Top Family Lawyers in Georgia
Expert Legal Representation
RYAN CASTELLON, managing partner
Ryan Castellon is one of the elite family lawyers in Georgia. He has been recognized by his peers in the industry as a rising star multiple times. Ryan has handled more family law trials annually than practically any lawyer in the State of Georgia. Ryan manages our firm from the paralegals to the teams of lawyers who handle our cases, and personally ensures that every client receives top shelf representation. He is a versatile litigator and has been called a shark by prior clients. He has exclusively practiced family law for the entirety of his practice. Ryan is devoted to helping his clients receive the absolute best outcomes possible no matter the situation. He represents clients with determination, honesty and integrity. His current practice areas include all simple and complex Georgia Family Law matters including but not limited to divorce, child custody, child support, modifications, visitation, paternity, legitimation, third party custody, Grandparents rights, equitable caregiver, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, mediation, LGBT family rights, division of property, contempt, alimony, support for adult disabled children, temporary protective order defense and prosecution as well as any and all DFCS matters. Ryan is a force in the courtroom and provides a strong and clear voice. He is familiar with not only judges in the metro area but throughout the entire state. Ryan has been in hundreds of hearings and mediations and understands the intricacies of this complex process. If you have a question, he has an answer.
Ryan was raised in Dover, Delaware. He obtained a B.A. in Political Science at Washington College. There, he played men’s lacrosse for the consistently nationally ranked program.
After relocating to Georgia, Ryan obtained his J.D. from Georgia State University College of Law in Atlanta. There, he engaged in various opportunities to hone his craft such as working under top family lawyers in the Atlanta area as well as a Family Law Judge. He honed his skills in negotiation through working as a mediator in the Landlord Tenant Court of Fulton County.
Call us today to set up your free consultation with Ryan!
Rhonda s. smith, senior associate attorney
Rhonda S. Smith stands as a distinguished figure in the sphere of family law, boasting more than two decades of experience as a litigator, mentor, and community advocate. Her professional journey reflects an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice. Rhonda is barred in Georgia, Louisiana and Texas. Rhonda graduated from Louisiana State University in 2002 with a B.A. in History. Her passion for the law earned her immediate acceptance into the prestigious Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU. There, she pursued a dual course of study, graduating in 2005 with both a Juris Doctorate and a Bachelor of Civil Law. In law school she became an active member of the Legal Association of Women, a role in which she advocated for the advancement of women in the legal profession and fostered a supportive network for fellow law students. Rhonda also thrived in trial advocacy, serving with the Civil Flory Mock Trial Association both as an attorney and as a judge. These formative experiences shaped her into a confident litigator with a nuanced understanding of courtroom dynamics and legal strategy.
After obtaining her law degree, Rhonda was selected to serve as the judicial law clerk for the Honorable Annette B. Lasalle, Judge of the Family Court of Baton Rouge, 19th Judicial District Court, East Baton Rouge Parish. In this pivotal role, she deepened her understanding of family law from the bench’s perspective, assisting with case management, research, and drafting legal opinions. Her clerkship with Judge Lasalle honed her skills in legal analysis and writing,while offering a front-row seat to the impact that sound legal guidance can have on families intimes of need.
Rhonda’s professional accomplishments are matched by her profound commitment to giving back to her community. For the past 15 years, she has been actively involved in High School Mock Trial, serving as a mentor and coach for aspiring attorneys. As an attorney coach for local high schools for more than three years, she has inspired countless students to pursue careers in law. Her dedication extends beyond the legal arena. Rhonda has been honored to serve as a member—and president—of the Louisiana National Guard Family Support Group for the 256th BSTB in Plaquemine, Louisiana, supporting families during her husband’s two tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her leadership in moments of uncertainty and challenge speaks to her resilience and empathy, qualities she brings to every facet of her life.
kairi lynch,
senior associate attorney
Kairi is a California native that has called Atlanta home since her family relocated at age 18. Kairi is a proud Alumni of Georgia State University College of law Class of 2007. Kairi‘s commitment to serving her community and being an advocate for justice has been the focus of her career, practicing in multiple states; has been licensed in Georgia, Kentucky and Indiana. Kairi’s advocacy in domestic and child welfare litigation has allowed her to serve hundreds of families and children.
