How to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Georgia

LeRoya Chester Jennings

Lead Attorney

LeRoya Chester Jennings is a seasoned trial attorney and the founder of Chester Jennings Law Group, LLC, with over 20 years of experience litigating complex criminal and civil matters throughout the State of Georgia. She has owned her law firm since 2011. A proud native of Atlanta, Georgia, LeRoya attended Benjamin Elijah Mays High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Georgia and her Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law. She was also a visiting student at Georgia State College of Law.

Throughout her distinguished legal career, LeRoya has worn many hats — including Prosecutor, Investigator, and Administrative Judge — giving her a rare, comprehensive understanding of the justice system from every angle. As a former prosecutor, she served as Deputy Chief of a specialized Domestic Violence Unit in DeKalb County, where she handled high-risk, high-profile, and emotionally complex cases. To date, LeRoya has litigated well over 4,000 cases and served as lead counsel in more than 200 jury trials, earning a reputation as a formidable advocate both in and out of the courtroom.

LeRoya’s excellence as a trial attorney and her commitment to public service have earned her both local and national recognition. She has served on the Board of Visitors for the University of Georgia and was honored as one of UGA’s Top 40 Under 40 Alumni. Her accolades also include Prosecutor of the Year, National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, a Public Service Award from the American Bar Association, and an Award of Achievement from the State Bar of Georgia. In addition to her legal practice, LeRoya is deeply committed to mentorship and continues to guide young attorneys and aspiring legal professionals.

While her professional accomplishments are extensive, LeRoya considers her faith and her family to be her greatest priorities. She has been married to her husband, Kraig Jennings, for over 20 years, and together they are raising two children. Outside of the courtroom, you can often find their family traveling, spending quality time together, or cheering from the stands for student athletes.

Kraig Jennings

Marketing Director

Kraig Jennings serves as the Marketing Director for Chester Jennings Law Group, where he leads the firm’s strategic marketing initiatives, brand development, and community-facing outreach efforts. In this role, Kraig oversees digital marketing strategy, advertising campaigns, brand positioning, and content development, all with a focus on increasing visibility, strengthening client engagement, and supporting the firm’s continued growth.

With extensive experience in program leadership and operations management, Kraig brings a disciplined, results-driven approach to marketing. His professional background includes senior leadership roles with the City of Atlanta and the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA, where he managed large-scale programs, coordinated cross-functional teams, and implemented structured initiatives focused on public engagement, safety, and education. This operational experience allows Kraig to develop marketing strategies that are both creative and highly organized.

Kraig also holds numerous professional certifications through the American Red Cross, including Lifeguarding Instructor, CPR/AED and First Aid Instructor Trainer, Water Safety Instructor, and Certified Pool and Spa Operator. His training and instructional background strengthens the firm’s commitment to professionalism, compliance, and clear communication—key elements in effective legal marketing.

Working closely with firm leadership, Kraig ensures that Chester Jennings Law Group’s marketing efforts remain consistent, impactful, and aligned with the firm’s mission of service, integrity, and advocacy. Through strategic planning, data-informed decision-making, and strong brand stewardship, Kraig plays a vital role in positioning the firm as a trusted and recognizable personal injury law firm.

When Kraig is not serving his community, he enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. Kraig enjoys martial arts and holds a 3rd degree black belt in Hapkido.

Maria Montalto

Personal Injury Operations Director

Maria Montalto serves as the Personal Injury Operations Manager at Chester Jennings Law Group, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm’s personal injury division and ensures a seamless experience for both clients and the legal team. With over 10 years of experience in the personal injury legal field, Maria brings extensive expertise in case management, client relations, and operational efficiency.

Throughout her career, Maria has served in a wide range of roles, including Case Manager, Case Resolution Specialist, Case Manager Supervisor, and Firm Administrator. This progressive, hands-on experience allows her to understand every phase of a personal injury case from intake through resolution, ensuring efficient workflows and consistent results.

In addition to her legal experience, Maria has a strong medical background, having previously worked in hospice care. This experience provides her with a deep understanding of medical records, treatment plans, and the physical and emotional challenges faced by injured clients. Her combined legal and medical knowledge enables her to effectively coordinate with healthcare providers and insurance companies while advocating for clients with compassion and precision.

