Meet Amanda: Founder of Jelks Law
Hi! I'm Amanda Jelks (formerly known as Amanda Ray). Thanks for taking the time to learn more about me and my firm.
Educational Background and Early Career
As a Chattanooga native, I pursued my undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga at Chattanooga and my law degree at the University of Memphis, both on academic scholarships. During my final year of law school, I had the distinct pleasure of working with the corporate legal department of an airline. Following my graduation, I spent five formative years at a prominent regional firm where I handled complex business matters.
Establishing Jelks Law
In the summer of 2015, I launched Jelks Law with a mission to provide a peace of mind to my clients by assisting them with their goals to create generational wealth, protect their assets, preserve their dignity, and ensure that they and their families will always be prepared for the many curveballs life can throw our way. I am immensely proud of the amazing team that I have built and grateful for the community that supports us.
Community Involvement
Beyond my legal practice, I am passionate about motivational speaker. Since 2001, I have delivered inspiring talks to diverse audiences at schools, colleges, churches, and nonprofits, helping individuals overcome tremendous odds to reach their maximum potential. My own journey from being a teenage mom to valedictorian and graduating college in 2.5 years is chronicled in the Chattanooga Times Free Press and the Hamilton County Herald.
I also enjoy public speaking and provide complimentary seminars to local organizations and churches regarding the importance of estate planning and ways to minimize taxes when transferring assets to loved ones.
I am grateful for my personal and professional success and ensure that I give back to my community using my time and talent. This includes service on numerous nonprofit boards, which currently include United Way of Greater Chattanooga and The Chattery. Previously, I’ve contributed to the boards of the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute, Chattanooga Room in the Inn, and the City of Chattanooga’s Health, Education and Housing Board, and countless others.
Read more about my engagement with the local community here .
Outside of the Office
Personally, I am a dedicated mother raising three wonderful children and our family dog, Marshall. I take great joy in supporting my children's passions, whether it's cheering them on at their volleyball and basketball games or nurturing their musical talents with the cello. At home and in my office, you'll find my love for plants evident everywhere - adding a touch of greenery that reflects my appreciation for growth and nurturing, both in my family and in my professional endeavors at Jelks Law.
Professional Memberships
Tennessee Bar Association
Georgia Bar Association
Awards
Best of the Best Estate Planning Firm by the Chattanooga Times Free Press in 2021 and 2022
Best Attorney by Chattanooga Business Elite in 2020
Emerging Business of the Year award by the Urban League of Chattanooga (2018)
Rising Star in Business Law by Super Lawyers (2016-2020)
Top 20 Under 40 Young Professionals in Chattanooga award by Chatter Magazine and Chattanooga Times Free Press (2017)
Pro Bono Excellence Award Recipient from Legal Aid of East Tennessee (2011 and 2012)
Noteworthy
Graduate of the Tennessee Bar Association's Leadership Law Program (2023)
Executive Business Mentor for the Public Education Foundation's Principal Leadership Academy (2017-2018)
Co-Host of "The Art of Negotiation for Female Entrepreneurs" Startup Week Event (2016) & Co-Presenter at Chatt Women Mean Business (2017)
CLE Presenter, "Entrepreneurship 101: From Lawyer to Law Firm Owner" (2016)
Panel Moderator, "Rising Surge of the Female Entrepreneur" for Feminology, Startup Week (2015) (covered by Huffington Post)
Commencement Speaker, Bethel Christian Academy (2013)