Kairi offers her clients a wealth of knowledge, having over 18 years of multi-state licensed legal practice to her credit. In litigation as well as alternative dispute resolution Kairi has shown herself to be an invaluable asset to both her small business and individual clients. As a litigator, she has skillfully handled numerous cases as both Plaintiffs’ and Defense’s counsel. Kairi's expansive legal experience allowed her to operate a general practice law firm that was able to serve the broad needs of both individual and business clients.
Outside of the office Kairi’s focus is family and the family businesses. Kairi was born into a family of entrepreneurs and married one as well. With family owned businesses ranging from transportation to wellness there is never a dull moment at home.
Kairi’s tenacity, wealth of knowledge, commitment to client success, and years of trial experience make her an excellent legal advocate and a practitioner you can depend on.
samantha embry,
senior associate attorney
Samantha Embry is an experienced family law attorney who has built a reputation for thoughtful advocacy, careful preparation, and steady courtroom presence. She represents clients in a wide range of Georgia family law matters and is known for approaching even the most emotionally charged cases with clarity, professionalism, and resolve.
Samantha’s family law experience includes parental abductions, adoptions, legitimation actions, contested and uncontested divorces, and post-judgment matters such as modification and contempt. She regularly handles complex and high-conflict cases.
Before concentrating her work in family law, Samantha developed a strong foundation in complex civil litigation and discovery-intensive cases. That background informs her family law practice today. She is valued for her ability to remain calm under pressure while maintaining a clear and focused voice on behalf of her clients.
Samantha was raised in Alabama and has lived in the Atlanta area since 2011. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Alabama State University and her Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She is a first-generation attorney. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling whenever possible.
michael s. stewart,
senior associate attorney
Michael is a graduate of Kennesaw State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He went on to attend John Marshall Law School in Atlanta earning his J.D. while also serving as Vice Chair of Moot Court. Throughout law school, Michael worked for various firms in the Atlanta-area as well as the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of GA. Since joining Jaffe Family Law, Michael has been no stranger to the courtroom as he has worked with hundreds of clients on their cases fighting for positive results time and time again.
Outside of working as an attorney, Michael works in the theatre industry as well while currently serving as Vice President and adjunct director for the Marietta Theatre Company. Michael also serves as an adjudicator for the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards (Shulers). Michael is very passionate about his love for both theatre and practicing law. He pursues both endeavors vigorously just like he will do for you when you join the Jaffe Family Law team!
LaKeisha T. Gantt,
SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
With over 20 years of legal experience, Attorney LaKeisha T. Gantt has built a reputation for strength in the courtroom, precision in negotiations, and compassion for the families and property owners she serves. Licensed in Georgia since 2005 and admitted to practice before the Georgia Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court, she has dedicated her career to Family Law, Real Estate Law, and Civil Litigation.
LaKeisha’s family law practice is rooted in both legal expertise and lived understanding. She represents clients in divorce, custody, child support, legitimation, modifications, and complex domestic litigation matters with strategic clarity and steady guidance. Known for her direct yet compassionate approach, she helps clients navigate emotionally charged cases with dignity and confidence.
In real estate law, Attorney Gantt brings the same level of excellence to closings, title matters, quiet title actions, heir property issues, contract disputes, and property litigation. Her background in both litigation and transactional work allows her to anticipate challenges before they arise and protect her clients’ interests at every stage.
