“Being a lawyer is not merely an occupation; it enables me to fulfill my larger mission of guiding others through significant life events.”
As an experienced litigator of over 25 years, Michelle Smith understands how important it is to provide her clients with honest and practical advice and a balanced perspective as they navigate the turbulent waters of complicated divorce, custody, marital property, alimony, child support, and domestic violence issues. Michelle works hard to educate her clients about the law and process on which they are embarking together in an effort to empower each individual to implement appropriate short and long term strategies.
After over 20 years as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office and over 5 years representing clients from all walks of life in the private practice of family law, Michelle has developed a reputation as a respected advocate, negotiator, and litigator. While a prosecutor, Michelle handled thousands of cases before Judges in both District and Circuit Courts, from Assaults and Violations of Protective Orders to complex Homicides. Throughout her career, Michelle has built a solid foundation based on her knowledge of the law and rules of evidence, attention to detail, ability to accurately read others, understanding of trial strategy and advocacy skills which are fundamental to her success in achieving her client’s objectives.
A Leader in the Field of Family and Domestic Violence in Maryland
Michelle spent years formulating relationships with local police officers, Judges, prosecutors, fellow lawyers and other members of the community, many of whom refer her clients on a regular basis. For over 15 years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence and chaired the legislative committee for several years. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association as well as an active member of the Maryland State Bar Association Family and Juvenile Law Section Council, which directs Family Law policies and practices statewide. Michelle is an integral member of the legislative sub-committee of the MSBA Section Council; regularly testifying before both the House and Senate regarding proposed Family Law legislation in our state. She has received numerous awards recognizing her work in the area of Family and Domestic Violence and has been honored by two of Maryland’s Governors with the Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to Maryland Crime Victims. Michelle is also listed in Martindale-Hubbell’s Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers, among the select lawyers who have earned the AV peer review Highest Possible Rating in both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards.
As an adjunct professor for the University of Baltimore School of Law, Michelle co-teaches a course for the Post-JD Certificate in Family Law.
A Tireless Advocate for Her Clients
As a partner at Trainor, Billman, Bennett, Milko & Smith, Michelle has proven that she can successfully negotiate resolutions that benefit her clients while being fully prepared to present an effective case in Court. She appreciates the complex emotional, financial and logistical stressors involved with family law cases and is able to provide sound legal advice and persuasive advocacy for her clients when they most need a strong voice. Michelle is a tireless advocate for each of her clients, their children and the principals they value most, as demonstrated by her many satisfied clients. As demonstrated by this AVVO review posted by Megan in January of 2020:
“Michelle was absolutely incredible when handling my divorce case. She knew the facts of my case back and forth, which was enormously beneficial during negotiations with opposing counsel. Michelle provided very practical advice, identifying areas where I had a strong case, as well as weaker areas that could be used as “bargaining chips”. During negotiations, Michelle was an efficient and strongly persuasive negotiator when in discussions with opposing counsel. Michelle was very easy to get along with during a difficult time. I would enthusiastically recommend Michelle to anyone going through the divorce process.”
Michelle Smith Outside the Office
Michelle is an avid outdoor enthusiast, who enjoys cycling, boating and traveling. She is the proud mother of two adult children and lives with her partner who is the Father of four adult children, so she understands the pressures and joys of parenting, co-parenting and the importance of striking the right work-life balance.
Education
- Michelle Smith graduated Cum Laude from American University (B.A. 1991)
- She graduated with Honor from the University of Maryland School of Law (J.D. 1995)
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
- Anne Arundel County Bar Association, Board of Trustees
- Maryland State Bar Association
- MSBA, Family and Juvenile Law Section Council.
Contact Michelle Smith, Our Family and Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you have issues and concerns related to divorce, custody and domestic violence, schedule an initial consultation with Michelle Smith by calling 410-280-1700 or contacting us online. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Annapolis, in Anne Arundel County.
“Being a lawyer is not merely an occupation; it enables me to fulfill my larger mission of guiding others through significant life events.”
Michelle Smith understands the need for a balanced approach to address the needs of her clients who are navigating the turbulent waters of complicated divorce, custody, marital property, alimony, child support, and domestic violence issues. She has walked in the shoes of her clients and she works every day to be a strong advocate for thoughtful, efficient, and fair outcomes for her clients and their children.
After working for over 22 years as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office and several years representing clients from all walks of life in the private practice of family law, Michelle has developed a wealth of experience as a respected advocate, negotiator, and litigator. While a prosecutor, Michelle handled thousands of criminal and traffic matters in Maryland’s District, Circuit, and Juvenile courts, from violation of protective orders to Homicides, including hundreds of Jury and Court trials. In her last ten years as a prosecutor, Michelle was Chief of the District Court within the State’s Attorneys Office, before returning to the Circuit Court to serve as the designated Felony Domestic Violence Prosecuter for Anne Arundel County. For over 20 years, Michelle spent virtually every day in court, and her attention to detail and understanding of the rules of evidence and the court process is fundamental to her clients’ success in getting a fair and favorable outcome.
A Leader in the Field of Family and Domestic Violence in Maryland
Michelle has spent many years training police officers, Judges, prosecutors, fellow lawyers and the public on family and domestic violence issues, many of whom refer her clients on a regular basis. Michelle is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Anne Arundel County Bar Association, an organization dedicated to improving the professionalism and the accessibility of the law for the benefit of lawyers and clients alike. For over 15 years she served on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence and chaired the Network’s Legislative Committee for several years, participating in the passage of numerous important pieces of Family and Domestic Violence reform legislation.
Michelle spearheaded the creation and formation of the Strangulation Response Team, an award-winning, comprehensive, multi-agency approach to developing evidence of and prosecuting one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence. Michelle has received numerous awards recognizing her work in the area of Family and Domestic Violence and has been honored by two of Maryland’s Governors with the Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to Maryland Crime Victims.
At Trainor, Billman, Bennett, Milko & Smith, Michelle focuses her practice in Family Law, Domestic Violence and other related practice areas within Maryland’s Circuit and District Court system. Michelle has proven that she can successfully negotiate an efficient resolution that benefits her client while being fully prepared to present an effective case in court. She appreciates the complex emotional, financial and logistical stressors involved with family law cases and is able to provide sound legal advice and persuasive advocacy for her clients when they most need a strong voice. Michelle is a tireless advocate for every single one of her clients, their children and the things they value most, as demonstrated by her AVVO reviews and many satisfied clients.
Michelle Smith Outside the Office
Michelle is an avid outdoor enthusiast, with a long history of running marathons, sailing competitively, and flyfishing. A mother of two adult children, she understands the pressures of parenting, co-parenting, and work-life balance.
Education
- Michelle Smith graduated Cum Laude from American University (B.A. 1991)
- She graduated with Honor from the University of Maryland School of Law (J.D. 1995)
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
- Anne Arundel County Bar Association, Board of Trustees
- Maryland State Bar Association
- Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, Legislative Committee
Contact Michelle Smith, Our Family and Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you have issues and concerns related to divorce, custody and domestic violence, schedule an initial consultation with Michelle Smith by calling 410-280-1700 or contacting us online. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Annapolis, in Anne Arundel County.
