THE TEAM
adam s jaffe,
owner
Over the past 23 years, Adam has become the elite of Atlanta and Georgia trial lawyers and litigators. Adam has won major cases in every single area of his Civil and Criminal Trial Practice in Georgia. He has dominated Atlanta and Georgia Courtrooms in the most complex national custody cases to million dollar verdicts to beating the Federal Government in criminal trials. 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, prenuptial agreements, mediation, LGBT family rights, division of property, contempt, alimony and spousal support. His past experience, which enhanced his courtroom skills, includes simple and catastrophic auto accidents & personal injury, major medical malpractice, simple and complex criminal defense, and breach of contract. During his 20 year career, Adam has litigated, tried, settled and won thousands of cases to conclusion in Federal, Superior, State and Magistrate courts (both statewide and nationally). With his past jury verdict in the amount of $1,060,000.00, Adam achieved elite status as one of the few lawyers in the State of Georgia who has won major trials in all of his areas of both civil and criminal trial practice.
Adam obtained his J.D. from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans. There, he was President of the Loyola Law School Board of Advocates and was a member of the National Trial Team, where he won the first championship in Loyola Law school history. He also coached and won with the Association of Trial Lawyers of America trial team, and the Louisiana State Bar Trial Team, where he was named champion.
Adam was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He obtained a B.A. in Rhetoric at the University of Georgia. There, he advocated as counsel for the UGA Defender-Advocate Society, where his talent was highly recognized and rewarded. Adam was also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa (an elite national leadership honor society) and Leadership UGA (top student leaders). During his studies he was named a Richard B. Russell Leadership Fellow.
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!
Janay Robinson, partner
Janay Robinson has dedicated her life to family law. She is one of the top trial litigators at the firm and has practiced in over 50 counties in Georgia. She prides herself in being honest, ethical, and the most zealous advocate for her clients. Her current practice areas include all simple and complex Georgia Family Law matters including but not limited to divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, modifications, paternity, LGBT family rights, division of property, contempt, alimony, temporary protective order prosecution and defense. Janay provides empathetic and aggressive representation in and out of the courtroom, and prioritizes obtaining the best outcomes for all her clients in their most difficult situations. Janay has been in hundreds of hearings and mediations, and understands the intricacies of this complex process. Janay is extremely devoted to fervently and bilingually advocating for her clients throughout their entire case with Jaffe Family Law in both Spanish and English.
Janay is originally from Pittsburgh, PA but grew up mostly in the Western suburbs of Chicago, IL. She earned a B.A. in Sociology, and minored in both Spanish for the Legal Professions, and Social and Economic Justice at theUniversity of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, while being captain of the Collegiate Mock Trial Team. She earned her J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and specialized in Family Law. While in law school, she clerked with an 11th Circuit Federal District Court Judge, the Florida Department of Children & Families, and a highly renowned family law litigator in Alpharetta, as well as participating in Mock Trial, Moot Court, and the Black Law Student Association. She also tried both Family Law and Juvenile cases as a Student Attorney of the Minnesota Child Advocacy & Juvenile Justice Clinic.
courtney shelton,
senior associate
Courtney Shelton is a graduate of Spelman College, earning a degree in Political Science. During her time at Spelman, she was a Bonner Scholar and is a graduate of Spelman’s Women of Excellence Leadership Series. Immediately following her graduation, Courtney attended DePaul University College of Law, earning her J.D. with a Certificate in Public Interest Law. While at DePaul, she was a member of the Public Interest Law Association, a Family Law Fellow, and volunteered in the Cook County Domestic Violence Court. She also participated in the Public Sector Clinic and Misdemeanor Criminal Clinic. Courtney was a recipient of the Benjamin Hooks Distinguished Public Service Award, the DePaul University College of Law Minority Achievement Scholarship, and was First Runner-Up for the MLK Scholarship Award.
After law school, Courtney moved back to Atlanta, Georgia to begin her legal career. She first interned with Atlanta Legal Aid in the Employment Law Division. Then was recruited to assist in establishing “Ken Hodges Law” with the Honorable Kenneth B. Hodges. Ken Hodges Law handled various practice areas, including, but not limited to, criminal defense, personal injury, contract disputes, and managing Receiverships in DeKalb and Clayton County. After the Honorable Hodges was elected to the Georgia Court of Appeals, she joined the DeKalb County Solicitor’s Office as an Assistant Solicitor-General. In her five years as an Assistant Solicitor-General, she worked in Divisions A and B of the DeKalb County State Court. Courtney has extensive trial experience, having handled hundreds of bench and jury trials, and numerous motion and bond hearings. Courtney is a compassionate attorney and a fierce advocate for her clients, both public and private. She is excited to be a member of Jaffe Family Law.