Before expanding her private practice, LaKeisha made history as the first African American Staff Attorney in the Towaliga Judicial Circuit, serving alongside the Honorable William Fears and gaining invaluable courtroom and judicial insight. She later became the first African American Solicitor for the City of Stockbridge, handling hundreds of municipal cases with professionalism and fairness.
Her government service spans more than a decade. First elected to the Stockbridge City Council in 2013, she is currently serving her fourth term and holds the position of Mayor Pro Tem. She also served as the City’s first Board of Ethics Chair, helping establish foundational ethics policies and procedures. Her leadership has included infrastructure improvements, economic development initiatives, annexations that expanded commercial growth, and oversight roles with both the Downtown Development Authority and Development Authority Board.
Attorney Gantt is a proud member of the Georgia Black Women Attorneys Association, the State Bar of Georgia (Family Law and Real Property sections), the American Bar Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Henry County Bar Association, and Mount Olive Baptist Church.
Beyond the courtroom and council chambers, LaKeisha is most proud of her role as a mother to two amazing daughters. When she is not advocating for clients or serving her community, she enjoys traveling abroad, exploring new cultures, and creating meaningful memories with her girls. She also loves baking as her way to unwind—a reminder that even the strongest advocates appreciate a little sweetness in life.
Attorney LaKeisha T. Gantt leads with experience, serves with integrity, and practices law with both strength and heart.
Alika deal,
associate attorney
Alika is a dedicated family law attorney who represents clients in matters involving child custody, child support, legitimation, and divorce. She is known for her practical approach, strong advocacy, and ability to guide clients through difficult situations with clarity and confidence. Alika brings a well-rounded background to her practice. She previously served as an Associate SAAG representing the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) in juvenile dependency matters, and she has also represented parents in those proceedings. In addition, she has served as a Guardian ad Litem in divorce cases, providing independent recommendations focused on the best interests of the child. These experiences give her a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics from multiple perspectives. Her legal background also includes criminal defense, immigration law, and real estate law. She has assisted clients with family-based and employment-based immigration matters and has handled residential and commercial real estate closings, further strengthening her attention to detail and ability to manage complex legal matters. As a second-generation member of an immigrant family, Alika brings both professional experience and personal understanding to her work with clients from diverse backgrounds. Alika earned her Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Georgia. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia. Outside of her practice, Alika enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Ruthika Reddy, uncontested division director / associate attorney
Ruthika was born in San Diego California, and then moved to Hyderabad, India at the age of 6 where she resided for 17 years. Ruthika received her B.A., L.L.B. from the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) in 2021 and her J.D. from Baylor Law School in 2024. While at NALSAR, Ruthika was a member of the Board of Editors of the Environmental Law and Practice Review and avidly participated in a number of Mediation and Client Counselling competitions. However, it was her experience at Baylor that strengthened her desire to practice Family Law and encouraged her desire to appear in Court. She wishes to assist families in a time that can be emotionally taxing and provide effective and fair representation to her clients. In her free time, Ruthika enjoys reading (and complaining) about books and painting.
cameron smith, associate attorney
Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia and raised in Ewing, New Jersey, Cameron Smith has had a lifelong passion for social justice and for helping others. Graduating with a bachelors degree in American studies and government from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, where he was a member of student government as well as various a cappella and theater groups, Cameron went straight into law school after graduating.
Cameron went on to earn his JD from the University of Fordham School of Law in Manhattan, New York. In law school, Cameron served as the diversity, equity and inclusion editor for his school’s trial advocacy team, in addition to lending his skills to various criminal defense, housing defense, and family defense positions. Cameron has always known that he’s always wanted to stand up for themselves, civil rights, criminal defense and family law above all else.
claire van norman,
associate attorney
Claire brings a strong commitment to advocacy and client-centered problem solving. A recent graduate of Georgia State University’s college of law, Claire earned a certificate in Public Interest Law & Policy and was recognized with the school’s highest distinction for pro bono service.
