In Memoriam: Jonathan McNeal Smith (JD '13)

Pepperdine Caruso Law mourns the loss of alumnus Jonathan McNeal Smith (JD ‘13). Smith was a beloved member of the Caruso Law community, a brilliant patent litigator at the law firms of Morrison Foerster and Jones Day, and above all, an extraordinary husband and father.  His life reflected the values that Pepperdine holds dear.

Dean Paul Caron shares, “Jonathan was such a model alumnus to our law school community. He was steadfast in his service as a preceptor and contributing member to our community, faithfully supporting the employment of our students and alumni. Now a Fallen Wave, I am so grateful that Jonathan’s legacy will endure here at the Caruso School of Law.  He will be deeply missed, and we extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Jonathan’s family.”

Heather Moss, a close friend of Jonathan and Elizabeth Smith, shares the following information regarding ways to honor Jonathan: 

Dear friends and family,

We are so heartbroken over the loss of Jonathan Smith. We are collecting memories and photos of him for the funeral and to compile a memory book for his family. Will you please take a moment to upload your favorite memories and photos to this shared Dropbox folder? Find the link at Dropbox.

To help us keep it organized, please be sure to include your name in the file names. Also, please upload photos with as high a resolution as possible. 

Please reference the Remembering Jonathan Smith website. 

Here you will find information on the funeral, a memorial surf paddle out, donations, and obituary. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to rememberingjonathansmith@gmail.com. 

Jonathan was profiled in the 2017 Caruso Law feature On Board with Jonathan Smith (JD '13)