$ 400-400 per hour
PRO
Michael Anton Araj
also known as Em Araj
About Michael
Biography
At Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, Michael “Em” Araj serves as a Lead Litigation Attorney handling high-stakes family law matters—from complex asset divisions to custody contests and marital contracts. Relocating from Virginia to Austin, Em brings a fresh perspective informed by dual undergraduate degrees in Economics and Government from the College of William & Mary and a law degree from Creighton University School of Law. Em is celebrated for meticulous case preparation, a client-centered mindset, and a balanced style that blends tough courtroom advocacy with thoughtful mediation. Guided by integrity and empathy, they emphasize clear communication and client empowerment, tailoring strategies to each family’s goals. Active in the Austin community, Em also pursues culinary interests—cooking, baking, and writing about food—when not advocating for clients.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Family
75%
14 years
Mediation
25%
3 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Texas for 5 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
Licensed in Virginia for 14 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Smith & Bledsoe Family Law
13284 Pond Springs Road, Suite 503, Austin, TX, 78729
smithfamilylawfirm.com/about/michael-em-araj/Smith & Bledsoe Family Law
7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Suite 220, Austin, TX, 78731
smithfamilylawfirm.com/about/michael-em-araj/Gallery
Michael Anton Araj's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Sowmya | March 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent
Michael is a wonderful person and an amazing lawyer. He provided me guidance throughout my separation process and addressed all of my concerns. I am more than happy to refer Michael Araj for a smooth and knowledgeable process.
Posted by Brandy | January 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thorough & Beyond Capable
I am beyond pleased with my experience. My case was challenging to say the least, and I was unequipped to represent myself. With thoughtful and detailed advice and feedback from Michael and his team, my divorce settlement was beyond what I'd anticipated. My concerns with my divorce regarding finances...
Posted by Jazzmine | January 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Experience
Mr. Araj helped me through each step of my case and looked out for my best interest. Given my not so happy circumstances, he made the process as stress free and straightforward as possible. He gave me great advice along the way and listened to what I needed about my case!
Posted by Blake | June 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Big help with divorce
Michael showed that he cared about my case, and made everything about updating my divorce agreement easy for me.
Posted by Ashley | June 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Couldn’t have asked for a better attorney.
Michael was exactly what I needed. He was very responsive, proactive, detail oriented, and knowledgeable. He made sure he understood my needs and desired outcome, and then put into action the plan to get there. I feel he really listened and genuinely understood me, and had my best interest in mind. H...
Michael Anton Araj's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike is a brilliant attorney who is an empathetic professional and works diligently to get the best possible results for clients. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is an excellent lawyer. He is able to analyze complex legal issues and present arguments artfully."
Allison Neal
Domestic violence lawyer
Laura Grumbine
Family lawyer
Kristin Weaver
Family lawyer
David Martin
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2010
CALI Award in Defense of Criminal Cases, CALI Excellence for the Future Award
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Lead Litigation Attorney, Smith & Bledsoe Family Law
2022 - 2024
Attorney, Diggs & Sadler
2020 - 2022
Associate Attorney, Kirker Davis LLP
2015 - 2020
Partner, Valley Law, PLC
2015 - 2015
Senior Associate Attorney, Miner, Martin, & Hahn, PLC
2011 - 2015
Associate Attorney, Miner, Martin, & Hahn, PLC
Associations
2023 - Present
Austin Bar AssociationMember
2019 - 2020
Shenandoah County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Complicated Custody Case
Successfully reached favorable mediated settlement agreement for client.
Education
2011
Creighton University School of Law
JD
2006
College of William and Mary
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2023
None
Real Estate Sales in Divorce
Languages
English