Unsung Heroes ______________________________________________________________
We Asked Atlanta Bar Members to Highlight Individuals on Their Support Staff .
Superstar Brenda " BJ " Hewitt
I would love to recognize my Legal Assistant , Brenda “ BJ ” Hewitt . She will retire at the end of the year and has been with Atlanta Housing for more than 18 years . She is phenomenal and has that thing that you cannot teach – anticipating the needs of the attorneys she supports . You may ask her to do one thing , but that one thing requires 25 steps , yet she knows that all 24 additional steps are needed to accomplish the one thing you asked for , even if no one else does . Often those additional 24 steps are supplemental and not always required , but certainly give it that extra " umph " that anyone would appreciate . BJ has that “ it ” factor : she anticipates , she is organized , she is thoughtful , she is intuitive , she is efficient , she speaks up , and she speaks out - she is all the things you would want for someone providing support to your busy day . Also , she does all this with ease . BJ owns her mistakes and tries her best to correct them quickly or ensures she does not make the same mistake twice . Especially working with lawyers and our at times headstrong mentalities , if something needs to be said , BJ will say it . She is very honest , and most importantly , BJ is someone who will do what she says she is going to do . She is the most dependable person I have worked with in my 25 years in this profession .
- Heather D . Ancrum Atlanta Housing
Champion Ketevan Mamuliia
I would like to spotlight my Atlanta Paralegal Ketevan Mamuliia . Ketevan goes above and beyond every single day ! Not only is she incredibly smart and supportive , she also easily handles hundreds of exhibits while supporting attorneys through Zoom and in-person trials . Ketevan actually began her studies in medical school , but decided she rather not perform surgeries on dead bodies . Ketevan switched gears and found her calling for helping to serve families in crisis . For her own background , Ketevan is originally from the Republic of Georgia . Her family experienced the war there , moved to Ukraine , and now subsequently to the United States . Her background created a strong dedication to the firm and every client she serves , truly striving to make people ’ s lives better . Ketevan understands the intricacy of international family law with very strong global perspective of her own . She exceeds her day-to-day duties including exceptional detailed trial prep , and amazing computer and technological skills . Our clients love her because she is an excellent communicator and offers support when they are in crisis . Ketevan is extremely deserving of this recognition !
- Dina Khismatulina The Manely Firm , PC
Rockstar Jamie Cheattom
Jamie Cheattom , a Paralegal on our Business Litigation Team , is the unsung hero of our firm . A great support person makes the entire team sound better and perform their best . Her number one tip for everyone is to balance confidence and respect .
Always a kind helping hand , Jamie serves as our team ’ s primary contact with the court staff , witnesses and clients . This is a particularly active role with the robust court , depositions , and trial calendars of the four attorneys she supports . During these most stressful times , Jamie fits the calming definition of a duck . The expression is when you see a duck on the pond it appears calm on the surface . She appears unflappable and professional , putting others at ease , while paddling continuously below the surface to keep everything afloat .
In her years with us , Jamie gained her Paralegal Certification at the University of Georgia . She achieved this while working full time and proudly raising her son R . J . who was in elementary school at the time . Jamie ’ s life-long learning also inspires others to continue to grow as professionals .
Her ongoing personal search for continuing education took an interesting turn when Jamie became interested in cross-cultural etiquette as a field of study . She is now also a certified Etiquette Consultant ; the program focused on international cultures and unusual situations .
- Harry J . Winograd Bodker Ramsey Andrews Winograd & Wildstein , PC
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