Shavon J. Smith

Shavon J. Smith, founder of The SJS Law Firm, PLLC, in Washington, D.C., provides comprehensive legal services tailored for small business owners, entrepreneurs and nonprofits. Focusing on proactive legal strategy, entity formation and contract drafting, she equips clients with the tools needed to manage risk and build strong foundations. Her work spans trademarks, dispute resolution, government contracting and risk management, alongside customized fractional general counseling services and small business packages designed to safeguard growing enterprises at every stage.

With deep experience across diverse industries, including government contracting, construction, professional services and food and beverage, Ms. Smith delivers end-to-end support for complex transactions. She regularly guides clients through commercial real estate acquisitions, lease negotiations, business financing and corporate acquisitions. Additionally, she offers robust counsel on employment matters, drafting essential nondisclosure agreements, noncompete clauses, independent contractor frameworks and comprehensive employee handbooks to protect client interests and promote workforce stability.

Ms. Smith crafts personalized legal roadmaps that directly mirror each client’s operational goals and growth trajectory. Rather than applying generic templates, she analyzes unique business vulnerabilities to preemptively resolve disputes, secure commercial assets and align employment frameworks. This bespoke approach allows entrepreneurs to navigate complex regulatory landscapes with confidence, minimize liability and focus entirely on scaling their operations. Every strategy is built to evolve seamlessly alongside the business.

After completion of her undergraduate studies in international relations at Michigan State University, Ms. Smith proceeded to pursue her legal studies at Howard University School of Law. She received her Juris Doctor in 2005 and in the following year gained admission to the State Bar of Michigan. Upon obtaining her license to practice law in the District of Columbia in 2008, she moved her practice to the district. She is also licensed to practice in Maryland and before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd and 5th Circuits.