Ms. Pennywell's practice focuses on complex family litigation including divorce, child custody, spousal and child support, modifications and contempt and enforcement actions. A native of Framingham, Massachusetts, Ms. Pennywell received her B.S. from Kennesaw State University, where she earned a degree in Political Science. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2008. Prior to joining Shockley, Dodson, Deeb, Ms. Pennywell practiced family law in boutique law firms in Marietta and Atlanta (Buckhead) and previously operated her own practice providing litigation and transactional services to individual and corporate clients. Ms. Pennywell also served a Judge Pro Tempore for the Fulton County Juvenile Court.

Ms. Pennywell's approach to family law can be summed by two maxims she strives to live by. The first – there is incredible value in being of service to others. Second - attitude is equally as important as ability. A strong litigator, Ms. Pennywell stays fully abreast of changes in Georgia law and legal trends in family law in an effort to provide her clients with the best outcomes. She has represented hundreds of clients in the Atlanta metropolitan area and throughout the State of Georgia. Ms. Pennywell’s client trust her ability to effectively and knowledgeably guide them through the ligation process. Every client receives her steadfast commitment to providing exceptional service and thoughtful and aggressive advocacy.

Ms. Pennywell has been an active participant in a host of various legal, community and social organizations. She has served as a mentor for Georgia's Institute of Continuing Legal Education's Trial Skills practicum for six years, having mentored attorneys throughout the state in trial skills. She was tapped to serve on The Georgia Commission on Children, Marriage, and Family Law by former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears.

Ms. Pennywell has lived in Georgia for over 30 years. When not at the office, Shana can usually be found entertaining family and guests, watching football ("Go Dawgs!") or trying out some DIY home project with the rest of the Pennywells – her husband Styron, daughter Emerson, and sons Cooper and Bennett – at their home in Atlanta's historic Grant Park neighborhood.

Memberships and Honors

• Super Lawyers 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
• Super Lawyers "Rising Star" 2018
• Cobb County Bar Association
• State Bar of Georgia, Family Law Section
• Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys
• Georgia Association of Women Lawyers
• Gate City Bar Association
• Appointed to Georgia Commission on Children, Marriage and Family by former Chief Justice of Georgia Supreme Court, Leah Ward Sears.

Lawyer Reference Profiles