Shalena Cook-Jones

DIstrict attorney

Born and raised in Brooklyn New York, Shalena Cook Jones knew she wanted to be a lawyer at the age of eight. Graduating from one of New York City’s most competitive high schools for gifted and talented students, Shalena moved to Atlanta, Georgia to continue her studies at Spelman College. After completion of her undergraduate studies, Ms. Jones set her sights on law school. She was accepted into the University of Georgia School of Law, where Shalena graduated with honors in 2002 and passed the Georgia Bar that very same year. Beginning her career at an insurance defense litigation firm, Shalena went on to practice in both public and private settings in Georgia, Texas, and South Carolina.

In November 2020, Shalena Cook Jones was elected as the District Attorney for Chatham County Georgia. Discussing the responsibility of her position as District Attorney, Jones shared that the prosecutor’s duty is to the People. It means being careful to identify where implicit bias and historical prejudice are in operation and eliminate them to reduce unfair outcomes. “I am proud to do this job every day and even more proud to do it with and for you, the citizens. Together, we will hold offenders accountable, protect victims of crime and continue to make Chatham County the best it can possibly be.”