Our Staff

Kesa M. Johnston

Attorney

Kesa M. Johnston is a solo practitioner in Roanoke, Alabama. She has worked and lived in Roanoke since 2004 where she serves clients with variety of legal needs. Ms. Johnston handles domestic relations cases, criminal defense, probate matters, real estate closings, business issues and other general practice matters. She has handled many complex divorce and custody matters and criminal cases including capital murder. Kesa is a registered mediator assisting parties and their lawyers in practical resolution to divorce and other matters which often results in a substantial savings on legal fees for all involved. Johnston regularly serves clients in Cleburne, Clay, Calhoun, Randolph, Chambers, and Tallapoosa counties.

Kesa is originally from Walker County, Alabama, although she graduated high school in Texas and has lived in several other states. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville where she earned a degree in Political Science and English. Prior to attending law school at Jones School of Law, Kesa lived in Washington, D.C. where she worked for a lobbying firm and national women’s leadership organization. She has attended the National Criminal Defense College in Macon, Georgia and the Santa Clara Death Penalty College in California.

Ms. Johnston is the Randolph County Bar President, a member of the Health and Wellness committee for the Alabama State Bar, member of the Star Board for Roanoke City Schools, an AFCC member and a master gardener. Her former community service includes membership in the Roanoke Rotary Club, former Bank of Wedowee Board member, the board of the Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association, the Cheaha Mental Health Board and is a former Vice Chair of the Randolph County Economic Development Council. Kesa is very active in the community including the revitalization of Main Street Roanoke and the formation of the local school garden projects. She is a co-author of the compilation book, “Dear Dani”, a mentoring book written by a group of East Alabama women. Johnston also has written several legal articles on various topics including antitrust law and criminal defense issues.

Mary McHone Brown

Real Estate Paralegal

Mary McHone Brown joined the firm in October of 2010 as a Real Estate Paralegal. Mary brings with her over 25 years of knowledge and experience in researching property titles and performing real estate closings. She has developed a close rapport with many realtors and loan officers over the years. Those relationships serve our real estate clients well. Mary graduated from Riverdale Senior High School in Riverdale, Georgia and attended Clayton State College in Morrow, Georgia. She received extensive training at the National Center for Paralegal Training in Atlanta, Georgia. Mary and her husband Doug have two children, Natalie and Nathan.

Teresa Smith

Paralegal

Teresa is a lifelong resident of Roanoke, Alabama. She is the daughter of Larry W. and Carolyn Smith. Ms. Smith graduated from Handley High School in 1995 and received her Associates degree from Central Alabama Community College in 1997. Prior to joining the firm in September 2013, she worked in the medical field as an office manager with thirteen years of dedicated service. Teresa received her paralegal certification from Auburn University in 2016. She has one daughter, Cassie Faith Smith.

Laura Moore

Office Manager/Legal Assistant

Laura Moore is originally from Kennesaw, Georgia, but moved to Roanoke after marrying her husband Lew. She graduated from Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia in 2005 and later received her Bachelor of Science degree in Building Science for Auburn University in 2011. Prior to joining the firm as a Legal Assistant in February 2016, she worked in the commercial construction industry in Atlanta, Georgia and later in retail. In her free time, Laura enjoys baking and spending time with her family and friends.