Meet the Smith & Bledsoe Family Law Team
Managing Partner
Christian Smith
Christian Smith is the Managing Partner at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, a premier family law firm in Austin, Texas, serving clients throughout Travis County and Central Texas. A highly skilled trial attorney, Christian focuses exclusively on complex family law and divorce disputes, including child custody, property division, spousal support, and other high stakes litigation. She is widely known for her meticulous preparation, strategic advocacy, and client-centered approach, welcoming the challenging cases other attorneys often avoid.
Christian earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude from the University of Houston and her law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. Since entering practice, she has received multiple honors, including recognition as one of Austin Monthly’s Top Attorneys (2023), being named a Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star (2023, 2024), the National Association of Family Law Attorneys Top 10 Under 40 Award (2019), and the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award (2019). Her professional style is defined by both compassion and strength in the courtroom.
Christian’s professional style is defined by both compassion and strength in the courtroom. She believes in empowering clients with knowledge, keeping them informed at every stage, and designing tailored strategies for their unique situations. Whether negotiating a custody arrangement, litigating a high asset divorce, or pursuing adoption for an LGBTQ family, Christian balances settlement opportunities with trial readiness to secure the best results for her clients.
She frequently collaborates with forensic accountants, business valuation experts, and financial specialists in cases involving closely held businesses, real estate, retirement accounts, and all complex marital estates. In custody and visitation cases, she prioritizes protecting children’s best interests while fiercely defending her clients’ parental rights.
Community Involvement & Personal Life
Beyond her legal work, Christian is proud to serve and remain deeply connected to the Austin community. She participates in professional organizations and local networks reflecting her belief in service to both clients and community. In her personal time, Christian enjoys hiking, live music, and spending time with her family in Austin.
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 "Em" 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
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.
Attorney
Michelle Oduro
Michelle Oduro is an Associate Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. She primarily practices family law.
Michelle is a passionate attorney who is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that the rights of each and every client is protected. She is particularly interested in divorces with business interests and complex custody disputes. She enjoys a challenge and will fight tooth and nail for her clients.
Michelle gained her LLB at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, where she gained hands-on experience in International law and Globalization. She also gained her LLM in International Business and Economic Law at the University of Southern California, where she also earned a business certificate, was top of her class in legal research and writing, and gained an in depth insight into mergers and acquisitions, business organization, arbitration, and mediation.
Michelle began her career in Ghana, developing a passion for law, which took her to the UK, Australia, California, and finally Texas. While she is not from here, she did arrive as soon as she could and has planted deep roots in her local Austin community. Her travelling and professional development allowed her passion for the law to develop organically. She has now dedicated her life to practicing family law and exceeding expectations for all of her clients.
Michelle lives in Austin with her husband. She is an avid reader and loves to ride horses in her free time.
Associate Attorney
Tytiana McWhorter
Tytiana McWhorter is an Associate Attorney at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. She is passionate about helping people navigate family transitions with clarity, confidence, and care. She believes clients deserve an attorney who is not only prepared and knowledgeable, but also patient, thoughtful, and willing to break things down in a way that feels human. She has a wonderful way of connecting deeply with each of her clients and their cases. Her specialty is complex child custody cases, both when they are amicable and a family just needs some help, and also when they require courtroom intervention.
Before joining the firm, Tytiana managed a large and fast-moving docket at a statewide personal injury practice. That experience taught her how to balance strategy with compassion, communicate effectively, and advocate for clients who are often going through some of the hardest moments of their lives. She also served in the Texas House of Representatives where she strengthened her legal writing, analysis, and understanding of how policy impacts real families. This background has helped her family litigation practice tremendously, as she has remained informed on the high-level policy aspect of statutes and court systems affecting the Texas families she now advocates for in the courtroom.
Outside of work, Tytiana loves cooking comfort meals, exploring Austin with her partner, and finding new restaurants and little weekend adventures around the city.
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.
Furriest Assistant
May Bledsoe
May Bledsoe is Smith & Bledsoe Family Law’s smallest (and furriest) assistant. She is a miniature goldendoodle, but there is nothing miniature about the role that she plays at our firm! May is well-versed in conflicts affecting families of all kinds and offers emotional support to our staff and clients alike.
May will warmly welcome you at the office for your scheduled appointments! May enjoys long naps, brisk walks, and several treats throughout her day. If she is not at the office doing the aforementioned leisurely activities, she is surely at home, doing those very same things!
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.