Ms. Smith is the principal of The SJS Law Firm, PLLC where she counsels business owners, start--ups, and entrepreneurs in the District of Columbia and Maryland on a range of legal issues – often serving as Fractional General Counsel. She serves a diverse client base across multiple industry segments including franchisees, government contractors, professional service organizations, construction, and food & beverage retailers just to name a few. Her clients call on her for guidance on commercial real estate lease and acquisitions, business financing, business acquisitions, and end--to--end contract support. Additionally, she represents her clients on a range of employment issues, including drafting non--disclosure agreements, developing partnership/employment approach for independent contractors, non--compete agreements and writing employee handbooks.
Ms. Smith lectures and speaks regularly to business owners on topics such as: Performing a Legal Check-Up, Ensuring Your Business is Legally Protected & Prime for Growth, Working With An Attorney For Your Small Business, and Growing Your Business With Teaming Arrangements. Ms. Smith is the author of the book, “Tell Me About the Hard Part: Five Steps to Help Businesses Face Solve and Prevent Problems”. She is also
an instructor at the Prince George’s Center for Entrepreneurial Development. She
volunteers with various organizations to provide pro bono assistance to community
entrepreneurs. She sits on the board of the Council of Court Excellence. Shavon is also
an active member of the District of Columbia Bar as a part of the DC Bar Pro Bono
Committee, serving as co-chair and a fellow in the DC Bar’s John Payton Leadership
Academy.
Prior to opening The SJS Law Firm, Shavon was a litigation associate at a large
corporate law firm in Washington, DC, and law clerk to Judge Anna Blackburne--Rigsby
(now Chief Judge) on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the District of
Columbia Superior Court. Shavon received her JD from Howard University School of Law
and BA in Political Theory and International Relations from Michigan State University.
Shavon was selected as a “Super Lawyers Rising Star” for 2013 & 2015-- 2016 and Super
Lawyer for 2023 and 2024.
