Taniesa Christina Vélez is the founder and principal attorney at Velez Law, PLLC. She began her career working in boutique law firms specializing in personal injury, family law, criminal law, and civil litigation in San Diego, California.

Ms. Vélez has participated in a range of practice areas from complex civil litigation to personal injury cases involving significant harm caused by companies and government entities.

She earned her Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law (fast-track, two years), a B.S. in Economics (Finance concentration) from California State University, Bakersfield, and an A.A. in Business Administration from Bakersfield College.

In Jefferson Family Courts, Ms. Vélez represents clients on circuit, dependency/neglect/abuse, paternity, and domestic violence dockets. She has also served as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and as a Parent’s Attorney.

Recognitions include National Black Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 (KY) and nomination for Best of the Best Top 10 Family Law Attorneys (2023).

Born and raised in California, Ms. Vélez became a Kentucky resident in 2018. She is a Puerto Rican first-generation attorney and proud of her Latina roots. In her free time, she enjoys athletic activities and time with family and friends.

Kelsea Hall is a senior associate attorney at Velez Law, PLLC. Ms. Hall earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law in 2021. She graduated Summa Cum Laude, top 10 in her class, and is a member of the Brandeis Honor Society.

She served on the University of Louisville Law Review and was published in volume 59 issue 2.

Ms. Hall focuses her practice on dissolution, custody, child support, domestic violence, post-decree issues, de facto custodian issues, and grandparents’ rights.

She was born and raised in Southern Indiana just north of Louisville. In her free time, she enjoys coaching Color Guard and watching stand-up comedians.

Taylor Reese is an associate attorney at Velez Law, PLLC. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law in 2024, where she served as Student Bar Association President.

She was a member of the Journal of Animal and Environmental Law and was published in volume 15 issue 1.

Ms. Reese represents clients in dissolution, custody, and domestic violence matters.

Born and raised in rural Southern Kentucky, she enjoys the gym, running with her pup, and time with friends and family.

Ana Arteaga is a paralegal at Velez Law, PLLC, where she supports attorneys in dissolution, custody, child support, domestic violence, and related family law matters. She is a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, with an expected graduation date of May 2026, and plans to sit for the Kentucky Bar Examination in July 2026.

During law school, Ms. Arteaga has been actively involved in student leadership and advocacy. She serves on the executive board of the Latino Law Student Association, has served as Vice President of the Immigration Law Society, and is a member of the Student Bar Association and the Women’s Law Caucus.

Ms. Arteaga also has experience across multiple areas of law, including immigration, environmental and administrative law, and civil legal aid. She is fluent in Spanish and has experience in assisting Spanish-speaking clients through interpretation and translation.

Born in Cali, Colombia, and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, she brings a bicultural perspective to her work. Outside of law, she enjoys staying active and volunteering with causes that support underserved communities.

Julie is a paralegal with Velez Law. A native Floridian, she studied at Polk State College and has over 30 years of legal experience supporting clients through family law matters.

At Velez Law, Julie prepares pleadings, discovery, and disclosures with precision and care. She enjoys animal rescue and exploring Kentucky's caves and forests.

Sherlena Watkins serves as a Paralegal at the firm, where she supports attorneys and clients through each stage of the legal process. With a strong attention to detail and a commitment to organization, she assists with case preparation, document management, and client communication to help ensure matters move forward smoothly and efficiently.

Sherlena understands that family law matters can be both personal and complex. She approaches her work with professionalism, compassion, and a focus on providing clients with clarity during important transitions.

She is dedicated to supporting the firm’s mission of guiding families with care, structure, and thoughtful legal support.

Cyril joined Velez Law in 2021 as a Legal Assistant and now also serves as Marketing Lead, managing digital presence, campaigns, and the website.

Outside of work, Cyril enjoys pickleball tournaments. She brings adaptability and a client-first mindset to every project.

Susy joined Velez Law in 2025 as a Legal Assistant, bringing more than ten years of experience in client relations, legal support, and administrative management. She provides bilingual assistance to attorneys and clients, helping Spanish- and English-speaking families navigate the family law process with clarity and compassion.

Her background in communications, project management, and technology strengthens the firm’s commitment to efficient, client-centered service. Susy is currently completing her Google Project Management Certification and continues to expand her skills through professional courses in AI, legal software, and case management systems.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her son and finding creative ways to integrate organization and empathy into her daily work.