For many, childhood dreams are fleeting, shifting with new interests and experiences. Growing up, the common aspiration echoed in classrooms was to become either a doctor or a lawyer. Like many of her generation, the young Shaneah Jenkins envisioned herself in a white coat, pursuing a career in medicine. This early ambition, however, was based more on societal expectations than genuine passion. It wasn’t until her college years that Shaneah Jenkins began to truly explore her own path, a journey that would ultimately lead her to become the accomplished Shaneah Jenkins Lawyer we know today, and the founder of an ethically driven law firm.
Entering Georgia Southern University as a pre-medicine major, Shaneah Jenkins quickly realized the medical field was not her calling. A dislike for mathematics and a strong aversion to the sight of blood steered her away from this initial path. By the end of her freshman year, she found herself undeclared, adrift in a sea of academic possibilities. While considering broadcasting or journalism, something still felt missing. These career paths, though potentially interesting, didn’t ignite a fire in her soul.
As sophomore year commenced, the pressure of choosing a life direction intensified. It was during this period of uncertainty that Shaneah Jenkins turned to faith for guidance. She made a conscious decision to listen for divine direction, quieting the noise of external expectations. For an entire semester, she remained open and receptive, waiting for a spark of inspiration. Then, one Saturday morning, a seemingly random phone call from a distant family friend altered the course of her life.
During their brief conversation, this family friend casually mentioned the idea of Shaneah Jenkins becoming a lawyer. Initially, she resisted the suggestion. Lawyering felt like a cliché, the expected answer to the childhood question she once pondered. As a young adult, Shaneah Jenkins valued individuality and leadership, not conformity. However, the seed had been planted.
Over the next few weeks, Shaneah Jenkins contemplated the possibility of a legal career, seeking spiritual confirmation. The more she prayed, the stronger the conviction grew that this was indeed her calling. A profound sense of certainty settled within her, a clear sign that this path was divinely ordained. Yet, a significant hurdle remained: how does one actually become a lawyer? Shaneah Jenkins had never even met a lawyer. Her journey into the legal profession began with a simple Google search: “how to become a lawyer.”
Alt text: Shaneah Jenkins lawyer passionately addresses an audience, highlighting her dedication to guiding aspiring legal professionals.
The online research revealed a demanding roadmap, especially considering the looming law school application deadlines in less than 18 months. Shaneah Jenkins discovered a stark lack of resources for Black students on her college campus who aspired to legal careers. Instead of succumbing to this deficit, she saw an opportunity. Driven by a desire to level the playing field, Shaneah Jenkins resolved to create the very resources she had found lacking, ensuring that future students like herself would have a better chance at success.
With tireless dedication, Shaneah Jenkins spearheaded the establishment of the first undergraduate chapter of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA). Traditionally, BLSA chapters were exclusive to law school students. She recruited fellow undergraduates, driven by a shared dream of legal careers, and poured her energy into guiding them. Shaneah Jenkins organized law school tours, informative sessions, and test preparation seminars, leaving no stone unturned in her mission to empower aspiring lawyers. The organization she built became a multi-award-winning model, inspiring numerous undergraduate institutions to follow suit.
While diligently paving the way for others, Shaneah Jenkins remained focused on her own legal aspirations. She was acutely aware of the statistics regarding Black women’s admission to top-ranked law schools; the odds were undeniably challenging. Undeterred, she applied to her dream institution: The University of Georgia School of Law, a Tier 1 ranked establishment. On February 13, 2007, her acceptance letter arrived, solidifying her belief in divine favor. Shaneah Jenkins had defied the odds and gained admission to her top-choice law school.
Law school itself presented a new set of challenges. Admission was only the first step; survival, graduation, and passing the bar exam loomed large. Through perseverance and faith, Shaneah Jenkins achieved all three, becoming a lawyer by the age of 25. Young, enthusiastic, and driven to make a positive impact, she eagerly accepted a job offer with seemingly promising pay. However, the reality of her first legal job soon clashed with her ideals.
Shaneah Jenkins has always held exceptionally high standards. What many consider above average, she often views as below par. This inherent drive for excellence led to significant expectations for her first legal position. The initial signs were concerning. Upon arriving on her first day, her office wasn’t ready. No desk, no computer – how was she expected to work? For months, she relied on her personal laptop and a small card table, waiting for basic office setup. This initial disorganization raised red flags about the firm’s operational standards and client care. Observing client interactions alongside the managing attorney further solidified her growing unease. She meticulously documented promises made to prospective clients, only to witness a pattern of inaction once the firm was hired.
Alt text: Shaneah Jenkins lawyer confidently advocates in court, showcasing her expertise and commitment to effective legal representation.
Cases languished, client calls went unanswered, and excuses replaced genuine progress updates. Shaneah Jenkins began to suspect malpractice, but further investigation revealed a disheartening truth: slow case handling, client neglect, and inflated fees were not isolated incidents, but alarmingly common practices within the legal industry. The ethical conflict weighed heavily on her.
The pivotal moment arrived after meeting a grandmother seeking custody of her deceased daughter’s child. The grandmother had raised the child for years, while the biological father was absent and uninvolved. She sought legal help to formalize custody and secure the child’s future. Assured that she was doing the right thing and that the father’s lack of involvement would be easily addressed in court, the grandmother left the office with a sense of relief. However, her case file joined the growing “to-do” pile, and her payment was promptly deposited. For four months, she was misled into believing her case was progressing, while in reality, no action had been taken. On November 4, 2011, the grandmother returned to the office, distraught and clutching custody papers – the biological father was seeking sole custody and had been granted an emergency hearing. Witnessing the client’s devastation broke Shaneah Jenkins’ heart.
On November 7, 2011, Shaneah Jenkins lawyer submitted her resignation. She refused to be complicit in what she considered substandard, unethical, and inefficient legal practices. This pervasive culture of poor lawyering was not going to define her career. By this time, she felt a strong sense of purpose, a clear calling to create something better. She felt divinely guided to establish The Fairell Firm, and she answered that call.
The vision for The Fairell Firm was clear: to be fundamentally different. Shaneah Jenkins was determined to become the lawyer she was meant to be, the lawyer guided by her values and principles. She built her firm on core values of service, knowledge, quality, and results. Client service became paramount, with a commitment to empathy and respect. The firm prioritized legal expertise, staying abreast of evolving case law. Quality representation became the standard, rejecting mediocrity. Finally, a focus on achieving timely and effective results became a defining characteristic. These principles transformed her practice. Shaneah Jenkins had finally become the lawyer she was called to be.
Client calls are no longer avoided; instead, they are welcomed as opportunities for communication and collaboration. Shaneah Jenkins lawyer fosters lasting client relationships built on trust and transparency. Clients are kept informed through a dedicated client portal, providing real-time case updates. The Fairell Firm embraces innovation, discarding outdated and inefficient practices common in many law firms. The firm is setting a new standard of excellence in legal practice, driven by the unwavering commitment of Shaneah Jenkins lawyer to ethical and client-centered service.
