Our Team

Joi Fairell: A Story of Purpose, Passion & Excellence

By Joi Fairell, Founder & Managing Attorney

As a child, in my generation the “go to” answer when asked what you wanted to be when you grew up was always a doctor or a lawyer. I had settled in my kid-like mind that I would be a doctor. I never knew a doctor nor had I ever looked into what it took to be a doctor until I actually got to college. It was then that I realized I wanted nothing to do with being a doctor, after all I hated math and the thought of blood was nauseating. By the time I finished my freshman year at Georgia Southern University, I had changed my major from pre-medicine to undeclared. I really did not know what to do. I had my mind set on doing something in broadcasting or journalism but the thought of that career did not move my soul.

As I started my sophomore year I was getting concerned that I did not have a plan for my life. It was then that I sought out God’s guidance. I decided that I would be silent until God ordered my steps for what was next. The entire first semester went by and nothing sparked my soul. One Saturday morning, I got a random phone call from a distant family friend.

We chatted very briefly but in that conversation he said something about me being called to be a Lawyer. I remember turning my nose up to the thought of wanting to be what everyone wanted to be. As a child that was expected but I was an adult now. I liked to be different, I was a born leader not a follower.

I prayed about this whole Lawyer revelation a few more weeks and God just kept confirming that this was it, this is what he was calling me to do. I knew it was right and from God because I felt a big tingle in my heart. I only had one really big problem. I needed to find out how someone becomes a Lawyer! I had never even met a Lawyer. I literally started with a google search “how to become a lawyer.”

I took notes on what it took and it was going to take a lot! Especially from someone who needed to be applying to law school in less than 18 months. I quickly learned that there were zero resources on my college campus for black students who wanted to be lawyers. Instead of being defeated by a lack of resources, I set out to create a resource so that anyone like me would have a fighting chance to try to succeed.

I worked tirelessly to help start up the first undergraduate chapter of the Black Law Students Association, which was traditionally an organization for students already enrolled in law school. I recruited members to join and it was my souls desire to guide them to their dreams. I arranged law school tours, information sessions, test preparation seminars, you name it and I did it. What I developed became a multi award winning organization that dozens and dozens of undergraduate institutions have followed.

While working diligently to help others reach their dream, I of course was on a fast track to my dreams. I knew the statics of black women being accepted into top ranked law schools, the odds were low. That did not stop me, I applied to my dream school. The University of Georgia School of Law, a tier 1 ranked institution. I got in. The day I got my acceptance letter, February 13, 2007 I was convinced that God had his favor on my life. I had beat the odds.

The next struggle arose in law school. It is one thing to get to law school but you have to survive, graduate and pass the bar exam too. I did all that thanks to God’s grace by the age of 25. I was such a young and eager lawyer, ready to make a difference in the world. I was so excited. I had a job offer that I accepted with decent pay. What could go wrong? Well, Everything.

I have always been a person with extremely high standards and expectations. What most people consider above average, I consider below average. Needless to say, I had major expectations on my first job. When I arrived at my first day of work, my office was not even ready. I did not have a desk or a computer. How was I supposed to work…didn’t they know I was starting today? These thoughts crossed my mind over and over. For several months, I used my personal computer and a tiny card table as a desk while waiting to get my office set up. No big deal, I guess but if this is how staff was treated, how were the clients treated? I started meeting with prospective clients sitting in with my managing attorney. I would take detailed notes. The prospective client would hire the firm. However, when they walked away the only work was done on their case was the effort exerted to take their check to the bank for deposit.

I would reference my notes, look over all the things that were promised and keep wondering when we would get started. Over and over I would witness lies being told, I would see undue delay, I would see cases not being filed for weeks and sometimes months. I would see the client calls constantly being ignored or avoided once the paralegal ran out of excuses to tell them about the status of their case. After all there wasn’t an update to give. I certainly thought that malpractice was being committed but the more I looked into other firms I noticed that slow moving cases, ignoring clients and charging a bunch of money for poor treatment and service wasn’t malpractice, it was a common practice. I did not know how much more I could take.

