BURNS SMITH LAW - Key Persons
Alexandra grew up in Canton and graduated from Cherokee High School in 2017. In 2020, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Georgia College & State University, where she majored in political science with a concentration in pre-law and minored in criminal justice. Afterwards, she attended Mercer University School of Law where she graduated with her Juris Doctor degree in 2023.
Alexandra is passionate and dedicated to criminal defense law. She has previously worked in both public defense offices and private law firms, including interning with Burns Smith Law while she was in school. She has experience handling many types of criminal cases, ranging from traffic offenses and misdemeanors to major felonies and death penalty cases.
Alexandra is happy to be back in her hometown and is deeply committed to serving the community she grew up in. Outside of her legal work, she enjoys spending time around North Georgia with her family and her dog.
Education
Mercer University School of Law, Macon, Georgia
Juris Doctor
Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, Georgia
Bachelors of Science
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Senior Domestic Attorney
Attorney Courtney Carpenter prepared us for every step and possible outcome of the process. She doesn't tell you what you want to hear, but tells you what you need to hear so you have realistic expectations. She was both professional and supportive through mediation. We were very pleased with the end result of our case. - Heather T.
Courtney H. Carpenter provides representation in all matters of family law and is passionate about helping clients find the best resolution possible based on their individual goals. The litigation process can be complicated and emotional, and Ms. Carpenter works with each client to help them navigate their options to make informed decisions throughout their case.
Ms. Carpenter earned a Bachelor of Science with a major in political science, a certification in professional politics, and a minor in international affairs, graduating magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University in 2006. Thereafter, Ms. Carpenter earned a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law in 2010. During her time at Emory, she volunteered with Student Legal Services and was a participant in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society.
Ms. Carpenter's legal career has almost exclusively focused on family law since 2011. Prior to joining Burns Smith Law, Ms. Carpenter was a Partner at one of the largest family law firms in Georgia.
Jennifer Brannon was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She graduated summa cum laude from Sam Houston State University before earning her Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and becoming licensed to practice in Oklahoma in 2012.
Jennifer's legal career began in 2010 as a volunteer at the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office, where she gained early courtroom experience. Once licensed as a Legal Intern, she handled arraignments, bail hearings, emergency custody hearings, bench trials, and jury trials.
After law school, she served as an attorney in the juvenile division of the District Attorney's Office, prosecuting criminal cases and handling dependency actions to protect abused and neglected children. Jennifer worked closely with child welfare professionals, law enforcement, and advocates in this role. She also managed the Oklahoma County Family Drug Court Program and represented the State in appellate matters.
In 2016, Jennifer relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she continued her work in dependency law before transitioning to family law in 2018. Since then, she has represented clients in divorces, custody disputes, child support matters, contempt filings, juvenile court cases, and prenuptial/post-nuptial agreements. She is also a trained Guardian ad Litem with experience advocating for children's best interests.
Jennifer works in our Forsyth County office to serve families in Forsyth and the surrounding areas, bringing legal expertise and personal insight as a mother and stepparent. She understands the emotional complexities of family law and is committed to guiding clients with compassion and skill.
In her free time, Jennifer enjoys board games, reading, spending time with loved ones, and cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners.
Education
University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
Juris Doctor
Sam Houston State University , Huntsville, Texas
Bachelor's of Science: Criminal Justice
Job Titles:
- Member of the Legal Team
- Firm Administrator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Legal Team
- Operations Manager & Sr. Paralegal
By far the best law firm in Cherokee county, hands-down. Michael Burns and his staff are exceptional at what they do. They treat you like family and go above and beyond. They will do whatever is necessary to get you the best results for your case. I would recommend them to anyone seeking an attorney with their skill set. If you are reading this review, you can stop searching for an attorney because you have found the right one. - David B
Michael grew up in Marietta, Georgia and graduated from Sprayberry High School in 1997. He attended the University of Georgia where he earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism. He spent the next few years covering local governments for newspapers in Cobb and Cherokee counties.
Michael returned to the University of Georgia for law school, earning his juris doctor in 2009. He began his legal career defending court appointed clients in Cherokee County courts before joining the Cherokee County Solicitor General's Office. Michael entered private practice in 2013 where he used the skills he learned as a prosecutor to provide insightful and thorough defense for his clients. He is also an accomplished domestic and family law attorney.
Education
University of Georgia, School of Law, Athens, Georgia
Juris Doctor 2009
University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Mr. Connor was born in Atlanta and grew up in Cobb County where he graduated from Pope High School in 1999. He went on to the University of Georgia, earning a bachelor's degree in Political Science in 2003. After college, he attended John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, graduating with the Juris Doctorate in 2007.
Attorney Connor began his legal career as a court appointed attorney in the Cobb County State, Superior and Juvenile Courts. During that time, he developed a wealth of experience in a variety of legal issues. He built his private criminal defense practice while maintaining contracted court-appointed work with the Cobb, Marietta, and Austell court systems. Mr. Connor joined Burns Smith Law in 2022.
Since 2008, Mr. Connor and his family have lived in Cherokee County. His family is active with church, community, and charity activities.
Education
John Marshall Law School, Atlanta, Georgia
Juris Doctor, 2007
University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Bachelor's Degree, Political Science
Job Titles:
- Admin Assistant & Acct. Manager
Mr. Smith has many years of courtroom and trial litigation experience trying simple to serious, complex cases. In the Appellate Court, he argued before the Georgia Supreme Court in State v. Kenneth Williams (S19G0005).
His experience includes:
Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, Office of the District Attorney, Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney
Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, Office of the District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney
Northeastern Judicial Circuit, Office of the District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney