In 1751, he was appointed Attorney General of New York, followed by an appointment as a member of the Governor's Council, serving on the latter from 1753 until 1767. In 1760, Smith was offered the position of Chief Justice of the Province of New York.
In 1751, he became Attorney General of New York and later served as a member of the Governor's Council from 1753 to 1767. In 1760, Smith was offered the position of Chief Justice of New York Province.