Maria plays a vital role in supporting the legal team, streamlining internal operations, and guiding clients through complex legal processes with care and clarity. Her leadership and attention to detail help ensure that Chester Jennings Law Group consistently delivers high-quality personal injury representation.

Maria holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership, and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. Her educational background, coupled with her extensive professional experience, strengthens the firm’s ability to deliver exceptional outcomes for personal injury clients

Khara King

Executive Assistant

Khara King serves as the Executive Assistant to Attorney LeRoya Chester Jennings and brings over ten years of experience in the legal field. Throughout her career, she has worked in multiple capacities within law firms, giving her a well-rounded understanding of legal operations, case management, and client advocacy.

Khara is a graduate of Tri-Cities High School and Atlanta Technical College, where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies. Her early interest in the law naturally evolved into a career focused on supporting attorneys and clients through complex legal matters.

In her current role, Khara works closely with the attorney and regularly accompanies her to court, gaining firsthand insight into litigation and the legal process. Her areas of expertise include medical bill reductions, settlement review and analysis, and evaluating potential case outcomes to help ensure favorable results for clients. Khara’s professional background also includes experience in law firm accounting, where she handled final case disbursements for personal injury clients. She has previously served as a
Human Resources Manager and as Supervisor of the Disbursement Department, overseeing reductions and financial processing in personal injury matters. In addition, she has worked as a Legal Assistant in a litigation department, drafting pleadings and managing court and discovery calendars.

Outside of the office, Khara is a devoted wife, mother of three, and proud grandmother. She brings the same dedication, attention to detail, and compassion to her work that she values in her family life, making her an integral part of the firm’s commitment to serving its clients.

Melinda Dlongolo

Case Management Specialist

Melinda Dlongolo is a Case Manager in the Personal Injury Department at Chester Jennings Law Group, where she has been a dedicated member of the firm since September 2021. A law graduate from South Africa, Melinda holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Advanced Criminal Justice from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her advanced legal education enhances her work in personal injury matters and allows her to contribute meaningfully to case strategy, analysis, and preparation.

In her role, Melinda serves as a key liaison between clients, medical providers, and insurance adjusters. She coordinates case documentation, monitors medical treatment progress, and ensures that each case continues to move forward efficiently and effectively. Known for her thoughtful, organized, and client-focused approach, Melinda is deeply committed to supporting clients throughout the legal process and working toward strong, favorable outcomes on their behalf.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Melinda is actively engaged in charitable endeavors and is a devoted mother to her young daughter. She brings the same compassion, dedication, and sense of responsibility from her personal life into her work, making her a trusted and valued member of the Chester Jennings Law Group team

Andrea Pinto Mejia

Case Management Specialist

Andrea Pinto is a Case Manager at Chester Jennings Law Group, where she supports clients throughout the personal injury process from intake through resolution. She works closely with attorneys, medical providers, and insurance companies to ensure cases move forward efficiently while maintaining clear and consistent client communication. Andrea’s attention to detail and client-focused approach help provide a smooth and supportive experience for those navigating personal injury claims.

Andrea is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Sara Jurado

Case Management Specialist

Sara Jurado is a Legal Assistant and Case Manager with over three years of experience in personal injury law, focusing on pre-litigation case management. She manages cases from intake through settlement, coordinating medical records, treatment, and communication with clients, medical providers, and insurance adjusters.

Working closely with attorneys, Sara supports case strategy and documentation while skillfully navigating high-pressure situations. Known for her organization, attention to detail, and client- focused approach, she ensures clients feel informed and supported throughout the legal process.

Sara is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Tonya Shy

Co – Counsel

Tonya Shy is an experienced trial attorney and co-counsel with Chester Jennings Law Group. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State University and her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Ms. Shy is licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Alabama. She is admitted to all Georgia and Alabama state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and the Georgia Supreme Court. She brings extensive prosecutorial experience, having served five years as an Assistant District Attorney with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, as well as a Senior Assistant Solicitor with the City of Atlanta Solicitor’s Office. In addition, she currently serves as a Judge Pro Tempore in the city court.

After more than a decade of advocating for crime victims, Attorney Shy shifted her focus to representing individuals who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Since 2012, she has been dedicated to pursuing justice for injured victims, combining courtroom experience, strategic advocacy, and a deep commitment to client-centered representation.