also known as Jennifer Michelle Mays
Meet Jennifer Michelle Mays
Founder & Managing Attorney | Board Certified in Family Law
Jennifer Michelle Mays is the founder and managing attorney of The JM Law Group, P.C., a Texas family law firm headquartered in Plano, Texas, serving clients throughout Denton, Collin, Dallas, Tarrant, and surrounding counties.
Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Jennifer is among a select group of Texas attorneys who have demonstrated substantial experience, specialized knowledge, and proficiency in family law. With more than 16 years of legal experience, she is recognized for her strategic approach to complex litigation, dedication to her clients, and commitment to excellence in family law representation.
Licensed to practice law in Texas, Florida, and Virginia, Jennifer focuses her practice exclusively on family law matters, including high-net-worth divorce, complex property division, contested child custody disputes, child support, modifications, enforcement actions, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and adoptions.
A skilled and determined courtroom advocate, Jennifer understands that family law matters often involve some of the most important and emotionally challenging decisions her clients will ever face. She combines aggressive representation when necessary with a practical, solutions-oriented approach to achieving favorable outcomes. Her experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution also enables her to pursue negotiated settlements when doing so serves her clients' best interests.
Before founding her own law firm, Jennifer gained valuable litigation experience handling criminal defense, personal injury, insurance coverage, and complex legal matters, including serving as counsel for a Fortune 500 company. This diverse background helped shape her sophisticated approach to litigation, negotiation, and case strategy.
As founder of The JM Law Group, Jennifer leads a team of legal professionals committed to providing exceptional representation, personalized attention, and effective advocacy. She remains actively involved in the firm's cases and maintains high expectations for the quality of legal services provided to every client.
Recognitions & Awards
Board Certified in Family Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Super Lawyers – 2026
Best of Denton County – Best Divorce Attorney, 2026
Best of Denton County – Multiple-Year Winner, 2018–2026
Best Family Law Firm and/or Divorce Law Firm – Murray Media Group
Top 10 Family Law Firm – Attorney & Practice Magazine
Top 10 Law Firm in Texas for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Services – American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
Martindale-Hubbell Gold Client Champion
Super Lawyers Rising Stars – Previous Honoree
The National Advocates Top 40 Under 40
Avvo Client's Choice Award
Avvo Excellent Divorce Attorney Award
Avvo Excellent Child Custody Attorney Award
Emory Advocate Award – Emory University School of Law
Education
Emory University School of Law
Juris Doctor, 2010
University of Florida
Bachelor of Science in Journalism, 2006
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, 2006
Beyond the Courtroom
Outside the practice of law, Jennifer enjoys traveling with her family and friends, attending soccer games, planning events, and decorating. She brings the same creativity, determination, and attention to detail to her personal interests that have helped shape her professional success.
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Practice Areas
16 years
16 years
16 years
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Chat withState: Texas
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
State: Florida
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
5550 Granite Parkway, Ste 145, Plano, TX, 75024
42 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 42 reviews
Posted by Nina | August 24, 2026
Prenup!
The best firm in Dallas area when you need it most! Jennifer helped with my prenuptial and always gives sound advice.
Posted by Felicia | August 24, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Hire her!!!
I had an exceptional experience with this law firm specializing in divorce and child custody. Their team is professional, compassionate, and highly skilled. They guided me through every step with clarity and confidence, ensuring my rights and my child’s best interests were fully protected. Their at...
Posted by Pattie | August 21, 2026
THE JM LAW GROUP IS SECOND TO NONE!!!
I am incredibly thankful to Jennifer and her amazing team! They never cease to amaze me! Their “care factor”, dedication and stick-tuativeness gave me peace of mind and restful sleep as we navigated through a heart-breaking situation! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING THERE FOR ME and MY FAMILY! WE LOVE Y...
