team-member

Annelisa Smith

Portland, OR

Licensed for 15 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Divorce and Family

Language

English

About

 Annelisa Smith is co-owner of McKean Smith. She represents clients in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA in practice areas such as child custody, domestic violence, child support and divorce. She graduated with her J.D. and M.S. from Vermont Law School (Dean’s Fellow). In addition to her role at McKean Smith, she is also serves on several non-profit boards and works within the legal community to improve practice and professionalism. Annelisa is known for her hard-work, dedication and knack for problem-solving. In 2013, 2014, and 2015, she was named to the Oregon Super Lawyers® Rising Star℠ list, which is a legal honor based on peer and third party review. To learn more about Annelisa Smith, contact McKean Smith today or visit their website.

Practices Areas

Child custody

Child support

Divorce and separation

Family

Juvenile Law

Language

English

Contact

McKean Smith1140 SW 11th AvenueSuite 400Portland, OR, 97205

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

Megan
February 24, 2022

Annelisa walked with me through a high conflict divorce. She was incredibly knowledgeable and supported me through all the hoops and hurdles of a difficult process. Her and her office staff had excellent communication and responsiveness. My phone calls and emails were answered promptly, which was very reassuring. Annelisa is so patient and listened to my needs and concerns. When it came time for the trial, she was diligent and thorough. She didn’t miss a thing! I feel like the success of my case was contingent upon her experience, skills, and tenacity.

Kasey
January 15, 2022

Annelisa was recommended to me by a friend as the best family law attorney in Portland and that recommendation was entirely accurate. Annelisa helped our family navigate a difficult, frustrating situation, advocated for us fiercely, and eventually reach the outcome we had hoped for. Annelisa is highly knowledgeable, thorough, and so well-versed in her practice that not only did she help us reach our desired outcome, she was able to predict nearly to the day when our matter would be resolved. I cannot recommend Annelisa highly enough. She truly is exceptional.

Hugh
February 11, 2020

Annelisa is Amazing. Before Annelisa, in the beginning of my three-year divorce, we tried to do it collaboratively but everything froze up and we came to a standstill. I chose to move out of collaboration and get my divorce over with while making sure I got what I deserved without going overboard. That's when I found Annelisa. While divorcing, we usually become overwhelmed with mixed feelings of guilt, shame, and loss. Annelisa made sure I was aware and I didn't get lost about any concerns or issues unseen that sometimes linger out of view and/or outside of the divorce discussions. I was also informed to think about the future and how we can protect ourselves and what might possibly happen if , for example, there was an unpaid lingering money award years later.

Tia
July 11, 2019

Annelisa was amazing to work with. She takes the time to listen and explain things thoroughly. I had a custody trial that was extremely emotional. After hiring Annelisa, I was able to relax knowing our best interest were her priority. I have and will continue to refer her. She is the best.

Kevin
July 1, 2019

Annelisa is a spectacular attorney and will fight for you and your loved ones. I have been involved with family law drama for over 11 years now and she is the BEST lawyer I have had. If you want someone who is knowledgeable, dedicated, and able to tell your story on the court room she is the one for you.

Keith
July 1, 2019

Annelisa was excellent. Patiently guided me thru a complicated dissolution process, pros/cons of prolonged proceedings, and child and spousal support implications. Made an unbearable process bearable. Great buffer between me and ex's side. Strong advocate. Logical, reasonable, and rational. Fees were well in-line with market, and I never questioned her billings. Frankly, I was expecting to pay more. All this, plus she's just a good-hearted person in a good firm with good people. Highly recommended, but hoping to avoid needing her services again :)

Jensen
February 18, 2016

Annelisa represented me in my divorce. My ex and I have two kids together, which to a very large degree defined the divorce process. I am a father, being a father has defined me and I am a great Dad. Unfortunately, men do not have equal rights in our existing legal system and many great fathers are left with "every other weekend" visitation. They are bullied into agreements which sacrifice their time with their kids or are forced to pay for it. As a man, it is difficult to find an advocate who can not only appreciate a fathers right to parenting time / custody / and a real presence in their children's life but also be powerful voice in the legal system on your behalf. Annelisa's knowledge of family law and her ability to articulate that knowledge was a invaluable help in me retaining joint custody of my two boys and a fair and equitable amount of time I get to spend with them. Thanks to Annelisa I still get to be a father, I get to raise my boys to be men, I get to help them with homework and be a real part of their lives. All the while, Annelisa was able to bring a very human and compassionate approach to her practice. She is able to appreciate the incredibly strong emotions that surround a life event such as divorce and still provide wise advice. I totally trust Annelisa to act perfectly in my best interest and the interest of my boys.

