Our Staff
Kristen Ellis
As the Office Manager, Kristen maintains the seamless operation of the firm from its finances to its employees. She obtained her education in Business Management and Administration at Northwest Florida State College and worked in the banking industry for years gaining invaluable experience. In 2000, she began working at Welton Law Firm becoming a vital component to office management and efficiency in the workplace. Kristen is a source of formidable knowledge and experience regarding office administration, the firm’s areas of practice, and the legal realm as a whole.
Lola David
As the receptionist, Lola is the one to greet everyone as they walk through the door. She manages the attorneys’ schedules and client consults/appointments. Lola is the first impression for many of who we are at Welton Law Firm, and she represents us well with her investment in and commitment to our clients. She truly is a source of joy to her office family, and we count on her to bring the joy and laughter with her to work every morning. As a potential client or established clientele, you can trust her to answer any questions truthfully with an adequate understanding of the cases, areas of practice, and schedules of the attorneys.
Melissa Collier
As Mr. Bailey’s paralegal, Melissa assists in substantive legal work on firm cases. She prepares and drafts petitions, complaints, and motions in the administration of guardianships, litigation, and settlement. She communicates and manages clients, and organizes physical case files including filing documents with the Court.
She is a proud military wife and mother to two sweet little girls. She is enjoying working at Welton Law Firm as Mr. Bailey’s personal paralegal, while she also helps Ms. Gaither often as well. In 2024, she graduated from American Military University with her Masters in Legal Studies and has quickly become a vital component of office administration. We anticipate her long legal career here at the firm, excelling at everything she puts her mind to.
Davis Roderick
As Mr. Welton’s paralegal, Davis manages case files, communicates with clients, and assists with drafting and filing legal documents. While working full time, he is attending Northwest Florida State College and is aiming for a degree in paralegal studies.
Davis grew up in Rocky Point North Carolina but first developed his love for the legal system while living in Alaska. During his time there, he served as a member of the Mat-Su Youth Court for two years. He began his legal career in Florida, where he first worked as a litigation assistant for Levin Papantonio Law Firm. He joined Welton Law Firm in July of 2024 and is eager to gain valuable knowledge and experience working alongside Mr. Welton and the rest of the team.
Lawson Harsch
As a law clerk, Lawson has interned here at Welton Law Firm between school semesters for several years while he finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Program Management and Acquisitions at Northwest Florida State College. Throughout his schooling, he has maintained several business ventures, using them to garner connections within the local community and with local businesses. With the support of all the staff at Welton Law Firm, he decided to continue his education at Regent University’s School of Law.
During the semesters, Lawson and his wife, Shaylah, live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Between semesters, Lawson works directly with attorneys at Welton Law Firm on civil litigation matters, business clientele issues, and criminal cases. Upon his graduation, Lawson plans to return to Florida and seek entrance to the Florida Bar in order to continue serving the members of our community as an attorney.
Penny Mae
Penny is our precious mascot here at Welton Law Firm. As she accompanies Amy Welton Gaither to work regularly, she is sure to brighten everyone’s mood as the cute mini golden doodle that she is.