In the #metoo era, many people think all allegations must be automatically “believed.” The prosecutions are aggressive and ruthless, and the mantra that most defense lawyers stick to in other kinds of cases – sit back, be quiet, and simply defend – does not work.

For example, most criminal defense lawyers have a blanket rule that the accused should never speak to law enforcement. Shannon, on the other hand, has taken many clients in to make a statement and tell their side of the story. At Smith Lehman, there is no “sitting back” and playing defense. Instead, Shannon has found success by taking the kind of investigative deep dive that few have the skills and resources for. The firm’s relationship with top experts around the country allows the defense to get ahead of the case. Instead of starting from scratch to study the science that can help defend sexual allegations, Smith Lehman is already ten steps ahead.

Many clients have sought Shannon out in the past wanting a “strong female lawyer” on their side. What they didn’t realize is that they were getting not only that, but a lawyer who has precise strategies no matter what the case looks like. Shannon’s ability, creativity, and experience gives the accused the best chance – and at the same time, gives them a sense of hope and security that things will get better.

And over the past few years, Smith Lehman clients don’t only get Shannon Smith on their side, but an incredible team of fierce advocates. Make no mistake about it, while these cases involve the highest stakes, Shannon and her team love that about the work. There is nothing like watching the energy shift in the courtroom when jurors, the judge, and even the prosecutor, finally understand the truth about a case.