Janelle Lyons

Attorney

Janelle Lyons is a seasoned attorney whose practice focuses on employment law and complex civil litigation. She helps clients navigate a wide range of workplace matters—including internal investigations, compliance concerns, and policy development—while also representing businesses and municipalities in commercial disputes and risk-laden legal matters. At Gardner Skelton, she supports both the Employment and Litigation teams, combining practical insight with a steady, solutions-oriented approach.

In addition to her private practice, Janelle also serves as counsel to a local municipality, advising on personnel issues, governmental investigations, liability claims, and regulatory challenges. She is a certified North Carolina Superior Court mediator.

Janelle's Practice Areas

Education
  • J.D., William & Mary School of Law
  • B.S., Public Health Policy and Administration, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Admissions
  • North Carolina
  • Formerly admitted in Virginia
Recognition
  • North Carolina Super Lawyers – Rising Star (2014–2018)
  • Charlotte Business Journal – 40 Under 40 Honoree (2017)
  • Cranfill Sumner LLP – Distinguished Leader in Diversity and Inclusion Award (2021)
  • Martindale-Hubbell – AV Rated for legal ability and ethical standards
Affiliations
Member, Board of Trustees – Novant Health, Southeastern Piedmont Region
President & Board Member – John S. Leary Scholarship Foundation
Past Co-President – John S. Leary Bar Association
Past Member – Junior League of Charlotte
Graduate – Mecklenburg County Bar Leadership Institute
Past Committee Member – Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship, Law Day

Approach

Janelle is known for her steady presence, collaborative mindset, and ability to distill complex issues into clear, actionable guidance. She takes the time to understand each client’s objectives and concerns, then works alongside them to navigate legal options and deliver practical results. Whether advising HR professionals, business leaders, or in-house legal teams, Janelle brings empathy, strategy, and straight talk to every conversation.

Making a Difference

Janelle is passionate about mentorship, education, and diversity within the legal profession. She currently serves as President and Board Member of the John S. Leary Scholarship Foundation and is a past Co-President of the John S. Leary Bar Association. She is also a graduate of the Mecklenburg County Bar Leadership Institute and has contributed to community-focused programs including the Charlotte Legal Diversity Clerkship and Law Day initiatives. Her work reflects a long-standing commitment to increasing access, representation, and opportunity in the legal field.

More about Janelle

Janelle enjoys politics, legal drama, and spirited debate almost as much as she enjoys a great reality TV binge. Outside of the office, she’s often reading, scrolling Twitter, or spending time with her husband, Lamont, her nieces Layla and Khloe, and her granddaughter Kinsey. She's also proudly known as the “Fun Aunt” and “Fun Granny”—titles she wears with joy. Her father, now in assisted living, still considers her his full-time personal assistant, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Direct Line

704-390-7049