TAL SEPTEMBER_OCTOBER 10.21 UNPLUGGED The Atlanta Lawyer September/October 2025 | Page 33

IN THE PROFESSION

topic was“ Expanding Your Circle of Champions.” At this session, class members learned how to increase the number of persons who can pave the way for them to be successful in their careers.

When I say, for the sessions,“ They’ re Gr-r-reat,” don’ t just take my word for it. Let’ s hear from some of the class members.

“ One word – Captivating. The Atlanta Bar Leadership Academy has welcomed 30 diverse backgrounds under one program, and it has already exposed us to careershifting experiences. I am forever grateful.”

Courtnie Russell( Windham Brannon)

“ My experience in the Atlanta Bar Association’ s Leadership Academy has been incredibly rewarding so far. I’ ve especially enjoyed hearing from the impressive panelists and gaining insight from some of the top leaders in the legal industry in such an intimate setting. This program is giving me the chance to connect and build meaningful relationships with peers and colleagues across the profession; and I am excited for the upcoming sessions!”

Ralitsa Francois( Bodker, Ramsey, Andrews, Winograd & Wildstein, P. C.)

“ My experience in the Atlanta Bar Association’ s Leadership Academy has been deeply enriching thus far. Learning from such experienced leaders within Atlanta’ s legal community in a professional-yet-intimate setting has been an early program highlight for me. I can’ t wait to glean further insight from our esteemed panelists and to build strong, consequential relationships with my peers and colleagues in the program.”

Andrew Boyer( Alston & Bird LLP)

We are looking forward to the remaining sessions for this Inaugural Leadership Academy. Some of the panelists from whom the class members will hear are: Jay Malone, Corporate Counsel at The Home Depot; Austin Ellis, Associate General Counsel at Mercedes-Benz USA; Bill Shaughnessy, Partner at Jones Walker; Ryan Buchanan, Managing Partner at McGuireWoods’ Atlanta office, and former U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia; Jeremy Hayes, Senior Counsel at Georgia Power Company; and Ashley Rice, Partner, Waldon Adelman Castilla McNamara & Prout, and President of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association;

Lastly, thank you to our amazing Atlanta Bar Association Leadership Academy Committee(“ LAC”).

Their names are as follows:

Please renew your membership or join the Atlanta Bar Association today by clicking this link: HERE

www. atlantabar. org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 17