Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Kelly.
Cheryl, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Looking back, I’ve always felt most valuable when I was helping others, and I’ve always been an advocate and a problem solver. But, truthfully, my initial reasons for wanting to be an attorney were not altruistic. Simply put, I did not want to struggle financially and I thought would provide a good living. As a child, I had not been exposed to many careers. As far as I knew, rich people were either doctors or lawyers. So, at 18 years old, I chose to explore the legal field.
Since then, my experiences with people all over the world, family, friends, artists, classmates, and of course clients have helped me to develop a sense of purpose in the law. The law has allowed me to combine my passion for people and problem solving, while also expressing my creativity and maintaining my individuality. The legal field often expects and encourages us to look and behave a certain way. I love to show aspiring attorneys (like my brilliant Law Clerk, Alexis Herring) that you do not have to lose yourself to be in this profession. You can be yourself, and be authentic, and also be a great attorney.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wouldn’t be where I am, and more importantly, WHO I am, today without the challenges I have experienced along the way. I worked multiple jobs in college, and in law school. As a transplant from Virginia, I had very few family members and friends in Georgia when I began law school, a time when a support system is important. Law school itself was challenging, especially after I had taken a four-year hiatus after college. My mother, who lived in Virginia, was diagnosed with breast cancer in my first year of law school. I was as active as possible in her care and she won her battle after surgery and chemotherapy. I had typical financially struggles of a law student and young lawyer. However, I’ve been blessed to have a great career thus far. With each struggle, I’ve become more strategic, more understanding, more resilient, and better equipped to help my clients. I see my challenges as a preparation rather than struggles.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the C. Kelly Law, LLC. story. Tell us more about it.
I own a law firm in Atlanta, Georgia called C. Kelly Law, LLC. We handle family law matters, like divorce, child custody, child support, legitimations, and adoptions. One of the most popular types of family law cases we handle is legitimation which is the legal process that unmarried fathers must complete to obtain legal and physical custody rights to their children. We also represent people who are injured by others in auto accidents. We help injured people navigate the medical treatment and insurance claims process and help them receive compensation for their injuries. Additionally, we represent creative individuals and businesses in the entertainment industry. We are known for providing knowledgeable, skilled and compassionate legal service.
I am most proud that our firm has helped countless deserving parents, both fathers, and mothers, obtain and protect legal rights to their children. Authenticity, compassion, innovative ideas, and integrity set me and this Firm apart from others. These are the characteristics I believe are the key to being an effective legal advocate.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Laws are constantly changing, as we’ve seen with current shifts, like abortion laws, natural hair discrimination laws, and immigration policies. In Georgia specifically, I’m happy we’re starting to see a more diverse judiciary outside of just the urban counties. Of course, we should all be paying attention to the abortion laws, and how they will affect other laws in Georgia, like child support. I would love to see the trend of more meaningful and active political engagement, as well as more diversity in political engagement and in legal careers. I think we are starting to see that the only way to be sure your interests are protected by the law, is to be a part of the political and legal process. That is motivating more people to become involved.
Pricing:
- Family Law Consultation: $150.00
- Personal Injury Consultation: FREE
Contact Info:
- Address: 2625 Piedmont Road, NE
Suite 56-476
Atlanta, Georgia 30324 - Website: www.ckellyfirm.com
- Phone: 678-831-5100
- Email: ck@ckellyfirm.com
- Instagram: @ckellylawfirm
- Facebook: facebook.com/ckellylaw
Image Credit:
Sylvester Frederick of Sly View Photography, Alexis Herring
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