While in law school, Claire worked as a mediator in the landlord tenant courts in Fulton and DeKalb County, gaining hands-on experience resolving disputes with empathy and efficiency. She previously earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Georgia, graduating cum laude, and spent a semester in Washington, D.C. working as an intern.
Originally from Cumming, Georgia, Claire is passionate about serving families in her home state with dedication and care. In her free time, you can find her practicing yoga or taking long walks in Atlanta’s parks.
Kyla arnold,
associate attorney
Kyla Arnold brings a strong commitment to advocacy, clear communication, and compassionate client service. As an Associate Attorney at Jaffe Family Law, she is dedicated to guiding clients through sensitive family law matters with professionalism, empathy, and strategic focus. A graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Kyla earned her Juris Doctor in 2025 and focused her legal education on family law and advocacy. While in law school, she served on the school’s Advocacy Board as Moot Court Director and was honored with the Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy, experiences that strengthened her litigation, research, and oral advocacy skills.
Kyla previously earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, cum laude, from Georgia State University in 2022. Originally from Buffalo, New York, and raised in Georgia, she is passionate about serving families throughout the state with dedication and care. In her free time, Kyla enjoys writing and other creative pursuits.
jammie shaw, director of operations
Jammie Shaw serves as the Director of Operations at Jaffe Law, where she brings more than a decade of experience driving operational excellence, client success, and team performance within the firm’s high-volume legal environment. She is especially skilled in optimizing and scaling firm activities, ensuring each function operates efficiently while working cohesively toward the firm’s overall goals. Jammie is also known for intentionally building a strong firm culture by creating environments where teams feel supported, aligned, and empowered to perform at a high level.
Before joining Jaffe Law, Jammie has served as a Vice President for an international legal staffing company, where she supported the development, onboarding, and success of legal support professionals. Her leadership spans workflow design, CRM and CMS implementation, strategic planning, vendor management, sales, marketing, intake, client onboarding, cross-departmental team management and billing — all with a strong focus on delivering an exceptional client experience while supporting attorneys so they can remain focused on advocacy.
Jammie held senior operations roles which were strengthened by her training in the Entrepreneurial Operating Systems (EOS) program.
Outside the office, Jammie is deeply involved in community engagement activities and women’s empowerment initiatives. She is also a Notary Public for the State of Georgia. When she is not optimizing operations, she enjoys all team sports and values time with family, colleagues and friends both in and out of the workplace.
Bruce Williams,
paralegal team director
Bruce brings more than 15 years of experience supporting complex litigation, regulatory investigations, and high-stakes legal matters. As Paralegal Team Director, he oversees the firm’s case workflow and paralegal team, helping ensure matters progress efficiently from intake through trial preparation.
Bruce previously supported enforcement attorneys within the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Enforcement Division and worked on white-collar investigations with the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division. Known for his leadership, organization, and attention to detail, he plays a key role in supporting attorneys and maintaining the firm’s high standards of client service.
He holds an MBA from American Intercontinental University, a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, and a Paralegal Certificate from Emory University. Outside of work, Bruce enjoys traveling, music, and spending time with friends and family.
antonio pirela,
client care Director
Antonio Pirela is the Client Care Director at Jaffe Family Law, where he plays a vital role in both client acquisition and delivering exceptional service. With a background as an attorney in Venezuela, Antonio brings a unique global perspective to his work, focusing on providing clients with personalized, high-quality solutions that align with their specific needs.
In his role, Antonio is responsible for guiding the firm’s client care strategy and overseeing client relationships from initial contact through the resolution of their legal matters. He works closely with prospective clients, ensuring they receive the highest level of attention and care, and expertly managing their expectations throughout their legal journey.
Antonio’s experience with cross-border legal matters and his fluency in both Spanish and English allow him to effectively serve a diverse range of clients. He fosters strong, lasting relationships built on trust, communication, and a deep understanding of each client’s individual circumstances.
