I am an experienced trial attorney specializing in the field of family law, juvenile law, and Indian law (tribal law). In the fields of family and juvenile law, my areas of practice include divorce, child custody (allocation of parental responsibilities), step-parent adoption, child support, guardianships, grandparent visitation, third party allocation of parental responsibilities, dependency and neglect cases (DHS cases), including those involving the Indian Child Welfare Act, and modifications of prior orders.
In the field of Indian law or tribal law, my practice includes tribal health administration, tribal code revision and drafting, tribal housing matters, government-to-government contract negotiation, tribal employment issues, and tribal natural resource managament, among other areas.
I am devoted to providing attentive, high-quality legal services at a reasonable cost, and to making the legal process as clear and uncomplicated as possible for my clients.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CO | Active | 2011 | 11/10/2020 |
Legal answers | 1 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
Top 10 Attorney | Attorney and Practice Magazine | 2019 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
Top 10 Attorneys in Colorado Area | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2018 |
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40 | National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys | 2018 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2017 |
---|---|---|
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40 | National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys | 2017 |
Top 10 Attorney in Colorado | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2017 |
Distinguished Lawyer | Expert Network | 2017 |
Excellence in Clinical Education | University of Colorado | 2011 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Appellate Justice | Havasupai Tribe | 2018 - Present |
Partner | Smith & Shellenberger, LLC | 2013 - Present |
Associate Attorney | Smith, Shelton & Ragona, LLC | 2012 - 2013 |
Associate Attorney | Smith, Shelton, Ragona & Salazar LLC | 2011 - 2012 |
Clerk | Colorado Supreme Court | 2010 - 2011 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Colorado Revised Statues, Juvenile Rules Committee | Committee | 2016 - Present |
Indian Child Welfare Court, Denver | Committee | 2016 - Present |
Colorado Court Improvement Program | Committee | 2015 - Present |
Colorado Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
Colorado Pay Equity Commission | Member | 2014 - 2015 |
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Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Judicial Benchcards | Judicial Benchcards on ICWA | 2017 |
Cengage Learning | NATIVE AMERICANS: The Reasoning for and Purpose of the Bureau of Indian Affairs | 2012 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Colorado - Boulder | JD - Juris Doctor | 2011 |
Truman State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2007 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
University of Colorado Law School | Careers in American Indian Law | 2019 |
Discovery Boot Camp | Informal Discovery & Expert Witnesses | 2018 |
Adams County Department of Human Services ICWA Training | ICWA Compliance | 2018 |
University of Colorado | Family Law | 2016 |
CLE Luncheon | Discovery Considerations in Dependency & Neglect Cases | 2016 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
In Re: Johnson | Client prevailed on appeal. |
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Elizabeth Bonanno, Family Attorney on Oct 27, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Lisa is quick-witted, smart, poised and compassionate. She truly gives it her all and deeply cares about her work and her clients. Lisa can be trusted to put real thought into each of her cases - even the thorniest of issues - to find whatever creative solution there may be. I would want Lisa on my side.
Amber McClain, Family Attorney on Dec 1, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I met Lisa several years ago on the other side of a fairly high conflict matter that included complex tribal law and family law issues. Lisa is smart and creative when it comes to conflict resolution/strategy. She is trustworthy and respectful in her approach. I found her to be a fair opponent and I call her often for advice. I would hire Lisa in a heartbeat to handle any family law case and I have referred some of my closest friends to her for legal services.
Brooke Alexander, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 3, 2019
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Ms. Shellenberger worked diligently to represent her client's interests, challenging the positions taken by my client, and ultimately helping come to a fair agreement for both parties. She conducted herself with professionalism, and never stopped representing her client.
Edward Streker, Family Attorney on Sep 5, 2018
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. I have learned an incredible amount while working on cases with Ms. Shellenberger. She is hardworking, diligent, and extremely bright. She fights hard for her clients. I can honestly state that if I ever needed a family law attorney, I would hire Ms. Shellenberger.
Amber McClain, Family Attorney on Dec 1, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I met Lisa several years ago on the other side of a fairly high conflict matter that included complex tribal law and family law issues. Lisa is smart and creative when it comes to conflict resolution/strategy. She is trustworthy and respectful in her approach. I found her to be a fair opponent and I call her often for advice. I would hire Lisa in a heartbeat to handle any family law case and I have referred some of my closest friends to her for legal services.
Elizabeth Bonanno, Family Attorney on Oct 27, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Lisa is quick-witted, smart, poised and compassionate. She truly gives it her all and deeply cares about her work and her clients. Lisa can be trusted to put real thought into each of her cases - even the thorniest of issues - to find whatever creative solution there may be. I would want Lisa on my side.
Keslie Kandt, Child custody Attorney on Sep 19, 2016
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Keith Smith, Family Attorney on Sep 14, 2016
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse this lawyer. Exceptional attorney
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