Jenaye Peterson
Jenaye Lawrence-Peterson, Esq., is a powerhouse attorney and the founding partner of JM Law LLC, based in Atlanta, Georgia. A proud Atlanta native, Jenaye built her career on a foundation of academic excellence, earning her B.B.A. in Managerial Science from Georgia State University before graduating cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law with her JD and a certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Her success in the legal field can be attributed to her faith in God and influential mentors, including attorney Akins Doherty, who she credits with teaching her everything she knows about personal injury, and Lekeyia Reid, who played a pivotal role in supporting Jenaye’s growth and development as a young attorney.
Before founding her own firm, Jenaye honed her expertise in personal injury and Expungements while working with a few law offices as an independent contractor, including The Doherty Law Firm. Her sharp negotiation skills and unwavering client advocacy have led to numerous successful settlements—most notably a $2.65 million jury verdict in a recent slip-and-fall case. Beyond the courtroom, she is a mentor, speaker, and community advocate, giving back through legal volunteering and empowerment events for women and at-risk youth. Known for her faith-driven leadership and fierce determination, Jenaye continues to inspire through her work, her story, and her service.
• ADR Certificate
• Georgia State University- Bachelor's
• North Carolina Central University School of Law- JD
• Georgia Women Lawyers (GAWL) and Georgia Trial Lawyers (GTLA)
What do you attribute your success to?
My faith and determination to accomplish any goal set before me no matter what it takes.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
If you are too big for the small case you are too small for the big case! Which is a statement I heard from the late Attny Thomas Sampson who was a legal trailblazer here in Georgia.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be authentically You! You don't have to mimic others style or tone to be successful! Focus on your uniqueness and embrace it! In a world where selflessness and kindness are not common place remember that even the smallest act of kindness plants seeds that outlive us all. Maya Angelou said it best " People don't remember you for what you did or said they remember you for how you made them feel and might I add how much money you make or made or how known you were or are."
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Finding good mentorship and a community of lawyers who are willing to share and happy to celebrate one another without competition being a thing in the forefront of their mind.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are staying grounded in family, friends, and purpose—while striving to make a meaningful impact in a male-dominated field through resilience and zealous representation.