He was an instructor at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law from 1937 to 1942, and was then chief attorney of Montana's Office of Price Administration from 1942 to 1943.
He was a lieutenant in the United States Navy, in Aviation Combat Information during World War II, from 1943 to 1945.
He returned to private practice in Missoula from 1945 to 1966, also continuing to teach at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law from 1946 to 1966.
[1] On February 16, 1966, Smith was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Montana vacated by Judge William Daniel Murray.
Smith was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 25, 1966, and received his commission the following day.