“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 nearly 30 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 8 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.
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 has been a long-standing member of the Board of Trustees 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.
For several years, Michelle has been the co-chair 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. Michelle Smith was honored to be the advocate on behalf of the Maryland State Bar Association leading to the Maryland Legislature’s 2023 passage of the House and Senate bills which reformed Maryland Divorce law to no longer require fault grounds for divorce complaints as of October 1, 2023. Since then, Michelle has travelled the state providing training to family law attorneys through various bar associations on the implementation of several important new family law statutes and has been twice interviewed by the Daily Record.
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. In 2023, Michelle was appointed by Governor Wes Moore to serve as a member of the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission for Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
For several consecutive years, Michelle has been selected to the list of Maryland Super Lawyer and has also been listed in Martindale-Hubble’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 a partner at Trainor, Billman, Bennett, Milko & Smith, Michelle has proven that she can successfully negotiate a 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 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 LeeAnn in 2023:
“After years of attempting to advocate for myself in the legal system on a divorce/child support I by chance was recommended to speak with Michelle Smith. Michelle Smith helped me settle and move forward in a concise no nonsense manner. Her guidance has helped me in so many ways. My only regret is that I did not start the divorce process with her. I know my outcome would have been even better. She helped me clean up from where I was and get an acceptable outcome. Thank you very much Michelle Smith.”
Michelle is an avid outdoor enthusiast, who enjoys cycling, boating and traveling with her Husband, family and friends. She is the proud Mother of two adult children and step-mother to four adult children, and she will be embarking on the joys of grand-parenting this year, so she understands the pressures and joys of parenting, co-parenting and the importance of striking the right work-life balance.
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.
For help with child custody, support, property division, alimony/spousal support, and other matters related to divorce, complete the contact form beside or call our office at 410-280-1700 to schedule an initial consultation to discuss your case.
Based in Annapolis, Maryland, we serve clients in the Annapolis region and on the Eastern Shore, including Severna Park, Glen Burnie, Greenbelt, Upper Marlboro, Arnold, Edgewater and other communities in Anne Arundel County, Calvert County and Queen Anne’s County.
