Title: Owner
Company: Smitherman Law Group, LLC
Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States
Erika M. Smitherman, Esq., Owner at Smitherman Law Group, LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Domestic Litigation.
Ms. Smitherman has spent over 25 years in law, with a career marked by dedicated service and leadership. As the owner of Smitherman Law Group LLC in Columbus, Ohio, since 2025, she has demonstrated exceptional expertise in managing all aspects of her practice. Her responsibilities encompass long hours engaging in correspondence, drafting and reviewing legal documents, representing clients in court both in person and via virtual platforms, and attending mediations. Ms. Smitherman is also actively involved in the CLC program, providing unpaid phone consultations and offering discounted hourly rates to clients retained through this initiative. Among other routine tasks, she oversees the operational aspects of her office, manages payroll, ensures timely compensation for employees and handles billing processes while currently working with management to facilitate expansion into an adjacent suite.
Before launching her firm, Ms. Smitherman served as a partner at Petroff, Smitherman & Associates LLC from 2013 to 2025. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s direction and reputation within the field of family law. Ms. Smitherman’s tenure was characterized by a commitment to client advocacy and professional excellence.
Between 2011 and 2013, Ms. Smitherman held the position of attorney at Petroff Law Offices LLC. During this period, she further honed her litigation skills and deepened her understanding of complex domestic relations cases. Ms. Smitherman’s earlier experience included serving as a staff attorney to Judge Elizabeth Gill at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Division of Juvenile and Domestic Relations, from 2009 to 2011. This role proved transformative for Ms. Smitherman’s career trajectory, an experience that inspired her transition from public service to private family law practice and a decision that continues to shape her approach to client care.
Ms. Smitherman also contributed as a staff attorney at CASA of Franklin County between 2008 and 2009, advocating for the best interests of children in court proceedings. From 2003 to 2004, she served as an assistant chief legal counsel for the Auditor of the State of Ohio. Ms. Smitherman’s career began at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office as an assistant attorney general between 2000 and 2003, where she gained foundational experience in public sector law.
Laying a strong foundation for her accomplishments, Ms. Smitherman completed a Bachelor of Science in political science with minors in English and philosophy at The Ohio State University in Columbus in 1997. Shortly thereafter, she acquired a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Capital University Law School in Columbus in 2000.
Ms. Smitherman maintains active memberships with the Ohio Bar Association, the Columbus Bar Association, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the New Albany Chamber of Commerce and Ohio Business First, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to professional development and industry engagement. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is civically engaged as a member of the board of elders at Central College Presbyterian Church and by supporting community welfare as a donor to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
Throughout her career, Ms. Smitherman has been recognized for her expertise in domestic litigation and is praised for achieving a high level of proficiency in this area. She attributes her success to dedication, hard work, tenacity and a willingness to embrace challenges, qualities that have garnered respect from both the court system and fellow attorneys.
Looking ahead, Ms. Smitherman intends to continue expanding her firm by growing its client base and adding attorneys while preparing for an eventual transition of leadership within the practice. She remains committed to assisting individuals with compassion, a hallmark that defines both her career and vision for the future of Smitherman Law Group LLC.
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