Meet the Attorneys at Guntersville Law, LLC
Three experienced attorneys — including a former Marshall County Circuit Judge — giving the people of Guntersville and North Alabama access to skilled, honest, and personally attentive legal representation since 2014.
Paul A. Seckel
Attorney at Law · Founding PartnerPaul A. Seckel is an Alabama native who founded Guntersville Law, LLC in 2014 with a single purpose: to give the people of Guntersville and Marshall County access to skilled, honest legal representation without the impersonal experience of larger firms.
He handles personal injury, divorce and child custody, and criminal defense throughout North Alabama. Paul is known for his direct communication, genuine investment in each client’s outcome, and willingness to litigate vigorously when settlement isn’t the right answer. He practices regularly in Marshall County courts and has deep familiarity with local judges and opposing counsel.
Credentials
- Juris Doctor — Birmingham School of Law
- MBA — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Licensed Alabama state courts attorney
- Founder, Guntersville Law, LLC (est. 2014)
Emily Jolley Seckel
Attorney at LawEmily Jolley Seckel is a lifelong Albertville, Alabama resident, the daughter of Tim Jolley, and the wife of Paul Seckel. Before pursuing law, she had a distinguished career in education as a special education teacher and school principal — bringing an unusually empathetic and analytically precise approach to her legal practice.
Emily handles civil appeals, divorce and child custody, and estate planning. Her appellate background is one of the firm’s most distinctive assets — she builds the appellate record from day one of every trial case and can challenge unfavorable rulings through the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and the Alabama Supreme Court. She is deeply committed to her community, serving as President of Exceptional Aggies Cafe and helping secure 501(c)(3) status for Not Alone.
Credentials
- Juris Doctor — Birmingham School of Law
- Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree
- Master of Science in Special Education
- Licensed Alabama state courts attorney
- Former special education teacher & principal
Tim Jolley
Attorney at Law · Former Circuit Judge · Registered MediatorTim Jolley brings a depth of experience to Guntersville Law that is virtually unmatched in North Alabama. Over a 44-year legal career, Tim served 12 years as an Assistant District Attorney, then 18 years as a Marshall County Circuit Judge — and still serves as a Special Circuit Judge when needed.
He is a Registered Civil and Domestic Relations Mediator, making him ideally positioned to resolve disputes efficiently outside of court. Tim focuses on criminal defense, mediation, and civil and real estate litigation. Having a former circuit judge on your side means your legal team understands exactly how judges think, what arguments carry weight in courtrooms, and how to build a case that stands up to the highest scrutiny.
Credentials
- Licensed Alabama attorney — 44+ years experience
- Former Marshall County Circuit Judge — 18 years
- Former Assistant District Attorney — 12 years
- Registered Civil & Domestic Relations Mediator
- Still serves as Special Circuit Judge
Why Choose Guntersville Law, LLC
Exceptional Depth of Experience
Our team includes a former Marshall County Circuit Judge, a civil appellate attorney, and a founding partner with a JD and MBA. That combination of trial, appellate, judicial, and business expertise is rare in a North Alabama firm of any size.
Deep Local Court Knowledge
We practice regularly in Marshall County and across North Alabama. We know how local judges approach cases, what arguments resonate, and how to navigate the specific procedures of the courts where your case will be heard.
Personalized Strategy — Not Templates
Every client gets a strategy built for their specific situation, goals, and constraints. We take time to understand what matters most to you before recommending any course of action — and we tell you the truth even when it’s difficult.
Full Family of Services
One firm — personal injury, divorce and custody, criminal defense, appeals, mediation, estate planning, and business law. When your situation involves more than one area of law, we coordinate across practice areas rather than sending you somewhere else.
Modern and Efficient
Guntersville Law uses technology and current legal research tools to prepare more thoroughly and communicate more clearly — so your matter is resolved as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
Genuine Community Commitment
Paul founded this firm in Guntersville because he cares about this community. Emily leads local nonprofits serving people with disabilities. Tim has served North Alabama through its courts for over four decades.
“Mr. Seckel is a great lawyer. He was very helpful and handled my divorce and child custody case very quickly. He answered all of my questions and was very kind when I was going through a very tough time. I highly recommend him to anyone who may need an attorney.”— Verified Client · Divorce & Child Custody · Guntersville, AL · See all testimonials →
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Car accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death. Free consultation — contingency fee basis.
Learn more →Divorce & Child Custody
Contested and uncontested divorce, custody, support, property division. Alabama’s 2026 joint custody law.
Learn more →Criminal Defense
DUI, drug charges, felonies, misdemeanors, expungements. Former judge on the team.
Learn more →Appeals
Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and Supreme Court. Family law and civil appeals. 42-day deadline.
Learn more →Mediation
Led by registered mediator Tim Jolley — faster, less expensive resolution than litigation.
Learn more →Business Law & Estate Planning
Business formation, contracts, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Learn more →Ready to Talk to an Attorney?
Schedule directly with Paul or Emily — or call the main firm line.
Free consultation for personal injury cases. $100 / 30 minutes for all other matters.
1320 Gunter Ave, Suite A · Guntersville, AL 35976 · Fri by appointment