My life changing moment came after I had met with a client that came to see us for grandparent custody after her daughter had died. The grandmother had raised the child for several years and the child’s father was not in his life and had never filed custody papers. The grandmother had come to see us to file for official custody rights to make sure she never had to worry about the biological father coming to take the child away. She had promised her daughter that she would always take care of the child. She was given reassurance that she had done the right thing. The father didn’t have any rights, he hadn’t been in the child’s life at all and we could beat him to the punch and easily to show the courts that he was non-existent in the life of the child.

That client walked out that day with a false confidence. After she left her file got tossed in the “to do” pile and her check went to the bank. For a period of four months she was lead to believe that progress was happening on her case, when really it was not even filed yet. On November 4, 2011 the client stopped by the office in tears with custody papers she had been served with from the biological father. He was pursuing sole custody and had been granted an emergency hearing to have the child handed over to him. My heart broke that day.

On November 7, 2011 I submitted my notice of resignation. I was no longer going to be part of something that I deemed subpar, unethical and inefficient. This common practice of poor lawyering would not become instilled in me. By this time I could feel God’s tug all over me. He was calling me to more. He was ordering me to birth The Fairell Firm, so I did.

My firm would be so different from all the other firms. I would become the lawyer I wanted to be, the lawyer God called me to be. I developed a firm that was founded on core values. Service, knowledge, quality and results were the key development points. No longer would my clients experience poor customer service. Service was a number one priority, me and my team were dedicated to creating positive experiences for our clients by showing them empathy and respect. We were dedicated to being the most knowledgeable in a court room. We committed to staying on top of new and developing case law. We ensured that all representation was quality representation and not just doing things the average way. Lastly, we became focused on getting results and getting them quickly. These principals have made all the difference in the world. I am finally the lawyer I was called to be.

I no longer have to avoid client phone calls. I now have lasting relationships with clients. Clients are never uninformed by what is happening in their case, I have software in place that creates a client portal for every client to be able to log in and see what is going on with their case. There are no more of the tired, antiquated methods that most every other law firm lives by. The Fairell Firm is changing the practice of law to a standard of excellence.

Shaneah Jenkins

Attorney

From the time I was in middle school I knew I wanted to be a lawyer when I grew up. My childhood best friend's father was a criminal defense attorney and inspired me greatly. Being able to hear his fascinating stories, see his passion for his work and the impact he made on his clients made me want that for myself. However, I had no idea at that age what it really took to get there. Fast forward to high school, I started to question whether being a lawyer was really for me. I couldn’t wait to graduate and dreaded the idea of being in school for 7 more years. After high school, due to financial issues, I decided to take a semester off to work and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. During that time both my paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather passed away showing me that life is too short, and I decided to start my journey to become an attorney. After studying hard, having sleepless nights and multiple breakdowns, I did just that in 2017 when I passed both the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Bar Exams. 

While in both undergraduate and law school, I had the opportunity to work in a civil law firm. Although this was confirmation that I was meant to be a lawyer I realized that working for big banks and corporations provided me with very little satisfaction and enjoyment. After a year of being an attorney, I decided to relocate from Boston to Atlanta to pursue my career as a criminal prosecutor. After working around the clock for  years, I realized my passion was for litigation and helping people not necessarily for criminal prosecution. By coincidence,  I met Attorney Joi Fairell and her family, and she told me about her firm. After meeting her I researched The Fairell Firm and hoped that one day I would be fortunate enough to work for her. After a few months passed, while searching for a new position I came across an attorney posting for the Fairell Firm. After going back and looking at it every day for at least a week I decided to take a leap of faith and apply, and I was fortunate enough to be chosen for an interview.

While preparing for the interview I hoped that I made a positive impression on Attorney Fairell and that she would remember me. Sure enough, she did and I was offered a position as an Associate Attorney. After hearing about the great work that The Fairell Firm does in the courtroom, the family atmosphere, and the innovativeness I accepted her offer without hesitation. I now know first hand that all the great things I heard about the firm are indeed true.  I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a great team who truly go above and beyond to provide excellent service for our clients and a family atmosphere for the staff members.

