Erika Smitherman Lawyer Reviews & Ratings - Columbus

Erika Smitherman Bio
Erika M. Smitherman was born in Norwalk, Ohio and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1993, where both of her parents were teachers. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University, with minors in both English and Philosophy. Her spring 1997 graduation in the Horseshoe was rained out; however, her graduation was made official when she picked up her diploma from a box on the floor of the French Field House! While at Ohio State, Ms. Smitherman’s activities included serving as a University Ambassador, chairing several programs in the Student Alumni Council, working as a Resident Advisor, serving on the Homecoming Steering Committee, and membership in the Sullivant Society Honorary. Ms. Smitherman remains active in the Ohio State Alumni Association. After graduating from Ohio State, Ms. Smitherman furthered her studies at Capital University Law School. There, she served as a mentor to first year students, worked in the Admissions Office, and was a member of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. While at Capital, Ms. Smitherman interned at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and practiced her research and writing skills. After graduating from Capital in May 2000, she was sworn into the Ohio Bar in November 2000. Ms. Smitherman began employment at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in the Consumer Protection Section and later, she simultaneously worked in the Chief Counsel’s Staff. As an Assistant Attorney General, she investigated consumer complaints, effectively mediated settlements, litigated against companies accused of statutory violations and prepared confidential court papers, legal memoranda, and briefs for trial and appellate proceedings. Ms. Smitherman became an Assistant Chief Legal Counsel in the Auditor of State’s Office, focusing on the Cleveland and Youngstown regions. While there, she provided legal advice to state auditors, trained government officials to effectively apply state laws to their specific municipalities, and collaborated with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office regarding unique litigation on behalf of the Auditor. After a few years in a small solo practice, Ms. Smitherman became a child advocacy attorney for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Franklin County. At CASA, she represented the best interests of children who were found by the court to be abused, neglected and/or dependent. Many of these children were placed in the custody of Franklin County Children’s Services for their own protection and Ms. Smitherman helped to ensure that the children received appropriate services and treatment by working closely with the child’s Guardian ad Litem and the Juvenile Court. She also provided training to volunteers who were appointed by the court to serve as Guardians ad Litem. It was through Ms. Smitherman’s involvement with CASA that she met Judge Elizabeth Gill of the Franklin County Domestic and Juvenile Court and subsequently accepted the invitation to become her staff attorney. While working with Judge Gill, she prepared published legal opinions, performed legal research and analysis on complex matters of family law, assisted the Judge in preparing for hearings and trials, reviewed and commented on dissolution paperwork submitted to the court for review, and facilitated the pro se dissolutions and civil protection orders on the date of hearing. During her time with Judge Gill, Ms. Smitherman developed an interest in the private practice of family law and appreciates the opportunity she had to learn from such a fine mentor. Ms. Smitherman is a member of the Columbus Bar Association and Women Lawyers of Franklin County. She is admitted to practice in all state and local courts in Ohio and in the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio. Ms. Smitherman serves her community on the Board of Directors of Faith Educare, volunteers as her daughter’s Girl Scout Leader and is an active member of her church. Ms. Smitherman resides in Canal Winchester with her family including Troy, who is a firefighter/paramedic for Madison Township, and their three children: two sons, who are avid soccer players, and one daughter, who is working toward her black belt in karate. They share their home with their dog and cat. Ms. Smitherman and her family enjoy spending time together during family movie nights, swimming, traveling, camping, jumping on their trampoline, biking to the covered bridge, volunteering at community and charity events, and spending time with family and friends.

Lawbamba Community Reviews

Going through a divorce is brutal, and when I first started working with Erika, I was so overwhelmed and stressed that I honestly couldn’t see how much she was helping me. I was frustrated, emotional, and reacting from a place of survival — and I took some of that out on her. Looking back now, I can see she was steady the whole time, even when I wasn’t. And I have to mention her team, because they are truly the backbone of the day-to-day support. Kellee, her paralegal, and Jordan, who handles the calls and email triage, are amazing. They are the ones you’ll likely talk to the most when you’re panicking, confused, or needing quick answers. They were patient, responsive, and kind during moments when I was anything but calm. They deserve just as much credit for helping me get through this. If you’re in the middle of a divorce and feel like everything is spinning, please hear this from someone who lived it: patience feels impossible, but Erika truly knows what she’s doing. She is on your side, even when you’re too stressed to see it. She’s an attorney, not a therapist — but she absolutely understands the emotional chaos that comes with divorce. I also want to be transparent: I “jumped the gun” and fired her at one point because I was shocked by the cost. But in hindsight, that could have been avoided if I had slowed down, understood what I was being billed for, and used my time with her more intentionally. Attorneys are expensive because the work is complex — and Erika is very good at what she does. If you’re considering hiring her, or you’re already working with her and feeling overwhelmed, take a breath. Use your time wisely, know your budget, and trust that she’s guiding you through something incredibly difficult. I’m on the other side now, and with 20/20 hindsight, I can say she and her team were exactly who I needed.