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 appointments. Lola is the first impression for many of who we are here 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 our senior paralegal, Melissa assists all of our attorneys 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 case files including filing documents with the Court. We found her so proficient and vital to our workplace that we asked her to remain working for us full time remotely now that her family is stationed in Alaska.
She is a proud military wife and mother to two sweet little girls. She misses working at Welton Law Firm in person while she continues to assist all of the attorneys and engage with coworkers daily. In 2024, while working full time, 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.
Liam Sutton
As Mr. Bailey’s paralegal, Liam manages his schedule, works with his clients, and drafts substantive legal documents for each of his cases. While he is working full time, he is preparing for law school in the future.
Liam grew up in Illinois and Arizona with a love for history, law, and politics. He attended Pensacola Christian College, where he took classes with Mr. Bailey as his adjunct professor and grew his interest in law. Liam graduated from PCC in May of 2025 with a bachelor's degree in Pre Law and joined the firm full time upon graduation. He is excited to grow his knowledge and experience as he looks to a future in the legal field.
Lawson Harsch
As a law clerk, Lawson 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 graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Regent University’s School of Law in December of 2025.
Lawson works directly with attorneys at Welton Law Firm on civil litigation matters, business clientele issues, and criminal cases. He has interned at the White House during his law school education serving President Trump’s administration. Lawson is studying and planning to pass the Florida Bar in February of 2026 to seek entrance as a licensed attorney to continue serving our community as an attorney.
Penny Mae Gaither
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. Our staff receive regular cuddles and excited greetings from Penny when they arrive to work.