As a key member of Jaffe Family Law’s leadership team, Antonio is committed to continuously enhancing the firm’s client service processes and ensuring that every client interaction reflects the firm’s core values of professionalism, empathy, and excellence.
jennifer simpson,
billing director
Jennifer is a military brat which awarded her the opportunity to live in several places over the years before her family settled in Florida where she attended Florida State University. After moving to the Atlanta area, she joined the firm as Billing Coordinator in January of 2022. She has a well-rounded background in management, the culinary arts and veterinary medicine. When not working she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband and their two dogs.
savanna taylor,
client care specialist
Savanna Taylor comes with a strong background in client advocacy, professional consulting, and high-level sales strategy. She brings a rare combination of warmth, skill, and precision to every conversation. She has spent over 18 years in professional consulting, healthcare staffing, and real estate advisory roles, where she built a reputation for listening deeply, understanding client needs quickly, and creating streamlined pathways to solutions. Her ability to make clients feel supported, informed, and confident is at the center of her work.
Savanna is passionate about being a resource for individuals during stressful or uncertain times, and she prides herself on delivering a reassuring, concierge-level experience from the very first conversation.
Outside of work, she is a mom and a wife, a real estate professional, and a lifelong learner. She enjoys building community, empowering women, and living a life filled with gratitude, balance, and purpose.
joshua grossberg, client care specialist
Joshua Grossberg brings a background in storytelling, communication, and empathy to his role at Jaffe Family Law. An Emmy-winning producer and journalist, Joshua has years of experience interviewing and guiding people through pivotal life moments. He is passionate about ensuring clients feel truly heard and supported from their very first conversation.
An Atlanta native, Joshua graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, with a bachelor’s degree in Radio/TV/Film and earned an M.A. in Liberal Studies from the City University of New York Graduate Center.
His background in film and media has honed his ability to listen deeply, communicate clearly, and connect authentically—skills he now applies to helping families navigate times of change with confidence and clarity. At Jaffe Family Law, Joshua focuses on welcoming new clients, understanding their needs, and ensuring every interaction reflects the firm’s hallmark of warmth, professionalism, and genuine care.
Outside of work, Joshua enjoys filmmaking, traveling, and exploring creative projects that inspire connection and hope.
patricia atkinson,
senior paralegal
Patricia Atkinson is an accomplished paralegal with over 25 years of experience across both private and government sectors. She specializes in discovery review and client care support, combining meticulous attention to detail with a client-centered approach. Patricia is highly skilled in managing complex case materials while providing clear, supportive communication with clients, ensuring efficiency and confidence throughout the legal process. Her professionalism, reliability, and depth of experience make her a valuable asset to any legal team.
makana williams, senior paralegal
Makana has 5 years of litigation paralegal experience supporting attorneys in family law and personal injury, plaintiff and defense. She received her paralegal certificate from the University of Georgia in 2013.
She is currently attending Western Governors University to obtain her bachelor’s in Business Management and plans on attending law school to become an attorney.
rachel macon,
senior paralegal
A graduate of Emory University, Rachel calls Atlanta home even though she has lived all over the world: namely, France, Spain, Japan, the Dominican Republic and more. She loves learning new languages and cultures.
After graduating Law School in Miami, from St. Thomas University School of Law, she opened up her law practice in Mobile, Alabama where she was a trial attorney for five years, practicing mostly Family Law and Criminal Defense. She was affectionately called “the bulldog” in Court, for zealously representing her clients.
Wanting to be closer to family, she closed her practice in 2016 and moved back to Atlanta.
Chestina dawkins,
paralegal
Chestina Dawkins is a seasoned paralegal with 19 years of diverse legal experience spanning family law, juvenile law, bankruptcy, probate and estate matters, criminal defense, and personal injury.
Currently focusing her skills in family and juvenile law, she brings a compassionate yet detail-driven approach to every case, ensuring clients feel supported while their legal matters are handled with precision.
