“Being a lawyer is not merely an occupation; it enables me to fulfill my larger mission of guiding others through significant life events.”
As an experienced litigator of over 27 years, Michelle Smith understands how important it is to provide her clients with honest and practical advice and a balanced perspective as they navigate the turbulent waters of complicated divorce, custody, marital property, alimony, child support and domestic violence issues. Michelle works hard to educate her clients about the law and process on which they are embarking together in an effort to empower each individual to implement appropriate short and long term strategies.
After over 20 years as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office and over 7 years representing clients from all walks of life in the private practice of family law, Michelle has developed a reputation as a respected advocate, negotiator, and litigator. While a prosecutor, Michelle handled thousands of cases before Judges in both District and Circuit Courts, from Assaults and Violations of Protective Orders to complex Homicides. Throughout her career, Michelle has built a solid foundation based on her knowledge of the law and rules of evidence, attention to detail, ability to accurately read others, understanding of trial strategy and advocacy skills which are fundamental to her success in achieving her client’s objectives.
Michelle spent years formulating relationships with local police officers, Judges, prosecutors, fellow lawyers and other members of the community, many of whom refer her clients on a regular basis. For over 15 years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence and chaired the legislative committee for several years. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association as well as an active member of the Maryland State Bar Association Family and juvenile Law Section Council, which directs Family Law policies and practices statewide. For several years, Michelle has been the co-chair of the legislative sub-committee of the MSBA Section Council; regularly testifying before both the House and Senate regarding proposed Family Law legislation in our state. She has received numerous awards recognizing her work in the area of Family and Domestic Violence and has been honored by two of Maryland’s Governors with the Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to Maryland Crime Victims. Michelle was appointed by Governor Wes Moore to serve as a member of the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission for Anne Arundel County, Maryland
For several consecutive years, Michelle has been selected to the list of Maryland Super Lawyer and has also been listed in Martindale-Hubble’s Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers, among the select lawyers who have earned the AV peer review Highest Possible Rating in both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards.
As a partner at Trainor, Billman, Bennett & Milko, Michelle has proven that she can successfully negotiate a resolution that benefits her client, while being fully prepared to present an effective case in Court. She appreciates the complex emotional, financial and logistical stressors involved with family law cases and is able to provide sound legal advice and persuasive advocacy for her clients when they most need a strong voice. Michelle is a tireless advocate for each of her clients, their children and the principals they value most, as demonstrated by her many satisfied clients. As demonstrated by this AVVO review posted by LeeAnn in 2023:
Solid Guidance and Support
“After years of attempting to advocate for myself in the legal system on a divorce/child support I by chance was recommended to speak with Michelle Smith. Michelle Smith helped me settle and move forward in a concise no nonsense manner. Her guidance has helped me in so many ways. My only regret is that I did not start the divorce process with her. I know my outcome would have been even better. She helped me clean up from where I was and get an acceptable outcome. Thank you very much Michelle Smith.”
Michelle is an avid outdoor enthusiast, who enjoys cycling, boating and traveling with her Husband, family and friends. She is the proud Mother of two adult children and step-mother to four adult children, so she understands the pressures and joys of parenting, co-parenting and the importance of striking the right work-life balance.
https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/21401-md-michelle-smith-1562728.html
Education
- Michelle Smith graduated Cum Laude from American University (B.A. 1991)
- She graduated with Honor from the University of Maryland School of Law (J.D. 1995)
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
- Anne Arundel County Bar Association, Board of Trustees
- Maryland State Bar Association
- MSBA, Family and Juvenile Law Section Council.
Contact Michelle Smith, Our Family and Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you have issues and concerns related to divorce, custody and domestic violence, schedule an initial consultation with Michelle Smith by calling 410-280-1700 or contacting us online. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Annapolis, in Anne Arundel County.
“Being a lawyer is not merely an occupation; it enables me to fulfill my larger mission of guiding others through significant life events.”
As an experienced litigator of over 27 years, Michelle Smith understands how important it is to provide her clients with honest and practical advice and a balanced perspective as they navigate the turbulent waters of complicated divorce, custody, marital property, alimony, child support and domestic violence issues. Michelle works hard to educate her clients about the law and process on which they are embarking together in an effort to empower each individual to implement appropriate short and long term strategies.
After over 20 years as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office and over 7 years representing clients from all walks of life in the private practice of family law, Michelle has developed a reputation as a respected advocate, negotiator, and litigator. While a prosecutor, Michelle handled thousands of cases before Judges in both District and Circuit Courts, from Assaults and Violations of Protective Orders to complex Homicides. Throughout her career, Michelle has built a solid foundation based on her knowledge of the law and rules of evidence, attention to detail, ability to accurately read others, understanding of trial strategy and advocacy skills which are fundamental to her success in achieving her client’s objectives.
Michelle spent years formulating relationships with local police officers, Judges, prosecutors, fellow lawyers and other members of the community, many of whom refer her clients on a regular basis. For over 15 years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence and chaired the legislative committee for several years. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association as well as an active member of the Maryland State Bar Association Family and juvenile Law Section Council, which directs Family Law policies and practices statewide. For several years, Michelle has been the co-chair of the legislative sub-committee of the MSBA Section Council; regularly testifying before both the House and Senate regarding proposed Family Law legislation in our state. She has received numerous awards recognizing her work in the area of Family and Domestic Violence and has been honored by two of Maryland’s Governors with the Governor’s Citation for Outstanding Service to Maryland Crime Victims. Michelle was appointed by Governor Wes Moore to serve as a member of the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission for Anne Arundel County, Maryland
For several consecutive years, Michelle has been selected to the list of Maryland Super Lawyer and has also been listed in Martindale-Hubble’s Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers, among the select lawyers who have earned the AV peer review Highest Possible Rating in both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards.
As a partner at Trainor, Billman, Bennett & Milko, Michelle has proven that she can successfully negotiate a resolution that benefits her client, while being fully prepared to present an effective case in Court. She appreciates the complex emotional, financial and logistical stressors involved with family law cases and is able to provide sound legal advice and persuasive advocacy for her clients when they most need a strong voice. Michelle is a tireless advocate for each of her clients, their children and the principals they value most, as demonstrated by her many satisfied clients. As demonstrated by this AVVO review posted by LeeAnn in 2023:
Solid Guidance and Support
“After years of attempting to advocate for myself in the legal system on a divorce/child support I by chance was recommended to speak with Michelle Smith. Michelle Smith helped me settle and move forward in a concise no nonsense manner. Her guidance has helped me in so many ways. My only regret is that I did not start the divorce process with her. I know my outcome would have been even better. She helped me clean up from where I was and get an acceptable outcome. Thank you very much Michelle Smith.”
Michelle is an avid outdoor enthusiast, who enjoys cycling, boating and traveling with her Husband, family and friends. She is the proud Mother of two adult children and step-mother to four adult children, so she understands the pressures and joys of parenting, co-parenting and the importance of striking the right work-life balance.
https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/21401-md-michelle-smith-1562728.html
Education
- Michelle Smith graduated Cum Laude from American University (B.A. 1991)
- She graduated with Honor from the University of Maryland School of Law (J.D. 1995)
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
- Anne Arundel County Bar Association, Board of Trustees
- Maryland State Bar Association
- Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, Legislative Committee
Contact Michelle Smith, Our Family and Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you have issues and concerns related to divorce, custody and domestic violence, schedule an initial consultation with Michelle Smith by calling 410-280-1700 or contacting us online. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Annapolis, in Anne Arundel County.
