JoAnna Jae Smith

Seriously the best! In a very complicated case in a very unprecedented time during a pandemic, Joanna was able to guide me through some of the toughest times and I was awarded primary physical custody of my 4 year old son. As a single father with a spotty history, it was a long shot. Deserved though..., and I owe Joanna the world for proving it.

I came to Joanna as a young single mother, fighting for custody of my son. Our case lasted over a year and Joanna was there every step of the way. She was the first attorney I’ve ever worked with so I didn’t really know what to expect. I assumed lawyers/attorneys were straight to the point, sociopath...ic, thick skinned money grubbing government servants but I was surprised when I met Joanna. Right off the bat I knew I was in good hands. I never felt pressured to make any decisions that she wasn’t sure I didn’t 100% understand. She made sure I was always in the loop and that She never made any decision that I wasn’t comfortable with, but in fairness she WOULD nudge me towards decisions that were right, rather than decisions I felt were easiest.. But if I had chosen at the time what was easiest, My life would be a lot more difficult with what I originally wanted to settle with. You can tell in that way that she wants the best for you and she won’t let you settle for less. I can’t say that all lawyers aren’t like that, but comparing her to the opposing lawyer, she’s definitely not in it just to put some wins under her belt. Win or not (we won) I know she’s in it to get the best possible outcome. Above all else she cared about my case and as a young single mom I was terrified, if I’m being honest. But I never EVER felt like I made the wrong decision working with her. I always felt safe and I never felt like I was an income for her. Genuinely I hope I never have to go through something where I’ll have to hire a Lawyer again, mostly because I moved out of state and I wouldn’t be able to call on Joanna, But I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to create a standard from my time with Joanna that I’m almost uncertain any other lawyer can live up to. I don’t doubt that my life would have turned out differently if I hadn’t met her.

I’m not sure if JoAnna has worked with many cases involving abuse or not, but you would never know it if she has... Throughout the process, I have been repeatedly victim-blamed, lead like a lamb to slaughter to be interrogated by opposing counsel on abuse I endured in a previous relationship and by ...my own father, and I have spent an inordinate amount of time from the onset of my case just trying to get any response or update... Most emails and requests have gone ignored and unanswered. I cannot imagine a worse legal situation than already fighting to protect my child and having an attorney who seems to be working for the other side. When I finally do get her or her assistant to respond, I am met with a flippant attitude and excuses for the long silences. I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone, especially when my own attorney has further jeopardized my son’s and my safety through her negligence and bad advice. I met with another attorney for a second opinion/consultation, and she was floored by the way this has been mishandled...