Harris Shelton - James Jalenak

Bio
Education
Admissions
Accolades

James B. (Jimmy) Jalenak is a well-respected lawyer and supporter of the Memphis community. Over his 50-year career, he has become highly regarded in the matters of real estate and business transactions, and he has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America. Jimmy’s background in real estate law includes representing clients in the acquisition, development, financing and leasing of large real estate projects. He has aided in the acquisition of businesses for buyers and sellers, as well as the reorganization and buyout of business entities. With extensive experience and success in business law, he has served as general counsel to distribution and retail businesses. As a significantly experienced attorney, Jimmy is looked to as a mentor by many of the firm’s younger attorneys. Jimmy is married to Natalie Jalenak, former public relations director for Playhouse on the Square. They have two children, Margaret Jalenak Wexler and Catherine Jalenak Levit, and four grandchildren, Ariel Wexler, Jonah Wexler, Hannah Levit, and Caleb Levit.

Yale Law School, J.D., Cum Laude, 1964
- The Order of the Coif, member
- Phi Delta Phi, member
Yale University, B.A., politics and economics, Magna Cum Laude, 1961
- Yale Banner Publications, chairman
- Frank M. Patterson Prize, Best Thesis in American Politics – “Beale Street Politics”

Admitted to Practice

Tennessee, 1966
New York, 1965

Bar Admissions

Tennessee, 1966
New York, 1965
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Tax Court

Awards and Recognition

Pillar of Excellence, awarded by University of Memphis Law School, 2018
National Conference for Community and Justice, Humanitarian of the Year Award, 2000
Memphis Urban League, J.A. McDaniel Community Service Award, 1997
Volunteer Center of Memphis, Golden Rule Award, 1994
Morehouse College Alumni Association, Candle on the Bluff Award, 2008

Professional Organizations and Awards

American Bar Association, Member
Best Lawyers in America
Memphis Bar Association, Member-Director, 1994-1995
Tennessee Bar Association, Member
Tennessee Bar Foundation, Fellow

Civic and Community Involvement

City of Memphis Health, Education and Housing Facility Board, Board Member, 2017 – present
Temple Israel, Memphis, President
Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Regional Vice President
Southern College of Optometry, Board Member, 2005-2013
Memphis Zoological Society, Board Chairman, 2002-2005
Lemoyne-Owen College, Board of Trustees Member, 2000-2010
Memphis Rotary Club, President, 1998
Memphis Depot Redevelopment Corporation, Board Member, 1996-2011
Memphis Urban League, Board Member and Counsel
Memphis PREP Program, Board Member and Counsel
Memphis Public Education Fund, President

James Jalenak

Practice Areas