Shelley Payne

Attorney Shelley Payne grew up in Effingham County, just outside of Savannah, planning to someday become a teacher. But an early job with the superior court sparked an interest in law instead. While working for her friend, Bill Maston, as a secretary, Shelley found a mentor as well. He encouraged her in her ambition to become a paralegal and supported the cost of her training.

From 2003 to 2020, Shelley worked as a paralegal for multiple firms. Eventually, she felt ready to make the move to attorney and enrolled at the Charleston School of Law, graduating with her Juris Doctor in 2020. When the partners at her Savannah personal injury firm shared that they planned to retire, one recommended Shelley to the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association community, catching the attention of Steve.

Shelley researched Litner + Deganian and liked what she saw, particularly the value placed on community service, client-centered communications and a fun working environment.

A Savannah mom through and through, Shelley focuses on her four kids—three teens and a preschooler—when she’s not working. Her older children attend the same high school she did, and she volunteers with the school and is involved in her sons’ wrestling and football teams. She’s a member of Moms RUN This Town, competing in 5K and half marathons. Her favorite is the Savannah Bridge Run—offering a nearly 200-foot-high view over the city. Shelley and her family also enjoy traveling together.