Meet Your Team

Melinda Schwartz

Senior Paralegal

Melinda joined Bryan in 2017 bringing 18 years of legal experience. She began her legal career as a Senior Litigation Paralegal for State Farm Insurance Companies where she handled complex bodily injury claims for 17 years prior to retiring from the company and venturing into another area of law. Melinda then handled commercial litigation matters related to arson & fraud, bad faith, insurance coverage, and property insurance as a Senior Paralegal at Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers. Melinda graduated from Georgia Southern University with a business degree and later earned her Paralegal Certification from the National Center for Paralegal Training. She is the mother of two sons and her Boxer puppy, Zoe. Melinda is also the proud grandmother to three granddaughters, Olivia, Ellie, and Colette. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, college football, baking, and needlework. Melinda is an active member of the Linus Project and donates all her handcrafted needlework designs for distribution to local children in hospitals, shelters, and other social service agencies.

Vanessa Simkowitz

Paralegal

Vanessa joined The Baer Law Firm in February 2024 and is a recent graduate of Georgia State University. She graduated with honors earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. Vanessa plans to attend law school in the coming years. Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys drawing, painting, and working in any creative field. She recently adopted a tuxedo cat named Alphie who is excellent at tearing apart furniture.

Amanda Jernigan

Paralegal

Amanda joined The Baer Law Firm in July 2025 shortly after obtaining her Paralegal Certification from Emory University. Before transitioning to the legal field, she worked in the hospitality industry as an events coordinator. Amanda graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technology. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys painting, cooking, traveling, hiking, and being outdoors with her dog, coincidentally named Bear.

Holly Baer

Firm Operations

Holly is the wife of Bryan Baer and the mother of their two wonderful children, Ellison and Brooks. In addition to running The Baer Household, Holly helps Bryan run The Baer Law Firm. She is excited for the opportunity after taking a brief break from her 20-year career in the financial services industry. Holly graduated with honors from the University of Alabama. In her spare time, she volunteers at their children’s schools and their family church.