Shannon Smith Johnson
Member Spotlight
December 2025
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Shannon Smith Johnson grew up in a small town in southwestern Wyoming. She spent summers home from the University of Wyoming in Denver with family and returned to Colorado after attending law school in Michigan. Shannon lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband, Erik, and her 2-year-old daughter, Evelyn. She enjoys any opportunity to get to the mountains to hike, ski, or simply hunker down with a good book.
Hometown: Evanston, Wyoming
Law School: Michigan State University College of Law
Lives in: Highlands Ranch
Works at: Icenogle Seaver Pogue, P.C.
Practice Areas: Local government law, special districts, highway and transportation authorities, public financing, real property
Pronouns: She/her
What do you like the most about your practice area?
I love being able to contribute to public projects that enable communities to come together. From parks and playgrounds to multilane highways, I enjoy starting a project at the ground level (literally) and seeing the resulting public infrastructure enhance community experiences, increase job opportunities, and expand access for all Coloradans.
What are the greatest challenges you face in your practice?
Helping local governments meet their demanding budgetary needs at a time when the legal landscape is ever changing. I find that partnering with other local governments to pool resources and knowledge where possible fosters mutual benefits that can help create cost savings and other efficiencies.
What do you think is the most essential professional skill?
Problem solving. Being able to see various ways to accomplish a goal is more valuable to any client than being able to devise a “perfect” solution to which opposing counsel will not agree.
What advice would you give a new lawyer?
The same advice my business partner, Tamara Seaver, gave me when I started working with her: everyone, no matter their status (or yours), deserves respect.
If you weren’t a lawyer, you’d be:
A book editor.
What job would you be terrible at?
Anything artistic. I’m envious of people who are musically and artistically inclined. If I could tell my child self to continue taking piano lessons, I would!
What is your favorite place to escape to in Colorado?
Twin Lakes. I cannot get enough of the mountain views and lakes, trails, small town atmosphere, and North America’s highest golf course.
Current favorite TV show/movie:
The Great British Baking Show. I love the good-natured jabs, friendly competition, and unexpected humor. It also inspires me to bake.
Favorite book of all time:
The Sun Also Rises by Earnest Hemingway.
Greatest inspiration or influence and why:
My daughter, Evelyn. She has shown me more about the person I want to be (and the person I don’t) than any other person in my life. She keeps me on my toes in that way every single day.
Where is your happy place?
I love a cozy coffee shop or café. It is the best place to bask in the aroma of fresh coffee and have a good conversation with a friend or indulge in a croissant during a quick work check-in.
People would be surprised if they knew this about you:
I make cards and scrapbook.
What is your biggest regret?
Not continuing to master Spanish to fluency after my college studies and study abroad.
What do you think is the most essential life skill?
Resilience. Learning to accept disappointment and picking yourself back up can never be overstated, whether in your family life, friendships, or work.
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