Shameka L. Rhoades, Esq.
CEO and Managing Attorney
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Shameka Rhoades graduated from law school, passed the bar (on the first attempt!), and has been practicing for the last 15 years, but that is not what is most important about her. She has compassion and empathy for her clients because she knows how they feel. She will be there for each client in their time of need.
“I cannot guarantee the outcome,” Shameka says, “but I can guarantee that I will provide you with the best representation possible, and I will be there to help you get through this difficult situation.”
Shameka is an active member of multiple bar associations, bringing extensive legal knowledge and community involvement to her work. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and a Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University.
Throughout her career, she has focused on criminal defense, including capital cases, while also practicing family and civil law. She is known for her insightful commentary on fatherhood and has been featured on Richmond radio stations.
Shameka has been a licensed member of the Virginia State Bar since 2006, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to upholding professional standards in her practice.
Nicholas M. Braswell, Esq.
Senior Attorney
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Nicholas Braswell graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law, affording him the required education to move forward in the practice of law and the opportunity to live and learn in the area that he chose to serve.
Nicholas has five years experience with the Office of the Public Defender for the City of Richmond, appearing in Richmond City General District Courts nearly five days a week. Nicholas negotiated plea agreements, developed legal arguments, and tried cases involving complicated issues, and was prepared daily with statutes, case law, and creative arguments to best represent his clients and providing the bench with the necessary information to make a just finding.
Nicholas spend hours each day learning from Judges in how to be compassionate and empathetic when necessary, while also being stern and steadfast in the interpretation of the law.
Nicholas has litigated both civil and criminal matters. He has gained experience with multiple standards/burdens of proof, rules of evidence, violent crimes, non-violent crimes, property crimes, property disputes, contract law, traffic offenses, drug offenses, and protective orders. His extensive experience has provided him with a well-rounded understanding of multiple aspects of the law.
Nicholas has also been a registered agent for a local small business, gaining experience with zoning, local ordinances, landlord tenant disputes, and contract law.
Rachel M. Gropper, Esq.
Associate Attorney
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Raised in Southwest Florida, Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Florida State University. She soon after attended the University of Richmond School of Law, where she graduated with her Juris Doctor and received both the Virginia State Bar Section on Criminal Law Award and the Carrico Center Pro Bono Award for her efforts in serving her community.
Rachel began her legal career at the Richmond Public Defender’s Office, where she served as an assistant public defender and one of six juvenile specialist attorneys. As a public defender, Rachel was a fierce yet compassionate advocate for indigent clients charged with aggravated sexual assault, narcotics distribution, armed robbery, and other serious offenses. She has tried both bench and jury trials, argued complex Constitutional motions, and fought for her clients at contested sentencing hearings in the Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts in Richmond. Rachel prides herself on her creative litigation and client-centered approach. She is also misdemeanor and felony certified with the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission.
Rachel joined Trustice Law Group in 2025 as a litigation attorney to continue to fiercely advocate for her clients in and out of the courtroom.
Meghan P. Seal, Esq.
Associate Attorney
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Meghan Seal is an Associate Attorney at Trustice, PLLC, with a deep-rooted passion for family law. A Chesterfield County native, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University before pursuing her law degree at Elon University School of Law. During her time at Elon Law, Meghan served on the editorial board of the Elon Law Review. Her contributions to legal scholarship culminated in the publication of her research article in Volume 14 of the Elon Law Review, which analyzed the relationship between sexual harassment against women employed in traditionally male-dominated fields and gender norms in the United States.
Meghan’s passion for family law grew during her internship with the Elon Law Emergency Legal Services Program, where she supported victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Meghan’s commitment to her community is evident through her legal work, and her prior experience has further enhanced her expertise in family law and estate planning.
Beyond her legal career, Meghan enjoys playing fetch with her Border Collie, Ruby, and spending quality time with her husband. She’s also an avid fan of reality TV, balancing her dedication to the legal profession with life’s simple pleasures.
Cinda L. Smith
Chief Operating Officer
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Cinda Smith serves as Chief Operating Officer at Trustice Law Group, where she supports the firm’s mission to provide compassionate, effective legal representation in family law, custody and visitation, criminal defense, and estate planning matters.
With a Master’s in Public Affairs from Indiana University’s Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs—the nation’s premier program in the field—Cinda brings strategic operational expertise and a client-centered approach to every aspect of her work. Her background spans leadership roles as Chief Operating Officer, Business Development Manager, and Executive Director, where she has consistently enhanced organizational efficiency and fostered meaningful client relationships.
At Trustice Law Group, Cinda ensures operational excellence through meticulous financial management, data integrity, and streamlined processes that allow our attorneys and legal team to focus on what matters most: advocating fiercely for our clients. Her deep commitment to integrity—a guiding principle of Trustice Law Group—is reflected in her approach to building trusted relationships and maintaining the highest professional standards.
Cinda is passionate about supporting organizations that prioritize collaboration, integrity, and positive impact, making her an invaluable member of the Trustice Law Group team.
Nicholas Arzoomanian, Intake Specialist
Pashion Banks, Senior Paralegal
Ryann Dawkins, Legal Administrative Assistant
Sarah G. Geroux, Paralegal
Nikki Hardy, Intake Specialist
Maria Mangaong, Executive Assistant
Crystal Sarvida, Intake Specialist
M. Sheen Zabala, Paralegal
When Everything Is On The Line, Call Us at
(804) 376-9309
