COLUMBUS, OH, April 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Erika M. Smitherman, Esq., has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Demonstrating a remarkable commitment to her clients and the legal profession throughout her 25-year career, Ms. Smitherman is a leading authority in domestic litigation with a focus on child custody, adoption and divorce matters. In 2025, she established her own practice at Smitherman Law Group, LLC, where she oversees all aspects of the firm's operations. Her responsibilities include early morning and late-night correspondence, drafting and reviewing legal documents, representing clients in court both in person and virtually, and attending mediations.

Ms. Smitherman is also dedicated to community service through her participation in the CLC program, offering free phone consultations and retaining clients in need at discounted rates. She also manages payroll, handles all billing and operational logistics, and is actively pursuing expansion into additional office space to accommodate the firm's growth.

Prior to founding her own practice, Ms. Smitherman served as a partner at Petroff, Smitherman & Associates, LLC from 2013 to 2025. Leveraging her expertise in domestic relations law, she played a pivotal role in shaping the firm's long-term direction and reputation within the Ohio legal community.

From 2011 to 2013, Ms. Smitherman excelled as an attorney at Petroff Law Offices, LLC. During this time, she further honed her expertise in family law and litigation, building on her earlier experiences and establishing a foundation for her future leadership roles.

A significant milestone in Ms. Smitherman's career occurred during her service 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. In this capacity, she provided critical assistance to pro se litigants who were navigating complex family law matters. This experience proved transformative for her, inspiring her transition from public practice to private family law — a decision that has defined her professional trajectory and remains her most meaningful achievement to date.

Ms. Smitherman's earlier roles include serving as a staff attorney at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Franklin County from 2008 to 2009, during which she advocated for the welfare of children who were victims of abuse and neglect. She began her career at the Ohio Attorney General's Office as assistant attorney general for nearly three years, gaining invaluable experience while representing the interests of the state in various legal matters.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Smitherman has maintained active membership in several professional organizations including The Ohio Bar Association, The Columbus Bar Association, The Columbus Chamber of Commerce, The New Albany Chamber of Commerce and Ohio Business First. Beyond her legal endeavors, she serves on the board of elders at her church and is an active donor to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, underscoring her dedication to helping others through everything she does.

Hailing from an equally accomplished academic background, Ms. Smitherman earned a Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in 2000 after completing a Bachelor of Science in political science with minors in English and Philosophy at The Ohio State University in 1997. Her subsequent professional accomplishments have seen her recognized by her alma mater with the Most Successful Alumnus award from Capital University Law School.

Happily married and a proud mother of three, Ms. Smitherman values her family above all else — a principle that guides both her personal life and leadership style within her firm. As her children transition into adulthood and continue to pursue their own academic and professional paths, she cherishes the time they spend together during school breaks, shared meals and church activities.

Looking toward the future, Ms. Smitherman aims to continue expanding her firm by growing its client base and adding more attorneys while preparing for an eventual transition of leadership within the practice. Central to these plans is her unwavering commitment to compassionate client service — a hallmark that will remain integral to the firm's ongoing success as well as her own legacy of excellence.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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