Ferndale resident appointed chair of State Bar of Michigan Paralegal/Legal Assistant Section

Piper Smith, an in-house paralegal with Wayne State University Physician Group’s Legal Affairs and Compliance unit, has been sworn in as chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Paralegal/Legal Assistant Section.

Smith was appointed to a three-year term as chair-elect, chair and ex-officio chair of the section at the group’s Sept. 21 annual meeting.

The Paralegal/Legal Assistant Section of the State Bar of Michigan provides education, information and analysis about issues of concern through meetings, seminars, the web, public service programs and its newsletter. Membership in the section is open to qualified paralegals, legal assistants and all members of the State Bar of Michigan.

Specializing in health law, governance and policies, Smith provides counsel to the WSUPG board of directors and executive committee, as well as its audit, finance and governance and nominating committees. She also currently serves as co-chair of WSUPG’s policies subcommittee, and chair of its preparedness committee, which reports to the quality committee.

Smith is a member of Oakland Community College’s Paralegal Program Advisory Council for the American Bar Association Paralegal Curriculum. She also is an adjunct educator of e-filing presentations for litigation courses and has been a guest speaker at paralegal orientations at Oakland Community College.

Smith is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication studies at Wayne State University and is an honors student and member of the Golden Key Honour Society. In addition, she is proficient in Italian, sponsors a family in Tanzania, Africa, and actively supports Gleaners Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan.

Smith resides in Ferndale, Mich.

Wayne State University Physician Group (WSUPG) is the second-largest nonprofit multi-specialty physician practice group in southeast Michigan, with more than 2,000 affiliated physicians providing primary and specialty care. Each day our doctors diagnose and treat some of the most complex medical cases in the state. As faculty members at the top-rated Wayne State University School of Medicine, our doctors are at the forefront of medical science. To make an appointment at one of our more than 180 locations call 877-WSU-DOCS (877-978-3627) or visit www.upgdocs.org. To connect with us online, visit www.facebook.com/WSUPGDocs or follow WSUPGDocs on Twitter at @WSUPGDocs.