McCoy G. Martinez,
senior associate
McCoy boasts a dynamic and diverse background that spans athletics, military service, and a distinguished legal career. A former junior college basketball player at the New Mexico Military Institute, McCoy exhibited early on a combination of tenacity and teamwork that would later define his professional journey.
Following his athletic stint, McCoy served with honor and dedication as an Infantryman in the United States Army for three years. The discipline and leadership skills honed during this period became the cornerstone of his future endeavors.
Transitioning from military service to academia, McCoy Martinez earned a Business Degree from the University of New Mexico. Building on this foundation, he pursued his passion for law and graduated from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School. Straight out of law school, McCoy joined one of the most prestigious firms in Atlanta, where he quickly made a name for himself.
With an impressive track record, McCoy has practiced in over 100 counties across the state of Georgia. His commitment to justice has resulted in reuniting families and securing millions of dollars in assets for his clients. McCoy continues to excel in his field, providing exceptional legal representation and advocating tirelessly for his clients' rights.
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!
lauren jenkins, associate attorney
Lauren, originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana is a two-time Howard University graduate, earning her B.A in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications and J.D degrees. While at Howard, Lauren served as a student attorney in the Reentry Clinic, advocating for an improved clemency process and more effective Reentry services for those incarcerated in D.C jails. She also served as a Fellow at the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center, where she proposed the release of low level/non violent offenders in an overcrowded P.G County Detention Center during the height of the COVID 19 pandemic. In addition to her time as a student attorney and fellow, Lauren also interned with the Death Penalty Information Center, tracking data surrounding the U.S’s capital punishment process.
Lauren’s strong interest in family law came in her third year of law school and changed the course of what she imagined her legal career would take. Since relocating back to Georgia, Lauren has spent her time serving diverse families as a family law paralegal for a local family law firm serving Metro Atlantans. Lauren states her passion as “advocating for families through the most difficult times of their lives.” She enjoys the intricacies of the family law field and the ability to positively impact the lives of Georgia families, and strives to be fervent, fair, and steadfast in her representation of Jaffe Family Law clients.
Ruthika Reddy, 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.
antonio pirela,
International Client Acquisition Director
Antonio is a passionate attorney in Venezuela and a skilled Paralegal in the United States. With a commitment to understanding his clients' priorities and delivering top-notch solutions, he prides himself on being a reliable partner in their legal journeys.
Having honed his expertise in both Venezuela and the United States, he offers a unique perspective and comprehensive understanding of cross-border legal matters. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he ensures seamless communication with clients from diverse backgrounds.
You can expect a compassionate and empathetic professional who genuinely cares about your needs. Antonio is not just a Paralegal; he is dedicated to finding the best possible solutions tailored to your unique situation.
Jhancarlos Martinez,
senior Paralegal
Jhancarlos was born and raised in the sunny city of Cartagena, Colombia. Jhancarlos grew up surrounded by the beaches of the Caribbean Sea and a historic colonial city. Jhancarlos moved to the United States in High school and Attended Georgia Southern University. Jhancarlos graduated with a bachelor’s in political science and history. Upon graduation, he worked as a Judicial Clerk for the City of Sandy Springs. Where he spent two years learning and becoming familiar with the legal world. He has a passion for our legal system, and he will be here to help you on every step of your legal journey with us.
maria coronado,
senior paralegal
Maria was born and raised in Atlanta. She received her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Armstrong State University where she fostered her love for helping people. After she graduated she started her legal career as a legal assistant, and was promoted to paralegal. Maria is fluent in Spanish.
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.
alyssa freeman, paralegal
Alyssa was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and was raised in Gwinnett county, Georgia. She received her degree in business management from Gwinnett Technical College and then pursued legal interpreting at the University of Georgia. Alyssa is fluent in Spanish. She enjoys thrifting, art and spending time with her children and dogs in her free time. Alyssa is passionate about helping others.
jennifer simpson,
office manager
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.