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 13 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Monique | August 01, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family

Highly Recommend

Michelle handled my case for several months during COVID. She was always available and responded quickly. The counsel she provided helped me resolve my issues without seeing the inside of a court with an end result that was beneficial for my children which was the ultimate goal. I would definit...ely use Michelle again if needed.

Posted by Karen | April 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Best Decision I Made was Hiring Michelle

I was on the fence about needing a lawyer for my divorce. Michelle met with me and talked me through details I would have never known to consider if I tried this on my own. After she was hired she immediately began to protect myself and my kids from short term and long term issues. She continuously k...ept me updated, and her extensive organization and communication helped keep my case moving, and allowed me to file for divorce quickly and effectively. Her ability to write in special circumstances which aid myself and my kids was amazing and added extra layers to protect us. Along with keeping my kids as the priority, Michelle negotiated financial gains in my favor, allowing me to walk away without splitting earnings on my property. If getting divorced has a winner / loser, I walked away feeling in control of my life and like I won the battle. Michelle is a long term investment, and worth every penny. I still know I can call and ask questions as things come up. She still responds to phone calls, texts, and emails and answers all my questions.

Posted by Fronia | December 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Simply The Best

My past experiences with lawyers have been poor. When I began the search for a child custody lawyer for my adult daughter, there was much trepidation. Her son’s father lives out of state which complicates parenting time more than normal. Little did I know that Michelle Smith would restore my fai...th in the integrity of our judicial system. My daughter and I are ecstatic that Michelle was able to win every single thing she asked for in the custody agreement. Equally as important were her wins in knowledge, compassion, responsiveness, professionalism, straightforwardness, and honesty. Her first priority was the best interest of my grandson when he visits his father and the father’s financial accountability. I highly recommend her.

Posted by ANTHONY | March 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Making the Best of a Bad Situation!!!

I retained Michelle at the advice of a friend who used her services for her divorce. I called Michelle on a Sunday afternoon and left a message and she returned my call within 30 minutes. That simple display of customer attention confirmed that she would be my lawyer moving forward. Michelle and h...er staff made a very traumatic event in my life unfold smoothly with little to no stress. Her efforts on my behalf were astounding and she kept me informed throughout the entire process. If your seeking legal representation to settle a divorce, then look no further.

Posted by Andrew | March 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

More than excellent service [more stars needed]

Michelle Smith is an amazing lawyer. She is very knowledgeable and competent. She helped me with multiple cases over a couple years time. I know she was looking out for my best interest every step of the way never letting me down. Michelle made herself available to answer any questions or concerns I ...had at any time day or night. I could not have asked for a better professional service. I feel like Michelle loves her job and was willing to work very hard to help me with any problems that I had even when It was something she didn't have to do, she went above and beyond what I expected. My family and I are very thankful and could not be happier with her service as well as the outcome of our our cases.

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

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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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.
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