Posted by anonymous | August 21, 2026
Success in a difficult time
I have referred multiple people to Mrs. Ilarraza and the care and result has been the same every time! The clients leave feeling heard and we'll taken care of. I see how much she cares and she is very good at making sure her clients have a successful outcome to a difficult time in their lives.
Posted by Natasha | August 21, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Absolutely Amazing!
I cannot recommend Jennifer at The JM Law Group, P.C. enough. She handled my divorce, and her expertise made an incredibly difficult life event feel straightforward and manageable. Throughout the entire process, she was super responsive and stayed completely on top of every detail, so I never had to ...
"Mrs. Ilarraza is an excellent attorney who cares for her clients in the courtroom and out of it. Watching her work, and seeing her knowledge of the law unfold is something that all lawyers should aspire to be like."
"Ms. Wilson never lost sight of her client's goals and did a very wonderful job serving as an advocate for her client. Her knowledge and experience also shows with her negotiation and litigation strategies."
"Jennifer is an excellent advocate, a consummate professional, and my top choice in Denton for family law."
"Jennifer and I were colleagues for over a year and a half at a law firm in Manassas, Virginia. I was always impressed by the unwavering level of care, diligence, and vigor that she demonstrates while advocating for her clients. On family law matters, I could always count on her to offer sage advice when grappling with difficult issues in my own cases. Her legal acumen is matched only by her integrity and sincere care for the interests of her clients."
"Ms. Cox is an excellent attorney both inside and out of the courtroom. She zealously advocates for each and every one of her clients, to obtain the best possible result. She is an absolute pleasure to work with."
"Ms. Cox is an outstanding attorney, who zealously advocates for her clients. She is an effective, determined, bright, and dedicated advocate. I highly recommend and endorse Ms. Cox."
"I highly recommend Jennifer as a reputable attorney in the Northern Virginia community. She is very patient with her clients and dedicates both her time and expertise to achieving the best possible results."
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Workers compensation lawyer
Insurance lawyer
Insurance lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2024
Top 3 Family Law Firm, Best of Denton County
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Best Divorce Law Firm, Best of Denton County
2022
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
Best Divorce Attorney, Best of Denton County
2022
Best Family Law Firm, Best of Denton County
2022
Best Law Firm, Best of Denton County
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Best of Denton County Divorce Attorney, Best of Denton County
2020
Best of Denton County Divorce Law Firm, Best of Denton County
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Best of Denton County Family Law Attorney, Best of Denton County
2019
Texas 10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2017
Texas 10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Excellent Family Law Attorney, Avvo
2016
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2016
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2010
Pro Bono Award, Emory University School of Law
2010
Emory Advocate, Emory University School of Law
2008
EPIC Grant, Emory Public Interest Committee
2016 - Present
Attorney, Ilarraza Law, P.C.
2015 - 2016
Attorney, Olmstead & Olmstead, P.C.
2013 - 2015
Attorney, The Reed Law Firm, PLLC
2009 - 2013
Attorney, The Law Offices of Jack D. Evans
2009 - 2010
Intern, The Georgia Innocence Project
2008 - 2010
Know Your Rights, Student Coordinator, Barton Juvenile Defender Clinic
2008 - 2010
Extern, Dekalb County District Attorney's Office
2017 - Present
Dallas County Bar AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Dallas County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2017 - Present
State Bar of Texas, Family Law SectionMember
2016 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2014 - Present
Prince William County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Virginia State BarMember
2010 - Present
Florida BarMember
2008 - 2009
Southern Region Black Law Students AssociationEditor-in-Chief
2010
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
BS - Bachelor of Science
2006
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2017
The Marital Relationship
2017
Suits Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR)
2009
English
Legal Answers
Opposing counsel asking for financial statements from last 15 years ?
31 Jan 2025
Child hurt in unsafe activity at custodial parent’s house wants me to pay 1/2 of all expenses. (Texas)
24 Oct 2024
Do I have to do what it ordered or can I have someone pick him up for me or can I still come at 7:30pm to get my son
25 Oct 2024