The Team
T. Matthew Smith
Matt Smith has practiced law in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area since 2005. He represents clients in various aspects of civil litigation including breach of contract, wrongful discharge/discrimination and hostile work environment claims, contested probates and trust administration, and personal injury and property damage matters.
Matt is admitted to practice in all Oklahoma state courts as well as the Northern, Eastern, and Western districts of Oklahoma, the Southern district of Texas, and the district of Colorado. Mr. Smith graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2001 Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Letters. He then graduated from the University of Oklahoma Joint Juris Doctorate / Masters of Business Administration program in 2005.
Matt is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma County Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Association. He is member of the District Council of the Downtown YMCA of Oklahoma City.
Outside the office, Matt is typically spending time with his family, cheering his kids on at a soccer game or piano recital, or exploring a local arts festival.
FOUNDER & ATTORNEY
Elise R. Houston
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
Elise received her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources with a major in Entomology from Oklahoma State University in 2018. While attending OSU, she was an active member of Delta Delta Delta and served as the Vice President of Finance for the OSU Panhellenic Council.
Elise graduated Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2021. While in law school, she served on the Dean’s Student Advisory Board, OCU Diversity Council, and Curriculum Committee. Elise was a member of the OCU Law Review and was awarded the Managing Editor Award before serving as the 2020-2021 Managing Editor.
Elise joined the Criterion Legal team in 2020. She is licensed to practice in all Oklahoma Trial and Appellate Courts as well as the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.
When she is not practicing law, Elise volunteers for her local Tri Delta alumnae chapter, the Tri Delta Children’s Fund, and Court Appointed Special Advocates. She loves to spend time with her two Olde English Bulldogges, Bedy and Millie, and cheer for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Courtney B. Glocke
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Courtney Glocke is an Oklahoma native who attended Oklahoma State University. She began her work as a legal assistant to Matthew Smith in 2011 after working as a Property and Casualty Insurance Agent. Hard-working and passionate, Courtney routinely demonstrates her unique ability to remain calm and focused under pressure when handling delicate situations.
Courtney is the mother of three young men and the sweetest German Shepherd, Coda. Her wonderful husband works as a process server and they both enjoy the freedom of taking road trips together while he’s in pursuit. Courtney loves to explore new places and try out the local food scene anywhere she travels. As a former state chess champion, Courtney also enjoys a competitive match any opportunity she gets.
Shawna R. Finley
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Shawna Finley joined the team at Criterion Legal as a legal assistant in 2022. She is a seasoned educator and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Education degree. Prior to Criterion, Shawna was a teacher for 10 years, specializing in Science and STEAM for students from kindergarten to sixth grade.
Her passion for learning and strong work ethic translated seamlessly into legal work. Shawna’s wealth of experience, enthusiasm and natural inclination to multitask and organize make her invaluable to Criterion’s team and clients.
When she is not working, Shawna is most likely gardening, spending time outdoors, or exploring Oklahoma City’s music and art scene. She loves spending time with her Standard Poodle, Oliver, and Giant Flemish Rabbit, Ruby (who you might meet when you visit Criterion’s office).
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE TEAM?