Meet the Smith & Bledsoe Family Law Team
Managing Partner
Christian Smith
Christian Smith is the Managing Partner of Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. She is a well-known Austin area trial attorney with a focus on complex family law disputes. She is known for her litigation skills, her knowledge of the law, and her client-focused approach. She welcomes challenging and difficult cases that other attorneys turn down. Christian runs a tight ship and maintains a standard of excellence by remaining detail-oriented, setting clear expectations and leading her team by example which is evident in her work product and client outcomes.
Christian graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston and went on to study law at South Texas College of Law Houston. She is the recipient of many awards including Austin Monthly’s 2023 Top Attorney Award, 2023 and 2024 Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star Award (only 2.5% of Texas attorneys receive this distinction), 2019 National Association of Family Law Attorneys Top 10 under 40 Award, the 2019 Avvo Clients’ Choice Award, the 2017 Emerging Leader Award and the Harry L. Reid Oil, Gas, and Mineral Law Award. She is also a recipient of CALI Awards in Texas Family Law, Texas Oil and Gas Law, Legal Research and Writing, and Education Law Writing Seminar.
Christian lives in Austin with her wife and children. When not advocating for her clients, she enjoys hiking the greenbelt, live music, and traveling.
PARTNER & TRIAL ATTORNEY
Brandon Bledsoe
Brandon is a Partner and Trial Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. A native of Midland, Texas, Brandon has been a stickler for justice from a very young age. He grew up emulating his entrepreneur mother and police officer father. Brandon studied Anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin and received his Juris Doctorate in Law from Hofstra University in New York.
Brandon has been practicing law since 2009 in Austin, Texas, with a primary focus on family law. He uses a compassionate and effective approach, maintaining empathy for his clients while demonstrating strength in the court room. Brandon practices by the philosophy, “Don’t create unneeded conflict, but don’t be afraid of conflict when needed.”
When he is away from the law office, Brandon enjoys spending time with his family and puppy on Austin’s beautiful hiking trails and having backyard movie nights.
Lead Litigation Attorney
Nikki Chapa
Nikki is a Lead Litigation Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. She is an original Austinite who pursued her bachelor’s degree in Political Science while competing as a D2 women’s lacrosse player at Catawba College. Ms. Chapa returned to Texas in 2017 to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. She attended St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas where she received both her Juris Doctorate in law and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.
During Nikki’s time at St. Mary’s she was a part of the Immigration Clinic and volunteered her time helping those who could not afford legal representation through multiple pro-bono opportunities. It was through Nikki’s volunteering experience that she discovered her passion for advocacy.
Nikki has a background as a highly motivated and skilled attorney. Her appreciation for complex legal issues, litigation, and helping those in need guided her into a career in family law. She prides herself on being an assertive advocate for her clients. When she is not working with clients, Nikki enjoys exploring new hobbies, spending time with her pets and family, and is a self-professed “foodie.”
Lead Litigation Attorney
Michael Araj
Michael is a Lead Litigation Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. Originally from Virginia, Michael received degrees in both Economics and Government from the College of William and Mary. After working as an IT consultant, they attended law school at Creighton University School of Law where they received concentrations in Litigation and Criminal Law.
Michael returned to Virginia to start their legal career, working in family and criminal law. They worked as a guardian ad litem in Virginia, representing the best interests of children, and moved to Austin after falling in love with the city where they have practiced exclusively family law. They are a zealous advocate for their clients, handling complicated, high asset divorces and contentious custody cases. When they are not representing clients, they are a skilled mediator who assists parties and their attorneys in reaching agreements.
When not assisting their clients or mediating, Michael cooks, bakes, and writes about his food adventures.
Attorney
Austin Trainor
Austin is an Associate Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University at Galveston in Galveston, Texas. He later went on to receive his law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas. Upon completion of his law degree, Austin clerked for a Judicial District Court Judge in Harris County. His experience as a judicial clerk provided valuable insight into the inner workings of the Court from the other side of the bench and introduced him to a vast array of Civil Litigation.
Since being licensed in 2020, Austin has practiced family law and personal injury litigation in both Houston and Austin. Upon joining Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, Austin has focused his specialty to family law to help guide clients through the divorce and child custody process. Austin is driven and energetic in his advocacy for his clients. He believes that all attorneys should constantly be learning and researching the most cutting edge case law and statutes in order to hone their craft, and in order to be the best advocate possible for their clients during mediation or in the courtroom.
Austin grew up in “Military City, USA” San Antonio Texas, shaped by the structure and regimen of two U.S. Air Force parents. Austin’s drive for advocacy is fueled by his personal experience as a child of divorce himself. When not working, Austin prioritizes health, fitness, and personal growth. He believes people can always keep growing and contributing positively to themselves and our community. He enjoys doing so by helping those who cannot or may not always be able to help themselves.
