Early Life & Education
Erika M. Smitherman was born in Norwalk, Ohio, and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1993, where both of her parents were teachers. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Ohio State University, with minors in English and Philosophy.
Her spring 1997 graduation ceremony at the Horseshoe was rained out, but the moment was made official when she picked up her diploma from a box on the floor of the French Field House. While at Ohio State, Ms. Smitherman served as a University Ambassador, chaired several programs as a member of the Student Alumni Council, worked as a Resident Advisor, and participated in the Sullivant Society Honorary. She remains an active member of the Ohio State Alumni Association.
Legal Training & Law School
After graduating, she attended Capital University Law School. There, she mentored first-year students, worked in the Admissions Office, and joined the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. She also interned at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, where she sharpened her legal writing and research skills.
Public Sector Legal Experience
Erika earned her Juris Doctor in 2000 and was admitted to the Ohio Bar that November. She began her legal career in the Consumer Protection Section of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and later worked concurrently with the Chief Counsel’s Staff. As an Assistant Attorney General, she investigated complaints, mediated settlements, litigated violations, and prepared court papers, legal memoranda, and appellate briefs.
She next served as Assistant Chief Legal Counsel in the Auditor of State’s Office, advising field auditors in the Cleveland and Youngstown regions. Her responsibilities included legal training for government officials and collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office on complex litigation.
Child Advocacy & Juvenile Court
After several years in solo practice, Ms. Smitherman became a child advocacy attorney with Franklin County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. She represented the best interests of children who had experienced abuse or neglect and worked closely with the Juvenile Court and Guardians ad litem to secure appropriate services and care. She also trained volunteers appointed to serve in guardian roles.
Through this work, she connected with Judge Elizabeth Gill of the Franklin County Domestic and Juvenile Court and was invited to serve as her staff attorney. In that role, Ms. Smitherman drafted legal opinions, conducted in-depth legal research, prepared for hearings and trials, and reviewed dissolution documents. She also facilitated civil protection orders and pro se dissolutions. Her experience during this time deepened her commitment to private family law and shaped her understanding of what clients need most.
Ms. Smitherman later joined the firm that became Petroff, Smitherman & Associates, LLC, where she handled all aspects of family law, including divorce, custody, support, adoption, and civil protection orders. She developed extensive experience working with first responders and gained detailed knowledge of their complex retirement systems. These skills continue to benefit clients across public service professions.
It was during her time with CASA that she was noticed and hand-picked by Judge Elizabeth Gill to apply to her open staff attorney position. Upon being hired in that role, Erika was mentored by this highly respected and Honorable Judge. She continued to hone her skills with invaluable experience enabling her to understand both sides of the court system and impart this knowledge to her clients.
Upon leaving public for private practice, Erika worked with a family law firm and within a very short period of time, was asked to become an equity partner of the firm. Under this new partnership, the firm began to grow exponentially. Unfortunately, sometimes with success the true mission of client advocacy is lost. Upon this realization, Erika decided to build a firm that prioritized product over profit. She firmly believes that not only clients, but those who serve the clients, need to be treated ethically and with empathy.
Founding Smitherman Law Group
In her 25th year of practice, Ms. Smitherman founded Smitherman Law Group, LLC. She continues to provide high-quality, compassionate legal representation to families throughout Central Ohio. She is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, and Women Lawyers of Franklin County. She is admitted to practice in all Ohio state and local courts, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
Outside of work, Ms. Smitherman serves as an Elder at her church and is active in a variety of community events and fundraisers. She lives with her husband, Troy, a firefighter and paramedic for Madison Township, and their three children. Together, they enjoy family trips and spending time with loved ones.