Michelle Dawn Smith

Michelle Dawn Smith

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 30 years

Family Lawyer at Annapolis, MD
Practice Areas: Family, Domestic Violence, Criminal Defense

116 Cathedral Street, Suite E, Annapolis, MD

About Michelle

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Maryland for 30 years

State: Maryland

Acquired: 1995

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Trainor, Billman, Bennett, Milko & Smith, LLP

116 Cathedral Street, Suite E, Annapolis, MD, 21401

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Michelle Dawn Smith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

69 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 29 reviews | Recommendation

Posted by Pat | May 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Excellent Family Law Attorney!

I worked with Michelle for my custody modification case, which was not your “normal” case, and from our very first meeting she understood my concerns. It was clear that she was not only knowledgeable in family law, but also a lawyer who genuinely cares about her clients and their well-being. She expl...ained each step of the legal process in a way that was easy to understand, and I never felt out of the loop, always knowing what to expect next. She was compassionate and I always felt heard, supported, and reassured that my case is in capable hands. I always felt like a priority, and that level of attention made a stressful situation much more manageable. It’s clear that she truly cares about her clients and dedicated to achieving the best outcome, both legally and personally. Going through a family law case is never easy but having her by my side made all the difference. I cannot recommend Michelle enough!

Posted by anonymous | May 09, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Excellent family law attorney!

Working with Michelle was an absolute game-changer in my custody battle. From our initial consultation to the final court ruling, Michelle demonstrated unparalleled expertise, professionalism, and compassion. Michelle and her staff meticulously prepared every aspect of my case, ensuring that no detai...l was overlooked. Thanks to Michelle’s strategic approach and unwavering dedication, I achieved the outcome I had hoped for and more. With my trial coming immediately after the holidays, Michelle fought tirelessly for my son’s wellbeing. Beyond that, she also provided invaluable support throughout the process. The judge was familiar with Michelle and commented that he found her to be fair and trustworthy. That is the kind of credibility you want sitting at your table during such high stakes litigation. I cannot recommend Michelle highly enough to anyone navigating the complexities of family law. Thank you Michelle, Carol & Paul for everything you have done for my family!

Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Michelle's professional knowledge and compassion for her clients set her apart.

I am delighted to have an opportunity to recommend Michelle Smith, my lawyer in a recent Divorce/Family Law case. Ms. Smith was able to quell my fears as a newcomer to the field of litigation and advised me and family members as we worked through a process that could have been daunting. Her professi...onal knowledge, paired with a compassionate understanding of a difficult situation, brought a timely and fair resolution to the case. My experience was enhanced by the help of her able assistant, Paul, whose front office presence was reliably helpful. I consider Ms. Smith to be a rising star in the lexicon of local lawyers.

Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

I highly recommend Michelle Smith

Going through a divorce is challenging, emotional, and confusing. Michelle made this process as easy as it could be. I felt very informed to make the right decisions. She set clear expectations and was able to deliver on them. I highly recommend her.

Posted by anonymous | August 08, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Marriage & Prenuptials

Family Law Expert

After consulting several attorneys, I selected Michelle to represent me in the negotiation/preparation of a prenuptial agreement. She did an excellent job navigating a complex negotiation and came up with several creative solutions to get us to the finish line. I would definitely recommend her servic...es to anyone looking for an expert in family law.

See All Client Reviews

Michelle Dawn Smith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michelle
Ronald M Naditch headshot
Ronald Naditch

Family lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known and worked with and against Michelle since she became a member of the States Attorneys Office many decades ago. After being elevated to the supervising attorney in the District Court, a position she held for many years, Michelle ventured out into private practice about ten years ago. Since she elected to specialize in family law, which was also my speciality, I have observed what can only be characterized as a meteoric rise to the top of the heap of attorneys who are involved in practicing family law. She is exceptionally well prepared; she cares about her clients; she is a tireless worker; she is exceptionally bright and intuitive; and she is tough and resolute in making certain that her clients get the best representation possible. I consider Michelle to be one of the top family lawyers in our county. Anyone looking for a family law attorney need would be well served by her."

Elizabeth Ashley Pfenson headshot
Elizabeth Pfenson

Family lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"After having worked with Michelle in the past and seen how she handles cases, I can confidently say that Michelle is a worthy opponent and a fierce advocate for her clients. At the same time, she is practical, and does not create conflict if not necessary. I would not hesitate in referring a case to her."

View All Endorsements

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Top Lawyer, Martindale-AVVO

2025

AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®

2025

Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers

2024

AV Preeminent Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell®

2024

Top Attorneys in Maryland, Baltimore Magazine

2024

Power List Family Law, Maryland Daily Record

2024

Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyer

2023

Top Attorney in Maryland, Baltimore Magazine

2023

AV Preeminent Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell®

2023

Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers

2022

Maryland Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2022

Leading Lawyers in Domestic Violence Law, What's Up Annapolis?

2022

Top Attorneys in Maryland, Baltimore Magazine

2022

Judicial Edition AV Preeminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell®

2020

AV Preeminent Rating in Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell®

2015

Governor's Citation to Strangulation Response Team, Maryland State Board of Victim Services

2012

Governor's Citation for Outstanding Service to MD Crime Victims, Maryland State Board of Victim's Services

2000

Outstanding Victim Advocacy, State's Attorney of Anne Arundel County

1995

Exceptional Achievement and Service to the Law School, University of Maryland Law School

1994

Morris Brown Myerowitz Moot Court Award, University of Maryland Law School

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Partner, Trainor, Billman, Bennett, Milko & Smith, LLP

2021 - 2023

Adjunct Professor, University Of Baltimore Law School

2018 - 2018

Associate, The Law Offices of Stacey B. Rice LLC

2015 - 2018

Associate, Brassel Alexander & Rice, LLC

1995 - 2015

Assistant State's Attorney, Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office

Associations

2025 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association Family Law Section Council

Chair Legislative Committee

2023 - Present

Maryland Judicial Nominating Commission

Member

2021 - Present

Family Law Section Council Maryland State Bar Association

Co-chair Legislative Division

2019 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association, Family and Juvenile Law Section

Section Council

2018 - Present

Anne Arundel County Bar Association

Board of Directors

1995 - Present

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

1995 - Present

Anne Arundel County Bar Association

Member

2013 - 2015

Anne Arundel County Bar Association

Co-chair, Criminal Law subcommittee

2000 - 2018

MD Network Against Domestic Violence

Board of Directors and Legislative Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County

Primary Physical Custody to client

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

University of Maryland School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

American University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2024

MSBA Summit

Intersection of Family Law and Immigration Law

2024

Divorce Roundtable

Legislative Update

2023

Family Law Seminar

Family Law Legislative Update

2022

Fall Symposium

Family Law Legislative Update

2019

Start the Conversation

Domestic Violence

2018

Start the Conversation

Domestic Violence

2014

Domestic Violence Training for Police

Strangulation

2013

Bar Weekend

Domestic Violence

Publications

2023

Maryland Family Law Advocate 2023 Legislative Update

2022

Maryland Family Law Advocate 2022 General Assembly

2019

Maryland State Bar Association The Child Witness in a Family Law Case

1994

Maryland Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues Editor

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
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