A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Chestina served 10 years in the military, where she cultivated discipline, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
Chestina is known for her ability to navigate complex legal challenges with professionalism and empathy, fostering trust with clients and colleagues alike. Her unique blend of legal expertise, military discipline, and genuine care makes her an invaluable asset to the legal teams she serves.
varsha tellapur,
paralegal
Varsha was born in New Jersey and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She has always been enthusiastic about helping people and took to Family Law, steered by a passion for justice and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the legal world. As a dedicated and detail-oriented paralegal, she is committed to providing comprehensive support to attorneys and clients alike. Fluent in Hindi and Telugu, she is continuously seeking opportunities for professional growth and development to better serve the needs of our clients and contribute to the success of our legal team.
SANDRA OCOLA ROSALES,
PARALEGAL
Sandra was born and raised in Lima, Peru. Sandra moved to the United States in 2014 and graduated with her Criminal Justice degree at Georgia State University in 2024. Aspiring to further her education, Sandra plans to attend law school and specialize in Family Law, where she hopes to advocate for families in need and help individuals navigate complex family legal matters. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she is committed to serving a diverse clientele, ensuring that language is not a barrier to quality legal assistance. Outside the office, Sandra loves karaoke and spending time with family and friends.
adriana diaz, paralegal
Adriana Diaz is a certified paralegal from Venezuela with a background in case management, intake, and legal . Fluent in both English and Spanish, she enjoys helping clients feel understood and supported throughout the legal process. Outside of the office, Adriana stays active and creative by taking circus arts classes—proving she’s just as skilled at juggling responsibilities as she is at balancing on the trapeze.
Itzel F. Trimmer,
paralegal
Itzel F. Trimmer was born in Mexico City and moved to Atlanta in 2016. She earned her Law degree from the Universidad de España y México and is fluent in Spanish, English, and French.
She has a warm, approachable way of working and pays close attention to detail, while keeping communication clear and easy to understand. Itzel enjoys working closely with clients and helping them feel supported and informed, especially during challenging moments.
She also studied fashion design in Paris, a chapter of her life that strengthened her creativity and eye for detail. Itzel is currently working toward the revalidation of her legal credentials in the United States. Outside of work, she values time with her son and finds balance through music.
Andrea de oliveira,
paralegal
Andrea de Oliveira is a bilingual paralegal originally from Venezuela with a strong legal background. She enjoys supporting attorneys and guiding clients through the legal process, always taking the time to help them feel comfortable, informed, and truly supported along the way. Known for her organization and attention to detail, Andrea is fluent in both English and Spanish and values clear, compassionate communication. Outside of work, Andrea is a proud mom of two who loves spending time with her family, staying active, reading, dancing, and attending concerts.
ERICA JIMENEZ,
PARALEGAL
Erica Jimenez is a paralegal with a background in litigation and a growing focus on family law. She earned her degree in Criminal Justice from Kennesaw State University, where she developed a strong foundation in legal procedures and case analysis. Erica has experience drafting legal documents, managing case files, and supporting attorneys throughout the litigation process.
Bilingual in Spanish and English, she enjoys assisting Spanish-speaking clients and helping ensure clear communication throughout the legal process. She values professionalism, compassion, and continuous learning as she continues to expand her experience in family law. Outside of work, Erica enjoys spending time with family, visiting South Georgia, and appreciating her animals and the outdoors, along with cheering on the Falcons and the Braves.
t’yanna hudgins,
intake specialist
As an Intake Specialist, T’yanna serves as the first connection between clients and legal representation. She carefully evaluates new case inquiries, collects essential documentation, and ensures each client feels heard and understood. With strong communication skills and attention to detail, she helps set the foundation for successful legal outcomes.
Yanais olguin,
receptionist
Yanais Olguin was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. She aspires to obtain her Bachelor's in Political Science. She brings to the firm five years of customer service and administrative experience. She loves to travel and spend time with family and friends.