Swathi
September 27, 2015

Annelisa Smith Annelisa won me the most important thing of my life – the custody of my son and a whole lot more during one of the most trying time of my life. Mine was an extremely complex and long drawn child custody case which went to trial. The case involved several issues ranging from culture, domestic abuse, relocation and an extremely aggressive opposing counsel. But Annelisa’s expert knowledge of law and her practical approach was a HUGE factor in me winning the legal battle. She had a very clear case strategy and had my best interests throughout, while the opposing party tried to throw every rule book and accusation at us for nearly 1.5 years. Annelisa was extremely professional who analysed every situation with a clear head and came up with the appropriate strategy. She was highly personable, very well organized, detail oriented, with a good recollection of facts and took the extra effort in presenting our arguments in a clear fashion both to the 1)the opposing counsel 2) and to the Judge. She was prompt in her filings, incorporating suggestions from her client and explaining why if she chose not to. This in my opinion is very important because the client has so many things emotionally and financially to deal with, during a highly contested divorce case. She made extra efforts to learn more about the cultural issues pertinent to my case and was open minded. During our many meetings, her suggestions always kept the best interest of me and my son as top priority. Her personal connection with me and my family and her professionalism was a great combination and I cannot stress enough how crucial this was during my divorce case. Many a times she went beyond the role of a lawyer and helped me navigate various parenting issues during the course of the trial. Most importantly her conduct during trial was highly impressive. She was very well prepared for the trial and meticulous in her presentation of our arguments and cross examination of my ex-husband. Her level of experience in arguing a case during trial was clearly evident. Words cannot describe enough the importance of having an attorney like Annelisa Smith and her role in winning my case and I have no qualms in recommending her to anybody out there.

Ryan
August 18, 2015

My name is Ryan, I hired Annelisa smith to represent me as I was battling with my ex over custody and I thought I deserved a better parenting plan with my child. My ex was withholding my child from me and needed help!! Before my first consultation, I was frustrated, hurt, overwhelmed, stressed, mad and confused! Annelisa changed all that in just one meeting with her! She made me feel like I was in control! She made me feel like I deserved more! She made things more clear! Annelisa communicated via phone, email and one on one and had incredible flexibility! She always responded quick via email! (unless she was in trial of course) We went to trial in May 2015. Her knowledge of the law is spectacular and she took over in trial! I got everything I wanted!! Even with a few battles we had fighting a few things, She gave good reasoning and we won!!!! Annelisa exceeded all my expectations!! Since Trial, my life with my daughter has been spectacular!! I see her double the amount of time and I couldn’t of done this without the help of Annelisa Smith!! I don’t just consider her a great attorney, I consider her friend!!  Trust me, you will not go wrong hiring Annelisa Smith! That’s a 100% guarantee!!

Ryan
July 23, 2014

Annelisa and her team were ever so respectful of what I was needing to accomplish in my case. It was a long hard struggle, but the composure and guidance that Annelisa helped me with made all the difference. As a client, I am more than satisfied with what she was able to accomplish. Annelisa truly worked with me to hear the needs of both my daughter and I. In the end I feel that Annelisa has not only fulfilled her duties as a lawyer, but someone whom truly cared for the well being of my family.

Megan
February 24, 2022

Annelisa walked with me through a high conflict divorce. She was incredibly knowledgeable and supported me through all the hoops and hurdles of a difficult process. Her and her office staff had excellent communication and responsiveness. My phone calls and emails were answered promptly, which was very reassuring. Annelisa is so patient and listened to my needs and concerns. When it came time for the trial, she was diligent and thorough. She didn’t miss a thing! I feel like the success of my case was contingent upon her experience, skills, and tenacity.

Kasey
January 15, 2022

Annelisa was recommended to me by a friend as the best family law attorney in Portland and that recommendation was entirely accurate. Annelisa helped our family navigate a difficult, frustrating situation, advocated for us fiercely, and eventually reach the outcome we had hoped for. Annelisa is highly knowledgeable, thorough, and so well-versed in her practice that not only did she help us reach our desired outcome, she was able to predict nearly to the day when our matter would be resolved. I cannot recommend Annelisa highly enough. She truly is exceptional.

Hugh
February 11, 2020

Annelisa is Amazing. Before Annelisa, in the beginning of my three-year divorce, we tried to do it collaboratively but everything froze up and we came to a standstill. I chose to move out of collaboration and get my divorce over with while making sure I got what I deserved without going overboard. That's when I found Annelisa. While divorcing, we usually become overwhelmed with mixed feelings of guilt, shame, and loss. Annelisa made sure I was aware and I didn't get lost about any concerns or issues unseen that sometimes linger out of view and/or outside of the divorce discussions. I was also informed to think about the future and how we can protect ourselves and what might possibly happen if , for example, there was an unpaid lingering money award years later.

Tia
July 11, 2019

Annelisa was amazing to work with. She takes the time to listen and explain things thoroughly. I had a custody trial that was extremely emotional. After hiring Annelisa, I was able to relax knowing our best interest were her priority. I have and will continue to refer her. She is the best.

