Staff
Aubrey Groves
Biography
Aubrey comes to us after retiring from the Georgia Capital Defender having served 11 years as Chief Fact Investigator. Her years at the state level combined with her years as Senior Investigator for Northeastern Judicial Circuit Public Defender give her a unique perspective to criminal defense. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Colorado State University summa cum laude, is a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and recipient of the Capps Capozzolo Academic Award. She earned her master’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from Indiana State University, graduating with honors. Aubrey has guest-lectured at the collegiate level and has been a keynote speaker at statewide conferences and seminars on such subjects as investigative techniques, background investigations, interviewing skills, death investigation and sex crime investigation.
Gretchen Swensen
Biography
Gretchen Swenson has been serving as Mr. Poole’s Paralegal since 2021. She comes with over 16 years of experience in the legal field, including 8 years with the Clerk of Court Office, Criminal Division, and 6 years as a Judicial Secretary for a Superior Court Judge. Born and raised in Michigan, Gretchen spent 20 years living in England, Germany, and New Mexico while her husband served in the Air Force. Gretchen has called North Georgia her home since 2003 where she resides with her family.
Yajaira Briones
Biography
Yajaira is a highly skilled and dedicated paralegal with nearly a decade of experience in the legal field. She began her legal career in 2016 at the Hall County Public Defender’s Office, where she played a crucial role in assisting attorneys with major felony cases. Her work during this time provided her with extensive exposure to complex legal matters and helped to hone her skills in case management and legal research.
In 2022, Yajaira advanced her career by becoming the Judicial Assistant to three judges in Hall County.
Yajaira graduated from University of North Georgia, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree with Distinction.