How She Started: I have always wanted to be a lawyer since I was in 4^thgrade. I was naturally good at reading and writing and my parents installed in me a since of civic responsibility and action and law seemed the most natural way to become active in the community. My parents were also Georgia entrepreneurs. I decided to become an attorney when I saw the legal issues and hurdles that my parents went through as a trial to find a competent, specialized, personal and understanding attorney for their small business. I knew I wanted to focus on business/corporate law but for smaller companies and businesses in Georgia.

I started my own practice in 2010 when the law firm I worked for dissolved---the partners couldn’t get along (sound familiar?) so I wasn’t actually prepared to start my own firm. However, I begin to obtain clients and appreciate the freedom and good sleep I was getting from not having to deal with a boss that I warmed to the idea of starting my own firm. As with most businesses, one of my challenges was fear. I had never wanted to start my own law firm so it was a daunting task. Additionally, access to start up capital was scarce.

How She Got Her First Customer: Someone was looking for a lawyer and someone mentioned my name that used to work with me at my former firm.

A Typical Day In Her Life Involves: Waking up at 4:30 or 5 am, exercising, organizing and praying, then doing 2 hours of administrative work and the remainder of actual legal work and usually lunches or evenings for marketing. Wash, rinse, repeat (M-F) then on Saturday mornings a little bit of work and planning.

How She Got The Job As Georgia State Representative: I was asked to run and I have been involved in politics since I was 18 years old, working for 2 Members of Congress and at the State Capitol for 2 years and for the Democratic Party of Georgia. I represent over 58,000 Georgians in the State House of Representatives (DeKalb and Rockdale counties).

What People Would Be Most Surprised To Know About Her: I do care if you listen to my advice. Some lawyers don’t care as long as you pay them but I care because I believe in long term relationships. If you are out of business within a year, that doesn’t do you any good or me as your attorney so I care and really want my clients to take my advice because I am on their side.

What’s Been The Most Difficult For Her: Learning to trust myself and remove the “noise” from outside influences. I have a strategy and a plan and I know what I am capable of doing so I should just do it.

If She Could Do One Thing Differently, She Would: Take more vacations. I am a work-a-holic but that leads to burn out and doesn’t benefit the business or me.

Her Proudest Accomplishment: Being elected to office at the age of 27. I thought it would be later in life before it happened.

Who Has Helped Her Most Along The Way: Family and friends and clients.

Who Inspires Her: Business owners. I feed off their energy, innovation and passion.

Favorite quote: “A problem is just an opportunity in work clothes.”

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