Erika M. Smitherman

About Erika

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.

It was through Ms. Smitherman’s involvement with CASA that she met Judge Elizabeth Gill of the Franklin County Domestic and Juvenile Court and subsequently accepted the invitation to become her staff attorney.  During her time with Judge Gill, Ms. Smitherman developed an interest in the private practice of family law and appreciates the opportunity she had to learn from such a fine mentor.

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.

In 2018, Ms. Smitherman was selected by Capital University Law School as the recipient of the 2018 Alumni Outstanding Service Award, an honor given to graduates who performed significant voluntary service, beyond the call of business or professional duty, to his/her community and/or Capital University Law School.

Ms. Smitherman resides in New Albany with her husband Troy, who is a firefighter/paramedic for Madison Township, and their three children. Ms. Smitherman and her family enjoy spending time together during family movie nights, swimming, traveling, spending days at Apple Valley Lake, volunteering at community and charity events, and spending time with family and friends.

Speaking Engagements

Ms. Smitherman remains dedicated to promoting education and the legal profession in local schools and universities. In 2015, she spoke at Canal Winchester High School about career development as an attorney. She has also been a guest classroom speaker at The Ohio State University and has worked with local Rotary Clubs and Fire Departments to provide insight into various family law matters.

In 2016, Ms. Smitherman was honored to be chosen as an adjunct professor at the Capital University Law School Paralegal Program, focusing on the instruction of family law topics.

In recent years, Erika Smitherman has been an active participant in Ohio State University’s “Lunch with a Lawyer” program, which facilitates meaningful conversations and connections between law students and local attorneys.