Kevin
July 1, 2019

Annelisa is a spectacular attorney and will fight for you and your loved ones. I have been involved with family law drama for over 11 years now and she is the BEST lawyer I have had. If you want someone who is knowledgeable, dedicated, and able to tell your story on the court room she is the one for you.

Keith
July 1, 2019

Annelisa was excellent. Patiently guided me thru a complicated dissolution process, pros/cons of prolonged proceedings, and child and spousal support implications. Made an unbearable process bearable. Great buffer between me and ex's side. Strong advocate. Logical, reasonable, and rational. Fees were well in-line with market, and I never questioned her billings. Frankly, I was expecting to pay more. All this, plus she's just a good-hearted person in a good firm with good people. Highly recommended, but hoping to avoid needing her services again :)

Jensen
February 18, 2016

Annelisa represented me in my divorce. My ex and I have two kids together, which to a very large degree defined the divorce process. I am a father, being a father has defined me and I am a great Dad. Unfortunately, men do not have equal rights in our existing legal system and many great fathers are left with "every other weekend" visitation. They are bullied into agreements which sacrifice their time with their kids or are forced to pay for it. As a man, it is difficult to find an advocate who can not only appreciate a fathers right to parenting time / custody / and a real presence in their children's life but also be powerful voice in the legal system on your behalf. Annelisa's knowledge of family law and her ability to articulate that knowledge was a invaluable help in me retaining joint custody of my two boys and a fair and equitable amount of time I get to spend with them. Thanks to Annelisa I still get to be a father, I get to raise my boys to be men, I get to help them with homework and be a real part of their lives. All the while, Annelisa was able to bring a very human and compassionate approach to her practice. She is able to appreciate the incredibly strong emotions that surround a life event such as divorce and still provide wise advice. I totally trust Annelisa to act perfectly in my best interest and the interest of my boys.

Swathi
September 27, 2015

Annelisa Smith Annelisa won me the most important thing of my life – the custody of my son and a whole lot more during one of the most trying time of my life. Mine was an extremely complex and long drawn child custody case which went to trial. The case involved several issues ranging from culture, domestic abuse, relocation and an extremely aggressive opposing counsel. But Annelisa’s expert knowledge of law and her practical approach was a HUGE factor in me winning the legal battle. She had a very clear case strategy and had my best interests throughout, while the opposing party tried to throw every rule book and accusation at us for nearly 1.5 years. Annelisa was extremely professional who analysed every situation with a clear head and came up with the appropriate strategy. She was highly personable, very well organized, detail oriented, with a good recollection of facts and took the extra effort in presenting our arguments in a clear fashion both to the 1)the opposing counsel 2) and to the Judge. She was prompt in her filings, incorporating suggestions from her client and explaining why if she chose not to. This in my opinion is very important because the client has so many things emotionally and financially to deal with, during a highly contested divorce case. She made extra efforts to learn more about the cultural issues pertinent to my case and was open minded. During our many meetings, her suggestions always kept the best interest of me and my son as top priority. Her personal connection with me and my family and her professionalism was a great combination and I cannot stress enough how crucial this was during my divorce case. Many a times she went beyond the role of a lawyer and helped me navigate various parenting issues during the course of the trial. Most importantly her conduct during trial was highly impressive. She was very well prepared for the trial and meticulous in her presentation of our arguments and cross examination of my ex-husband. Her level of experience in arguing a case during trial was clearly evident. Words cannot describe enough the importance of having an attorney like Annelisa Smith and her role in winning my case and I have no qualms in recommending her to anybody out there.

Ryan
August 18, 2015

My name is Ryan, I hired Annelisa smith to represent me as I was battling with my ex over custody and I thought I deserved a better parenting plan with my child. My ex was withholding my child from me and needed help!! Before my first consultation, I was frustrated, hurt, overwhelmed, stressed, mad and confused! Annelisa changed all that in just one meeting with her! She made me feel like I was in control! She made me feel like I deserved more! She made things more clear! Annelisa communicated via phone, email and one on one and had incredible flexibility! She always responded quick via email! (unless she was in trial of course) We went to trial in May 2015. Her knowledge of the law is spectacular and she took over in trial! I got everything I wanted!! Even with a few battles we had fighting a few things, She gave good reasoning and we won!!!! Annelisa exceeded all my expectations!! Since Trial, my life with my daughter has been spectacular!! I see her double the amount of time and I couldn’t of done this without the help of Annelisa Smith!! I don’t just consider her a great attorney, I consider her friend!!  Trust me, you will not go wrong hiring Annelisa Smith! That’s a 100% guarantee!!

Ryan
July 23, 2014

Annelisa and her team were ever so respectful of what I was needing to accomplish in my case. It was a long hard struggle, but the composure and guidance that Annelisa helped me with made all the difference. As a client, I am more than satisfied with what she was able to accomplish. Annelisa truly worked with me to hear the needs of both my daughter and I. In the end I feel that Annelisa has not only fulfilled her duties as a lawyer, but someone whom truly cared for the well being of my family.