About

Joi Fairell

I have always been a person with extremely high standards and expectations. What some people consider above average, I often consider the bare minimum. I believe that if you're going to do something, you should do it well. And if you're going to put your name on something, it should represent the very best of who you are.



That philosophy is ultimately what led me to establish The Fairell Firm.

When I began practicing law, I was young, eager, and ready to make a difference. I had worked hard to become an attorney, and I genuinely believed that the practice of law was a calling. I wanted to help people, advocate for families, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who trusted me with their most personal matters.

Unfortunately, my first experience practicing law was nothing like I imagined.

I witnessed clients being ignored, cases sitting untouched, phone calls going unanswered, and promises being made without the work being done to fulfill them. I watched people place their trust and their hard-earned money in the hands of attorneys, only to be left frustrated, uninformed, and sometimes in worse circumstances than when they first sought help.

I couldn't understand how that had become acceptable.

Then came a case that changed the trajectory of my life.

A grandmother came to our office seeking custody of her grandchild after her daughter had passed away. She had been raising the child and wanted to ensure that she could continue honoring the promise she made to her daughter to care for him.

She came to us for help. She left believing that help was on the way.

But for four months, her case sat untouched.

On November 4, 2011, she returned to the office in tears. The child's biological father had filed for custody and obtained an emergency hearing. The very situation she had sought legal representation to prevent was now unfolding before her.

I will never forget that day.

Three days later, I submitted my resignation.

I knew I could no longer be part of a practice that operated in a manner so inconsistent with everything I believed the legal profession should represent. I had worked too hard to become an attorney to allow mediocrity, poor service, and a lack of accountability to become my professional standard.

More importantly, I knew God was calling me to something greater.

I didn't leave because I no longer wanted to practice law. I left because I believed the practice of law could be better.

And I was determined to build something that proved it.

Building Something Different

The Fairell Firm was founded on four principles: Service. Knowledge. Quality. Results.

These weren't simply words I selected for a website. They represented the experience I wanted every client to have and the standard I expected every member of my team to uphold.

I wanted to build a law firm where clients weren't left wondering what was happening with their cases. Where communication wasn't a luxury. Where preparation and knowledge were expectations, not exceptions. Where people were treated with empathy and respect, even when they were navigating some of the most difficult seasons of their lives.

I wanted to change the experience of hiring a lawyer.

Nearly 15 years later, that mission has not changed.

What has changed is my understanding of what it takes to sustain it.

In the beginning, I was focused on being the best attorney I could be. I was determined to provide exceptional service, develop winning strategies, and build a reputation for quality representation.

But as the firm grew, so did my responsibility.

I realized that being an excellent attorney and building an excellent law firm were two very different things.

One required me to be great at what I did. The other required me to develop people, create systems, establish a culture, and lead others toward a shared vision.

I didn't just want to build a successful law practice. I wanted to build an organization where excellence was the culture, not simply the expectation of its founder.

That has become one of the greatest passions of my professional life.

Today, I have the privilege of leading a team of attorneys and legal professionals who carry forward the mission on which The Fairell Firm was founded. I am intentional about developing professionals, investing in their growth, and creating an environment where accountability, innovation, and exceptional client service are part of how we operate every day.

I believe leadership is about more than giving direction. It's about setting a standard, equipping people to meet it, and holding yourself accountable to that same standard.

And I believe that a leader's greatest accomplishment is not simply what they can achieve personally, but what they can inspire, develop, and build through others.

A Calling That Continues to Grow

In 2023, I was honored to be appointed as a part-time Judge in the DeKalb County Juvenile Court. Serving in this capacity has given me another opportunity to impact families and serve my community through the legal profession.

It has also reinforced my belief that the work we do matters. Behind every case is a person, a family, and a story. The responsibility that comes with being entrusted to serve others should never be taken lightly.

My passion for leadership has also extended beyond the courtroom and the practice of law. I enjoy building businesses, developing people, and creating environments where individuals are challenged to grow beyond what they believed was possible.

Whether I am leading my law firm, serving on the bench, mentoring professionals, or enjoying a competitive game of tennis, I am constantly reminded that growth requires discipline, preparation, and a willingness to keep learning.

I am still very much the young woman who believes God orders her steps. I still believe that purpose is bigger than a paycheck, that leadership is a responsibility, and that when God calls you to build something, He will equip you for the assignment.

Nearly 15 Years Later

When I look at The Fairell Firm today, I am incredibly proud of what we have built.

What started as one young attorney's determination to challenge the status quo has grown into an established law firm with a team of professionals committed to serving families with excellence.

But I don't believe we have arrived.

I believe excellence is a continuous pursuit. There is always an opportunity to grow, to improve, to innovate, and to serve people better than we did yesterday.

My vision for The Fairell Firm has never been simply to build the biggest firm or handle the most cases. It has been to create something meaningful. A firm where clients feel valued. Where attorneys are developed into leaders. Where our work reflects the responsibility we have been entrusted with. And where our standard of excellence is evident in every interaction.

The Fairell Firm was born out of a refusal to accept mediocrity.

Nearly 15 years later, that same conviction continues to drive me.

Excellence is my standard. It always has been. And it always will be.

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.

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.