Attorney
Erika Solar
Erika is an Associate Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. Erika was born in Mexico City but grew up in College Station, Texas. She graduated from UT Austin and was a bilingual fourth-grade teacher for several years in Manor ISD before becoming an attorney. Erika received her Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s University School of Law.
At St.Mary’s, Erika fought for housing rights for low-income tenants through the Consumer Protection Clinic. In addition, she, along with three other students, helped develop St. Mary’s Real Estate Clinic where she helped clients with estate planning and property rights. In the summer before graduation, she studied international business law and human rights law in St. Mary’s Innsbruck study abroad program.
Erika enjoys being in a career where she can continue to advocate for what is in the best interest of children. Child custody cases are her specialty. She enjoys working closely with clients to achieve positive outcomes for their families. Erika knows how stressful legal proceedings can be for clients and their families and does her job with understanding and compassion.
In her free time, Erika enjoys fitness, language and culture exchange, and enjoying the outdoors.
Attorney
Ellie Naumann
Ellie is an Associate Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. She finds family law litigation deeply rewarding. She loves being a continuing student of the law to make sure she is up to date on the cutting edge research that would benefit her family law clients.
After earning her law degree, Ellie relocated to Austin, Texas with her husband and two dogs to focus on her family law career. Ellie joined Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, where she prides herself on making a positive impact on her clients as they navigate one of the most challenging times in their lives. Armed with her knowledge from working behind the Judge’s bench as a clerk, Ellie brings unique insights from her time with the judiciary to each case. Based on Ellie’s personal experience with the family law process, she understands the toll this can take on the family unit and children in particular. Her goal is to help clients find their footing as she guides them along this very difficult period of their lives. She attempts to put out fires as amicably as possible, but when it’s time to fight, she takes pride in her wordproduct and her performance in the Courtroom.
Ellie received her Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Subsequently, she attended Saint Louis University School of Law where she obtained her law degree with a concentration in intellectual property. While in law school, Ellie clerked for Chief Judge Rosenstengel in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Her experience clerking exposed Ellie to a wide array of legal issues and developed her passion for litigation. It was through this experience that she honed her analytical skills and attention to detail.
Ellie embodies compassion for others. In her free time, Ellie likes to read fiction books, try local coffee shops, and participate in community service events such as local blood drives and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree.
Attorney
Tyler Stara
Tyler is an Associate Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. Prior to becoming an attorney, he was a registered nurse and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Oklahoma City University. He worked at children’s hospitals throughout the State of Oklahoma before returning to school to follow his passion for the law.
During his time in law school, Tyler clerked with a local District Judge, became a court certified mediator to help resolve disputes between litigious parties, and worked with the Oklahoma County Department of Health as a Legal Intern. He enjoys staying busy and challenging himself.
Tyler is devoted to his legal clients just as he was devoted to his medical patients. Service is his core value, and he has a strong desire to help families through difficult times such as divorce or child custody battles. Able to think on his feet while still bringing a caring, human touch, Tyler is invaluable to the firm and the clients he serves.
In his personal life, Tyler’s previous work as a nurse has allowed him to participate in a medical mission trip with the Mission of Hope Vietnam where he helped to provide essential medical care to rural communities. This was a formative experience for him that shaped the way he lives his life. He has also participated in multiple American Cancer Society Relay for Life teams, supporting efforts to fight cancer and raise awareness, another cause close to his heart. Whether in the hospital or in the courtroom, he is driven by a dedication to serving people and his desire to make a difference. His diverse background allows him to approach each legal challenge with a well-rounded perspective.
LEAD PARALEGAL
Holly Jackson-Solorio
Holly is the lead paralegal at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. Behind every good attorney is an even better paralegal. Holly is a detail-oriented and dedicated paralegal who is passionate about family law and has worked for Christian for many years.
Holly was in the United States Air Force for eight years as an Intelligence Analyst, earning numerous awards and medals, such as the Air Force Commendation Medal. While in the United States Air Force, Holly earned her Associates of Applied Science in Communications Applications. Holly later continued her career as an Intelligence Analyst as a government contractor after her service ended. While working as a contractor in Tampa, Florida, Holly earned her Associates of Science in Paralegal Studies.
Holly now lives in Austin with her husband, their dog, and three cats. When Holly isn’t diligently working she loves spending time with her cats, reading, and watching Lord of the Rings.
Our awards
With a high level of understanding, precision, and skill, our law team is ready to take on challenging cases with the goal of ensuring our clients get the outcomes they deserve.
Want to join our team?
Smith & Bledsoe Family Law is a leading legal firm in the Austin area. We specialize in challenging and difficult cases, and are passionate about providing the best outcomes for our clients.