Alexa Callaway

Attorney

Alexa Callaway is an Associate Attorney at The Fairell Firm, where she practices exclusively in the area of family law. Her passion for the legal profession began at an early age, knowing as early as sixth grade that she wanted to become an attorney. Before ever stepping into a law school classroom, Alexa was introduced to family law through the guidance of a mentor, an experience that would shape the foundation of her approach to advocacy and client care.

Alexa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Georgia State University before attending John Marshall Law School. While pursuing her legal education, she worked full time, balancing the demands of work, school, and family responsibilities with determination and discipline. Her hard work and perseverance earned her the Outstanding Graduate Award upon graduation.

Through her personal and professional experiences, Alexa understands that family law clients are often navigating some of the most emotionally difficult seasons of their lives. She approaches each case with honesty, compassion, and a genuine investment in helping clients move toward a stronger future. As a mother of two, Alexa brings both empathy and perspective to her practice, recognizing the importance of steady guidance and thoughtful advocacy during times of uncertainty.

Alexa is proud to be part of The Fairell Firm and values being part of a team that leads with both excellence and heart.

Breona Ward 

Attorney

Breona Ward joined The Fairell Firm in 2025 and is dedicated to serving the full range of our family law clients’ needs with professionalism, compassion, and strategic insight. She brings a strong background in litigation and has experience handling a variety of family law matters, including divorce, custody, legitimation, child support, and modifications.

Attorney Ward’s knowledge of both courtroom advocacy and practical case management allows her to guide clients through emotionally challenging situations with clarity and confidence. She is committed to thorough preparation, effective communication, and achieving favorable outcomes for every client she represents.

Shanna Diamond

Of Counsel and Mediator

In the journey of our lives, there are people, events, and circumstances that shape who we are and who we are destined to be.  It is these things that awaken the beasts in us, show us what we’re made of, and lead us to our passions.  Even in the instances when we lose our way, we always can be lead back to home.

In the year 1995, I met Clair Huxtable.  She was a strong, beautiful, intelligent, hard working woman and mother.  Claire was an attorney who juggled a successful career with family life effortlessly.  I wanted to be her.  I admired her strength and intelligence.  She was the first attorney I’d ever known of.  Of course she was a fictional character on the television series, “The Cosby Show”, but my eyes lit up whenever I saw her.  I soaked in everything she did and knew that was the kind of woman I wanted to be.  From then on every time I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was easy: “a lawyer”.  Every career day my mother had me dressed in my best business suit with my toy briefcase in tow, and you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t a lawyer!

In 2007, I met a small but mighty judge in my hometown of Albany, GA.  I began working in his private practice office as an intern while I completed my undergraduate degree.  I worked diligently and learned as much as I could.  I gained working knowledge of the practice of criminal law, family law, and personal injury.  This judge noticed my drive, perseverance, and work ethic and became my mentor.  When the time was right, I was hired as a legal assistant.  I worked my way up the chain, and at one point, was the sole employee handling everything from office management to paralegal duties all alone.  I am still to date his highest paid legal assistant in the history of his practice, due to my hard work and negotiating skills.

I left the judge’s office after completing my master’s degree to strike out on my own as a business owner.  I created my own corporation, established a business, and worked it well, all while maintaining a household and raising a son.  During the course of these years, life happened.  My then marriage fell apart, my second son was stillborn, and my financial stability suffered greatly in the wake of divorce and medical expenses.

Throughout it all, I continued to fight.  I refused to give up.  I became a woman surviving: handling a household, raising a son, running a business, battling foreclosure, and working to provide….all alone.  And I emerged victorious.

In 2014, I had the privilege of being reintroduced to my first passion.  I received a phone call and was asked to come back to the judge’s law office to help run the practice and get it back in shape.  As I stepped foot back in that office, began working with my mentor again, and began engaging with clients again…. the fire in me was rekindled.  I realized what my passion was and what I was built for.  My heart was back at home.  I enrolled in law school, packed up my belongings, and my son and I were off to begin the life we were destined to live.  During my law school tenure, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to obtain my mediation certification.

