MEET THE TEAM

Laura J. Ray is a Fannin County native and a graduate of Fannin County High School.

After graduating from high school, Ms. Ray was accepted to the University of Georgia in Athens with a music scholarship.  While at UGA, she studied music and history.  She enjoyed her time marching with the Red Coat Marching Band and highly values her employment with the University of Georgia Anthropology Department, where she was able to learn from and interact with leading authorities in the fields of history and anthropology.

After graduating from the University of Georgia, she obtained employment with a private school in Cobb County.  In that capacity, Ms. Ray supervised and managed the school’s art and music program.  Ms. Ray enjoyed her time working at the school; however, her goal was to pursue a legal career.

She began her legal studies in 1997 at Mercer University School of Law in Macon, Georgia.  While in law school, she obtained an internship with the Bibb County District Attorney’s Office, working primarily in the area of domestic violence crimes.  She was later employed by a private practice firm in Cartersville, Georgia, as a law clerk and was offered employment as an associate attorney after graduating from law school in 2000.  In that capacity, Ms. Ray represented clients in general practice law, including matters in both federal and state court; criminal and civil matters; real estate litigation and transactions; probate court matters; personal injury cases; bankruptcy; workers’ compensation; and corporate law.  While practicing law in Cartersville, Georgia, Ms. Ray also served as a court appointed attorney for the Juvenile Court of Bartow County, representing both parents and children in various matters, including deprivation and delinquency proceedings.  In addition, she served the Federal Court of the Northern District of Georgia, Rome Division, as a court appointed attorney in federal criminal cases.

After working seven years in the legal industry, five years as a licensed attorney, Ms. Ray returned to her hometown and opened her own firm in 2005.  Ms. Ray’s diverse legal background makes her a knowledgeable advocate for her clients.  Ms. Ray is admitted to practice law in Georgia and Tennessee.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son on their farm and gardening.

Admissions to Practice Law:

State Bar of Georgia, 2000
United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia, 2001
State of Georgia Court of Appeals, 2002
Supreme Court of Georgia, 2002
State of Tennessee, 2012

Ali J. Wanner is the paralegal and office manager for the firm.  Ms. Wanner manages the firm’s civil matters, including estate planning, family law and business law.  As office manager, Ms. Wanner supervises staff, manages vendor contracts and services and generally ensures the smooth day to day operations of the firm.

Ms. Wanner began working for the firm in 2010.  She has proven herself to be a wonderful asset and takes excellent care of our clients. Ms. Wanner has worked for law firms and in the legal industry for thirty-five years and earned her paralegal studies certificate in 2000.  Her extensive legal background and knowledge make her an invaluable resource for our clients as well as our staff.

Ms. Wanner is an Ohio native and grew up in a large farming community.  After she married, she and her husband moved to Florida, where they raised their family, worked and lived.  The North Georgia Mountains served as her family’s favorite vacation destination for many years.  Nearly two decades ago, she and her husband were able to permanently relocate here.

In her free-time, Ms. Wanner and her husband enjoy bird watching and rescuing cats.  They have rescued, fed, sheltered and provided a loving home to a number of cats over the years.

Ms. Wanner’s email address is:  lawoffice@laurajray.com

John A. Ray serves as our office assistant.  In that capacity, he assists with filing and inventory, greeting clients, and  supports the staff to ensure our office runs efficiently.

Mr. Ray practically grew up in the firm.  He is homeschooled and is particularly interested in literature.  He enjoys working with our team and is always eager to provide a helping hand where needed.  Mr. Ray is also a key team member in special events and holiday planning for the firm.

In his free time, he enjoys playing piano, riding his four-wheeler and working on his family farm.

Edyta Sadlier works primarily in the firm’s real estate department.  In that capacity, she reviews contracts and title abstracts, manages all aspects of the closing file and works closely with all parties to the transaction.

Ms. Sadlier began working for the firm in 2024.  She enjoys working with people and finds working in real estate title law interesting and never dull.  Ms. Sadlier’s background brings a strong foundation to the firm’s real estate department.  Her passion in real estate law began in the Gilmer County Clerk of Court’s office, reviewing and recording deeds and other instruments into the public records.  She also spent some time working in banking, accounting and insurance.  Ms. Sadlier has a strong desire to help people and provide them with a positive experience during the entire process of their real estate purchase.

Ms. Sadlier was born and raised in Poland.  Polish is her native language.  Ms. Sadlier also fluently speaks English and some German.  She later moved to England, where she and her family resided for several years, before moving to the United States with her husband and three sons.

Ms. Sadlier loves to travel and experience different cultures.  One of her family’s favorite activities is hiking in search of new waterfalls.  Ms. Sadlier, her family and her dog enjoy the beautiful lakes and rivers in this community.  She is a big foodie and loves preparing homecooked meals for her family, incorporating new recipes as well as some traditional Polish dishes.  She also enjoys working on various DIY projects around her house and gardening.  She resides in Ellijay with her husband, three sons and their dog.

Ms. Sadlier’s email address is:  closer@laurajray.com

Tonja Davenport is a legal assistant working in both the firm’s real estate and civil departments.  In that capacity, she works closely with the real estate closer to ensure files are processed quickly and accurately.  She also works closely with the firm’s paralegal on our civil files, including probate cases, estate planning, and all other general matters.

Ms. Davenport began working for the firm in 2024.  Ms. Davenport is a Fannin County native and a graduate of Fannin County High School.  She holds an Associate’s of Science in Business Administration from Tri-County Community College and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration through Cohort from Montreat Christian College in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Ms. Davenport brings a diverse background to the firm. She was previously employed with a real estate attorney in North Carolina and later worked as a processer for a loan finance company, after having spent about a decade working as the Officer in Charge at a local U.S. Post Office.

Ms. Davenport is the proud mother of three adult children and is blessed with many grandchildren.  She is a skilled gardener.  She enjoys growing her own food as well as food preservation, including canning, jellies and jams and dehydration.  Ms. Davenport also loves hiking, camping and spending time outdoors with her family and her dogs.   Ms. Davenport has taught both Sunday School and vacation Bible School at various churches and regularly engages in intercessory prayer.

She resides in Morganton with her five dogs.

Ms. Davenport’s email address is: legalassist@laurajray.com