About Tomekia Lee-Chaney, Litigation Partner
Growing up, Tomekia Lee-Chaney experienced firsthand the effects of a divorce. She vowed to become a family law attorney at first thinking divorce attorneys help reconcile marriages. But as the years progressed she learned lawyers are actually there to minimize the effects of a divorce.
“I chose to remain steadfast in my dreams to practice family law, but to do so in a manner that would cause the least amount of change and hardship for children who are now like I was once before,” Ms. Lee-Chaney said.
She is a trial attorney by nature and loves being in the courtroom.
“Anytime I have the ability to try a contested family matter, I never miss the opportunity,” Ms. Lee-Chaney said. “I am a trial litigator who advocates for my client without any hesitation.”
Licenses
Ms. Lee-Chaney is licensed to practice law in Texas. She is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas.
She is also board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction given to less than 10 percent of Texas attorneys.
Education
Ms. Lee-Chaney graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She received her Juris Doctor cum laude from Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining Cordell & Cordell, Ms. Lee-Chaney primarily practiced family law involving divorces, custody disputes, child support, spousal support, paternity, and cases with Child Protective Services. She also handled juvenile law and wills and guardianships work.
Ms. Lee-Chaney tried more than 1000 cases before more than 50 Judges in more than 20 counties throughout the State of Texas exclusively in family law. Eight of those cases were tried before a jury, and one was argued before the Supreme Court of Texas.
Associations
- Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, 2018 to Present
- Barrister, Curt Henderson Inn of Court, 2018 to Present
- Voted Texas Super Lawyer Rising Star- 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 Texas Monthly Magazine
Cordell & Cordell, A Domestic Litigation Firm, Top Regional Attorney, 2017 and 2018 - Member, Texas Bar College, 2015 to Present
- Barrister, The Annette Stewart American Inn of Court, 2015 to Present
- Sponsor, Student Internships, 2009-2012, 2014 to Present
- Volunteer Judge, Collin County Teen Court, 2013 to 2020
- Family Law Section Member, Collin County Bar Association, 2012 to Present
- Family Law Section Member, Texas State Bar Association, 2005 to Present
- Member, Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2005 to Present
President-Elect/Board Member, McLennan County Dispute Resolution Center, 2010-12 - Bylaws Committee/Member, Rotary Club of Waco, Texas, 2009 to 2012
- Judge, Baylor University Moot Court, Mock Trial, Client Counseling Competes, 2009-12
- Attorney of the Year, The Carlson Law Firm (30+ Attorneys), 2009
Awards
Ms. Lee-Chaney was recognized in 2016-2019 as a Texas Rising Star in the family law practice area by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service of outstanding lawyers.
Publication
Ms. Lee-Chaney has delivered the following speeches:
- Waco Paralegal Association Continuing Legal Education, E-filing Speaker
- The Carlson Law Firm’s Quarterly PowerPoint Presentation Training on The Basics of Family Law, 2010 PowerPoint Presenter/Speaker
- The Carlson Law Firm Employee New Year Rally PowerPoint
Presenter/Speaker: 2010, 2011, 2012 - Presented Oral Arguments and Trial Briefs to Texas 5th Court of Appeals and Texas Supreme Court: In the Interest of J.N., L.N., K.N., and M.N., Children, No. 05-20-00695-CV, 2022 WL 1211200 (Tex. App.-Dallas, April 25, 2022)
Ms. Lee-Chaney has also contributed articles to MensDivorce.com.
