Donna Smiedt

Donna Smiedt believes in leadership. Whether she’s mentoring those coming up behind her in the legal profession, helping develop her staff, or leading her clients through highly emotional and trying times, Donna has been a shining example of compassionate leadership for 40 years.

“Some of my proudest moments haven’t been winning big cases or showing my superiority in the courtroom, but mentoring young lawyers, paralegals, and other legal professionals to exercise kindness in their practice while always advocating passionately for their clients’ best interests,” she said.

To her clients, Donna is that compassionate advocate who walks alongside them empowering them to make informed decisions that take into account their current situation as well as how their decisions will impact them for years to come. “My goal has always been to provide excellent legal services for my clients with empathy as they endure some of the saddest, most stressful times they’ll likely ever encounter,” she said. “I want to offer them and their children the very best options as they pursue a new path following a divorce or other family law matter.”

While Donna is an extremely skilled courtroom litigator, she’s also collaboratively trained to resolve disputes without ever entering a courtroom. “With the assistance of mental health and business professionals, we calmly and respectfully find resolutions that maximize the outcome for all affected in a very private manner,” she said. “But when necessary, I can utilize my 40 years of experience as a litigator and advocate for my clients.”

Donna was fascinated by the law from a young age. “I marvel at a legal system that’s been developed and honed over centuries,” she said. “That coupled with an intense interest in psychology and family dynamics, drew me to the practice of family law. If I can contribute to the wellbeing of my clients as they struggle through the most difficult times of their lives, I can make a positive impact on my community.” Now, that’s leadership!

Those who know Donna know she has another passion too—dogs! “I sometimes joke that after being a divorce lawyer for 40 years, I prefer dogs to people,” she said. “Rescuing these amazing animals from neglect and abuse is my greatest passion.” Donna is a longtime Arlington Animal Shelter volunteer who’s served on their board for many years. She’s a big supporter of North Texas Aussie Rescue, Border Collie Rescue, and Lone Star Aussie Rescue and is in charge of the Tag, Neuter, and Return (TNR) group in her neighborhood helping reduce the number of feral cats suffering in our community.

Though she’s had a successful career as a divorce lawyer for four decades, Donna strongly believes in the institution of marriage, has been married to a wonderful man for over 30 years, and often encourages her clients to find that special someone to spend their lives with post-divorce. Find out more at ArlingtonDivorces.com.