Erika M. Smitherman

Erika M. Smitherman was born in Norwalk, Ohio and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1993. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from The Ohio State University, with minors in both English and Philosophy. Ms. Smitherman remains active in the Ohio State Alumni Association. After graduating from Ohio State, Ms. Smitherman furthered her studies at Capital University Law School. After graduating from Capital in May 2000, she was sworn into the Ohio Bar in November 2000. ?Ms. Smitherman began employment at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in the Consumer Protection Section and later, she simultaneously worked in the Chief Counsel’s Staff. As an Assistant Attorney General, she investigated consumer complaints, effectively mediated settlements, litigated against companies accused of statutory violations and prepared confidential court papers, legal memoranda, and briefs for trial and appellate proceedings. Ms. Smitherman became an Assistant Chief Legal Counsel in the Auditor of State’s Office, focusing on the Cleveland and Youngstown regions. ?After a few years in a small solo practice, Ms. Smitherman became a child advocacy attorney for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Franklin County. At CASA, she represented the best interests of children who were found by the court to be abused, neglected and/or dependent. She also provided training to volunteers who were appointed by the court to serve as Guardians ad Litem. ? Ms. Smitherman is a member of the Ohio and Columbus Bar Associations and Women Lawyers of Franklin County. She is admitted to practice in all state and local courts in Ohio and in the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio. Ms. Smitherman serves her community as a Trustee at her church.

Capital University

J.D. (2000)

1997 - 2000

Ohio State University - Columbus

(1997)

2003 - 2007

Adjunct Faculty

Capital University Paralegal Program

2016 - Current

Partner

Petroff Law Offices, LLC

2013 - Current

Of Counsel

McNair Petroff, LLC

2011 - 2013

Staff Attorney for Judge Elizabeth M. Gill

Franklin County Court Of Common Pleas, Division Of Domestic Relations & Juvenile Branch

2009 - 2011

Court Appointed Special Advocate

Franklin County Domestic & Juvenile Court

2007 - 2009

Superb Family Law Attorney

Avvo

2016

10 Best Family Law Attorneys

American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2016

AVVO Excellent Family Law Attorney

Avvo

2016

Excellence to Her Profession

National Association of Professional Women

2015

Ohio State Bar  # 0072383

Member

Current

New Albany Women's Network

Member

2017 - Current

Women Lawyer's of Franklin County

Member

2012 - Current

Columbus Bar Association

Member

2000 - Current

Ohio

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