Jennifer graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelors degree in history from North Carolina Central University in 2005. She then completed her coursework towards a Masters degree in history at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte while holding a graduate assistantship and maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.
Jennifer graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2010 and was admitted to the North Carolina Bar that year. While in school, Jennifer gained hands-on experience through internships in several firms that practiced family law. She also focused her coursework during law school on the study of family law, including a seminar on Children and Domestic Violence in which she paired with the Children's Law Center of Central North Carolina as a guardian ad litem for children whose parents were involved in high-conflict custody cases.
Since graduation, Jennifer has created a diverse family law practice, with particular interest in adoptions, terminations of parental rights, and child custody cases. Jennifer strives to create a strong but compassionate atmosphere for her clients and treats each of her cases with the respect that her clients deserve.
Jennifer also values working to create a stronger community. She has volunteered with the guardian ad litem program in Forsyth County to advocate for children in abuse, neglect, and dependency situations and has also volunteered with Crisis Control Ministries and Phoenix Rising of Winston-Salem.
Jennifer lives in Greensboro with her husband, Chris, and their three dogs.
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
NC | Active | 2010 | 06/23/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Member-manager | Kelly & Payne, PLLC | 2013 - Present |
Member-manager | Jennifer K. Payne, Attorney at Law, PLLC | 2011 - 2013 |
Associate Attorney | Woodruff Law Firm | 2010 - 2011 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
North Carolina Bar Association | Pro Bono Activities Committee | 2014 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association | Lawyer on the Line Committee | 2014 - Present |
North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys | Member | 2013 - Present |
Forsyth County Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
21st Judicial District Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
North Carolina Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Family Law How-To's: Setting Yourself Up for Success CLE | Settlement Documents Family Law How-To's: A Practical Guide for Handling a Family Law Case | 2013 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Wake Forest University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2010 |
North Carolina Central University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2005 |
University of North Carolina, Charlotte | MA Candidate | N/A |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. | Pro-Se Custody Clinic | 2014 |
Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc. | Pro-Se Divorce Clinic | 2014 |
Family Law How-To's: Setting Yourself Up for Success CLE | Settlement Documents Family Law How-To's: A Practical Guide for Handling a Family Law Case | 2013 |
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April 11, 2016
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December 21, 2015
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December 19, 2015
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December 18, 2015
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September 4, 2015
Bennett Rainey, Child custody Attorney on Mar 27, 2019
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Ms. Payne is a smart and tough family law trial attorney and a strong advocate for her clients.
Kerri Sigler, Child custody Attorney on Feb 1, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jen Payne is an incredible trial attorney. She is direct, well-prepared, and fierce. I recently watched her fight for her client’s custody rights and I was blown away. I was also very happy not to be the lawyer on the other side.
Bennett Rainey, Child custody Attorney on Mar 27, 2019
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Ms. Payne is a smart and tough family law trial attorney and a strong advocate for her clients.
Kerri Sigler, Child custody Attorney on Feb 1, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jen Payne is an incredible trial attorney. She is direct, well-prepared, and fierce. I recently watched her fight for her client’s custody rights and I was blown away. I was also very happy not to be the lawyer on the other side.
Andria Marquez, Family Attorney on Dec 8, 2016
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Ms. Payne is an exceptional attorney and mentor. She is very comfortable in the courtroom and she is a wonderful advocate for her clients. I would recommend her to anyone in need of a family law attorney.
Harvey Barbee, Family Attorney on Oct 7, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jennifer is a tenacious advocate for her clients. I have worked with her on several cases as opposing counsel and each time I have been very impressed with her professionalism, competence and legal ability. Her clients are in good hands. I would recommend her without hesitation.
Dustin Nichols, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. Payne and I each represented opposing parties on a divorce case a couple of years ago. She fought very hard for her client's claims. I would unequivocally endorse her family law representation. In fact, I refer a number of cases to her firm because I trust her ability to obtain positive results.
Kristin Kelly, Family Attorney on Mar 30, 2015
Relationship: Co-worker
Jennifer is a highly skilled, compassionate family law attorney. She is an effective advocate for her clients in and out of the courtroom. I highly recommend Jennifer for any of your family law needs.
Kimberly Byrd, Unknown Attorney on Mar 25, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mrs. Payne is a knowledgeable, skilled, and hard-working attorney. I would recommend her to family and friends without hesitation should they need assistance with family law matters.
Stephen Hegedus, Family Attorney on Mar 25, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Ronald Payne, Family Attorney on Mar 23, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mrs. Payne is a fantastic attorney who is very skilled in family law. I count her as a very knowledgable mentor and friend who knows the law well. If I had a client, friend or family member who needed a family law attorney for a case, I would not hesitate to refer them to her. The clients I have referred to her have been very pleased with her representation and she is a top notch professional who is ethical, friendly, and represents her clients with passion!