal experience and has served in multiple roles since joining FRLS approximately one year ago, including staff attorney and consumer law workgroup leader. In his new role, he will oversee operations and legal services across the Treasure Coast region while continuing to support staff and expand client services.
“Anton is a wonderful addition to our management team.,” said the Executive Director, Leticia Medina-Richman. “He brings passion and deep roots in the community to this role and we are excited about the leadership he will provide to the Port St. Lucie team.”
Smith said he was drawn to FRLS because of its ability to make a tangible impact in underserved communities.
“The communities we serve are often navigating systemic barriers — from housing and consumer protection issues to domestic disputes and access to basic stability,” Smith said. “These are populations who otherwise have little to no access to meaningful legal representation.”
He added that his work is driven by both individual client outcomes and broader systemic change.
“What drives me is the tangible difference this work makes in people’s lives,” Smith said. “FRLS provides the platform to resolve individual cases, identify trends for impact litigation, push back against unfair practices, and create broader change. The goal is not just to help one client at a time, but to strengthen the way we serve our neighbors.”
Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) is a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to eligible individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties, as well as to farmworkers statewide. Since 1966, FRLS has been dedicated to justice, offering legal services in housing law, family law, consumer protection, public benefits, elder law, disaster relief, education law, and more, at no cost to our clients. FRLS partners with community organizations and Pro Bono attorneys to provide quality advocacy, outreach, and education aimed at protecting the rights of those in need. For 60 years, FRLS has been a steadfast advocate for justice. Learn more at www.FRLS.org.