I believe I was destined to be an attorney.  I was created to help others and be an advocate for justice.  I was shaped and formed in power and humility.  Because I’m a boy mom, to put it in Spider Man’s words, “with great power comes great responsibility.”  After having walked through the fire in my own personal life, having felt for myself what the heat of the flames feel like, I am uniquely positioned to help my clients make it through their own fires.  It is my duty to do for others as some have done for me, with compassion, understanding, and a fight that just won’t quit.  My goal is to walk with my clients through the fire and encourage them that life does not end where you are.  I encourage my clients that your best life is yet to be lived.  How do I know?  I’ve lived it.

I am a fighter, an overcomer, and a conqueror.  Becoming an attorney has given me the ability to change lives, empower, help heal brokenness, and help rebuild futures.  Advocating for clients and caring for people are my ministries.  I chose long ago to dedicate my life to service as my mother, grandmother, and aunts have done before me.  I am blessed that my journey has ultimately led me to meet Joi Fairell and become a part of the Fairell Firm family where all team members share the same values, work ethic, and passion for people.  We have all dedicated our lives to the service of others, and have committed to do so excellently.

Hannah Alexander

Director of Legal Operations

My journey with The Fairell Firm began in a way I never could have imagined. I didn't come to the firm looking for a job. I came looking for an attorney.



Growing up in a military family and experiencing the challenges of divorce and interstate custody arrangements as a child gave me an early understanding of how deeply family law matters affect the people involved, especially children. I learned firsthand that custody disputes are about much more than legal documents and court dates. They involve real families, real emotions, and decisions that can shape a child's life.

Years later, while pursuing my paralegal education, I found myself helping my then-boyfriend navigate a custody dispute involving his daughter. Frustrated with the progress of his case, we began searching for new legal representation. One of my professors highly recommended The Fairell Firm.

I walked into the office seeking legal representation for his case and left having made an impression I didn't even realize I was making. The very next day, I received a phone call offering me an internship.

In 2016, at just 19 years old, I joined The Fairell Firm. What began as an unexpected opportunity became the foundation of my professional career.

Over the years, I have grown from intern to paralegal, into management, and ultimately into firm leadership. Working directly alongside Attorney Joi Fairell, I gained invaluable experience in litigation support, case management, court procedures, and the business of operating a successful law firm.

Along the way, I discovered another passion: building the systems, developing the people, and creating the processes that allow a law firm to operate at its best.

I learned that exceptional legal representation requires more than talented attorneys. It requires an entire team working with purpose, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Today, as Director of Legal Operations, I oversee the firm's daily administrative operations, lead and develop our support staff, and work closely with Attorney Fairell to strengthen the systems and processes that support our attorneys and the clients we serve.

I take particular pride in solving problems, improving efficiency, and helping create an environment where our team has the resources and support necessary to deliver an exceptional client experience.

I didn't just watch The Fairell Firm grow. I had the privilege of growing with it and helping build the organization it is today.

After more than a decade with the firm, I remain passionate about our mission and the families we serve. My experiences have shaped my understanding of how important it is for families to feel supported, informed, and respected throughout the legal process.

Becoming a mother myself in 2025 has only deepened that perspective. I understand even more personally that behind every family law case are people navigating decisions that can impact their lives and their children's futures.

Outside the office, my favorite role is being a wife and mother. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Kyle, our son, Alder, and our dogs, Kona and Kash. Although my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian took a different direction, my love for animals never faded. I especially enjoy birdwatching, reading, spending time outdoors, and learning something new whenever I have the opportunity.

Benjamin Delija

For as long as I can remember, I have been helping people navigate complicated situations. Long before I ever considered a career in the legal profession, I learned that having someone you can trust to help you understand an unfamiliar process can make all the difference in the world.

My story began during the civil war surrounding the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia. My family immigrated to the United States with little more than a suitcase each and the hope of building a better future. Growing up in a Bosnian immigrant family taught me the importance of resilience, sacrifice, and community.

