I was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in June of 2013 and began my own firm shortly thereafter. Prior to opening my own firm, I gained legal experience through working in law firms since 2008. As a firm Office Manager, I streamlined firm procedures, operating policies, and provided client support for employment matters including following up with the EEOC, reviewing grievances, and researching relevant law and polices. As a legal assistant for over two years for a family law firm, I was involved in various stages of domestic litigation. I assisted with preparing divorce complaints, discovery requests, child custody modifications, child support modifications, contempt filings, visitation modifications, legitimation cases, name changes, and establishment of parental rights. I worked hands-on with the attorneys to ensure that the clients were represented competently and thoroughly.
In addition, I gained invaluable experience through a semester internship with the Cherokee County Assistant District Attorney's office where I assisted in over 100 juvenile and criminal cases. I participated in a varying array of stages in Juvenile Court ranging from arraignments to admissions and bench trials. I also participated in felony probation revocations and Superior Court pleas as well as assisted and observed several jury trials. Through these experiences, I have developed a comfort level both inside and outside a courtroom dealing with prosecutors, attorneys, judges, and other court staff.
I obtained a Master's of Science degree in Conflict Management in 2007 and through that program gained a great understanding of methods of alternate dispute resolution along with training regarding ombudsmen, workplace conflict, cultural diversity, human resources, negotiations, and conflict intervention procedures. I am currently a Registered Neutral with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution in the areas of General Civil, Domestic, Domestic Violence, Juvenile, and Probate Mediation.
I represent clients in litigation ranging from collections, contract disputes, liability waivers, general civil disputes, family law, juvenile law, criminal defense, and probate matters. My representation includes all areas of litigation from motion hearings to final dispositions and trials. I also participate in discovery under the Civil Practice Act including depositions, document production and review, as well as Interrogatories and Requests for Admission.
I regularly coordinate with State and Local level shareholders including DHS, DBHDD, and law enforcement agencies often consulting regarding liability in critical incidents including GBI and IA.
I am certified as a Child Welfare Law Specialist (CWLS) by the National Association of Counsel for Children.
I use my experience as well as my education to provide diligent, competent legal representation to my clients.
Courts:
2013- Georgia lower courts (Superior, State, Juvenile, Magistrate, and Probate)
2014- Supreme Court of Georgia
2016- Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia
Organizations:
State Bar of Georgia- Member (Participant in the 2017 YLD Leadership Academy)
Blue Ridge Bar Association- Member
Georgia Association for Women Lawyers- Previous Board Member
(Participant in the 2017 GAWL Leadership Academy)
National Association of Counsel for Children- Member
Georgia Association of Counsel for Children- Member
Georgia Trial Lawyers Association- Past Member
