[3]: 402 Smith worked a variety of jobs to help support her family including as a hairdresser and real estate agent.
While taking classes she became active with the local chapter of the NAACP and filed suits against discriminatory businesses, helped investigate a lynching incident in Duluth, Minnesota, and ensured adequate legal representation for African Americans standing trial.
Asked by a graduate student what traits helped land her this prestigious role, Smith responded that while some people took a less confrontational stance on segregation and racial equality "I’m from the West and fearless.
"[3]: 431–432 In 1931 she became involved in the case of Arthur and Edith Lee, an African American couple who purchased a home in a predominantly white neighborhood in South Minneapolis.
Crowds of thousands gathered to throw stones and taunt the Lees while their friends surrounded the home in solidarity and police attempted to keep the peace.
Lee's original legal counsel advised them to take a vacation to let the outrage die down and consider selling the home back to the neighborhood for the right offer.