While other children spent their afternoons playing outside, I was often translating immigration paperwork, bank documents, and other important records for my parents. By the age of eight, I was helping write checks and navigate tax paperwork. Although I didn't fully appreciate it at the time, those experiences taught me responsibility and showed me how empowering it can be to help someone find their way through an unfamiliar system.

As I grew older, I realized that my desire to help others extended far beyond my own family.

During my senior year at Georgia State University, I began interning with the Georgia Division of Child Support Services (DCSS). What started as an internship grew into a career in public service, and I eventually became the office manager of one of the largest child support offices in the state.

For five years, I worked to improve operations and help families navigate a system that could often feel complicated, frustrating, and overwhelming. That experience taught me that people don't simply need answers. They need someone who will listen, communicate clearly, and help them understand what comes next.

After transitioning into the private sector and gaining experience as a corporate paralegal, I joined The Fairell Firm in 2022. I was drawn to the firm's commitment to excellence and its belief that exceptional client service should be at the center of the legal experience.

Today, as Director of Client Engagement, I help lead the firm's efforts to create a positive and supportive experience for individuals and families seeking legal representation. From the first interaction with our firm, my focus is on ensuring that prospective clients feel heard,

respected, and informed as they navigate the process of obtaining legal assistance.

I understand that most people don't contact a family law firm because everything in their lives is going according to plan. They come to us during moments of uncertainty, frustration, and sometimes fear. How we respond in those first interactions matters.

My goal is to make sure that before someone ever becomes a client of The Fairell Firm, they already understand what it means to be treated with care, professionalism, and respect.

My leadership philosophy is rooted in communication, accountability, and the belief that every interaction is an opportunity to build trust. I take pride in helping our team strengthen the client experience, remove unnecessary barriers, and uphold the standards that distinguish The Fairell Firm.

Outside the office, I enjoy soccer, tennis, and just about anything that involves a little healthy competition. Sports have taught me the value of preparation, teamwork, discipline, and knowing how to respond when things don't go as planned. Whether on the field, on the court, or in the office, I believe there is always an opportunity to learn, improve, and perform at a higher level.

Looking back, I recognize that the eight-year-old boy helping his parents navigate life in a new country was developing the very skills that would eventually shape his career.

My circumstances have changed, but my purpose has remained remarkably consistent.



I believe knowledge is most valuable when it is used to help others. And I believe leadership is measured not simply by what we accomplish, but by the difference we make in the lives of the people we serve.

Thomas Brown

Meet Thomas, Intake Coordinator at The Fairell Firm. As one of the first points of contact for prospective clients, Thomas plays an important role in helping individuals and families feel supported and informed from the very beginning of the legal process. He assists with scheduling consultations, client follow-up, onboarding, and ensuring that potential clients are connected with the resources and guidance they need as efficiently as possible.

Originally from Lexington, Thomas learned the value of hard work, community, and self-reliance at an early age. Sports have always been a major part of his life, particularly soccer, which has remained a lifelong passion. Through athletics, he developed the discipline, teamwork, and ability to stay focused under pressure that now serve him well in his professional role. Thomas attended Centre College, where he earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree. His academic experience strengthened his critical thinking skills and deepened his interest in helping people navigate challenging situations with confidence and clarity.

Outside of the office, Thomas enjoys acting on screen, playing soccer, and weightlifting. He is passionate about personal growth and brings energy, professionalism, and a people-first mindset to his work each day at The Fairell Firm.

Patti Reed

Patti Reed has been a valued member of The Fairell Firm for many years and is also the mother of our founding attorney, Joi Fairell. As the first voice clients and potential clients hear when they call, Patti embodies the warmth, professionalism, and care that define our firm.

With deep familiarity with our processes and the day-to-day needs of the practice, Patti brings a wealth of knowledge and unwavering support to the team. She assists the firm on a flexible basis and is always ready to step in wherever needed, ensuring every caller receives attentive and compassionate guidance from the very start.

Patti’s dedication, reliability, and genuine kindness make her an essential part of the Fairell Firm family and a comforting presence for all who contact our office.