Chavioleyette S. Fenelus, Esq., LL.M., affectionately known as “Chay,” is a Virginia attorney whose practice focuses on tax controversy, tax planning, business matters, probate administration, and trust and estate matters. Admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court and authorized to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service, Chay represents taxpayers across the country in federal tax controversy and administrative matters involving IRS disputes, audits, collections, compliance issues, and strategic tax planning.

Known for her practical and results-driven approach, Chay is passionate about helping individuals and business owners understand how tax decisions intersect with wealth preservation, business operations, and long-term financial stability. While her practice is heavily tax-focused, she also maintains a strong passion for estate planning and helping families create structures that preserve wealth and minimize future conflict.

Chay earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, one of the nation’s premier graduate tax programs, while working full-time in private practice. She received her Juris Doctor from Liberty University School of Law, where she graduated in the top 15% of her class and discovered her passion for tax law during her final year of law school. Prior to law school, Chay earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law and Society from George Mason University and a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Liberty University School of Business.

Before entering private practice, Chay served as a Senior Probation Officer with the Virginia Department of Corrections, where she supervised specialized caseloads and worked extensively with individuals navigating high-pressure and complex personal circumstances. That experience continues to shape her strategic, solution-oriented approach to advocacy and problem-solving.

Beyond her legal practice, Chay is an active speaker and educator on topics involving tax law, business compliance, probate administration, and wealth preservation. She has presented for attorneys, professional organizations, and community groups on issues ranging from tax pitfalls in probate administration to business succession planning and generational wealth strategies. Her commitment to education reflects a broader mission of increasing access to financial literacy, tax education, and long-term planning resources within underserved communities.

Chay was recognized as a 2026 Super Lawyers Rising Star in Tax and selected as a 2026 George Mason University Black Alumni Chapter Forty Under 40 Honoree. She serves as a Director-at-Large for the Alexandria Bar Association and remains actively involved in leadership initiatives, including the American Bar Association Section of Taxation and the George Mason University Black Alumni Association. Chay is also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Chay grew up in the inner city and understands firsthand the importance of financial literacy, strategic planning, and creating opportunities through education and advocacy. Her background continues to shape her commitment to helping individuals, families, and business owners protect what they build and create long-term financial stability through effective legal and financial planning.