ATTORNEY
Jessica Salonus is an Employment and Special Education attorney serving clients across Tennessee. She is a long-standing and active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), where she has contributed as both a member and a contractual attorney.
Ms.Salonus graduated with honors from Louisiana State University in 2006 with a degree in Management and earned her law degree with honors from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 2009, where she served as Managing Editor of the Law Review.
In her employment law practice, Ms. Salonus zealously represents employees in a wide range of matters, including age discrimination under the ADEA; disability discrimination, retaliation, and failure to accommodate claims under the ADA; Title VII discrimination and retaliation; FMLA interference; wrongful termination for whistleblowing; and ERISA violations related to life insurance and pension plan benefits. She also advises employers on legal compliance to prevent employment disputes.
Ms. Salonus’ greatest passion lies in advocating for children with disabilities and their families. As the parent of a child with a disability, she brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work. Her private practice is dedicated to securing the educational services and accommodations children are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and the ADA. She also seeks justice for children who have suffered physical or emotional harm due to abuse or unlawful actions by school officials, and she litigates cases involving retaliation against parents or teachers advocating for students’ rights. Ms. Salonus handles special education matters at every level, from IEP meetings to appeals before the Sixth Circuit.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND & BAR ADMISSIONS
Ms. Salonus attended Louisiana State University on a full academic scholarship, graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. While at LSU, Ms. Salonus was a member and Vice President of Finance of the Delta Gamma sorority. She then received her law degree from the University of Memphis, where she also graduated with honors.
While in law school, Ms. Salonus was awarded the Dean’s Award for Excellence for Best Appellate Brief and CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in Legal History and Juvenile Law. She was also the recipient of the Sam A. Myar, Jr. Law Scholarship, Kathryn Hookanson Law Fellowship, and Donald & Susie Polden Dean’s Scholarship. In addition, Ms. Salonus was a member and the Managing Editor of the University of Memphis Law Review.
Ms. Salonus is admitted to practice before the Tennessee Supreme Court, all Tennessee trial and appellate courts, and the United States District Court for the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of Tennessee.
MEMBERSHIPS & ACTIVITIES
Ms. Salonus is a member of the Jackson-Madison County Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the National Employment Lawyers Association, and the Tennessee Employment Lawyers Association. Ms. Salonus is also an active member of the Council of Parents, Advocates, & Attorneys (“COPAA”), an outstanding organization of advocates and lawyers for students with disabilities. Ms. Salonus was selected to serve as a Staff Attorney for COPAA. In that capacity, Ms. Salonus assists the organization in writing Amicus Curiae briefs on behalf of students with disabilities throughout the country as well as position statements to educate COPAA’s members on new legislation or court opinions.
Additionally, Ms. Salonus was an Associate Member of the Howell Edmunds Jackson American Inn of Court from 2012-2014 as well as a member of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Leadership Law Class of 2015.
Ms. Salonus is also an avid supporter of the Jackson Symphony, serving on their Board of Directors and Audience Advancement Committee.
PERSONAL
Ms. Salonus resides in Jackson, Tennessee with her husband, Graham, and two little boys, Grey and Jack. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family golfing, boating on Kentucky Lake, and supporting the Tennessee Titans and LSU Tigers.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Students and employees are entitled to schools and workplaces that are free from discrimination, provide opportunities, and enable them to advance their goals. Tennessee attorney Jessica Salonus and The Salonus Firm are ready to guide you through the legal process. We serve clients who need an employment or special education lawyer in Jackson, Memphis, and Nashville, as well as other areas of Tennessee. Contact us at 731-300-0970 or via our online form to send your inquiry and receive a prompt response (typically within 48 hours) from The Salonus Firm.