J. Christoper Smith was born in Russellville, Alabama, on February 4, 1974.  Mr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, cum laude, from the University of Alabama in 1996, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He then received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law, where he was recognized in Who’s Who Among American Law Students, was a member of the Bench and Bar Legal Honor Society, and was a recipient of the American Bankruptcy Institute Medal of Excellence.