CLE Hours: 12 including 12 General, 1 Ethics, 1 Professionalism, 0 Trial Practice
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Nkoyo-Ene Effiong is the Director of Law Practice Management Program for the State Bar of Georgia. In that role, she helps Georgia lawyers tap into innovation to build a profitable and purpose-filled practice with less struggle and stress. With a steadfast focus on equipping lawpreneurs with the confidence, competence and capacity to leverage the right tools for their practice, Nkoyo seeks to advance a more innovative and inclusive legal profession that meets the needs of legal professionals and legal consumers.
Additionally, Nkoyo is a frequent local and national speaker and writer on legal innovation and practice management topics. She regularly contributes to the Georgia Bar Journal, the ABA and other bar publications.
Prior to joining the State Bar, Nkoyo was the founder and principal attorney at The Effiong Firm LLC, an education and nonprofit law firm that advocated unapologetically for excellence, equity, and education justice alongside marginalized communities. As a strategic partner, Nkoyo helped families and mission-driven leaders leverage the law to protect the people and purposes that mattered most to them using a mix of flat-fee and subscription legal services.
Nkoyo is a proud graduate of Brown University and New York University School of Law.
You can reach Nkoyo at nkoyoe@gabar.org or 404-527-8770.
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Michelle is a member of the Georgia Bar, and serves as Chair of the Women in the Profession Section of the Atlanta Bar Association.
Michelle is the 2023 Recipient of the Atlanta Bar Association's Outstanding Woman of Achievement Award.
Michelle earned her Juris Doctor from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law, and Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education Certification from University of Michigan.
Michelle is Counsel and Owner of Advantage Law Firm in Metro Atlanta. Michelle’s prior legal experience includes: Association County Commissioners of Georgia and its corporate boards and trusts; McKesson Corporation, General Counsel Organization; State Road and Tollway Authority, Legal Unit; Georgia Court of Appeals, the Hon. Judge M. Yvette Miller; Georgia Tech, Office of Legal Affairs and Risk Management; State of Georgia Office of the Attorney General, Commercial Transactions and Litigation Division; Superior Court of Macon-Bibb County, the Hon. Judge Howard Simms; the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights; Associate Dean Sarah Gerwig-Moore, Mercer Law; and, the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy, Stetson Law.
Michelle, her husband Colter, their daughter Giuliana, and their two dogs live in Metro Atlanta. When Michelle is not working, she tries to take time to enjoy the great outdoors by hiking, playing tennis, gardening, and swimming/freediving. Of all of her favorite National Parks she has visited, her favorite experience was completing an underwater trail at Buck Island Reef National Monument in the USVI.
Jayden Doyé also known as The Law Firm’s CPA, uses his 10+ years of accounting & business consulting experience to help firm owners across the nation reach new heights and catch more flights. As president of Prestige Accounting & Consulting, Jayden loves to use specialized accounting strategies to help law firm owners increase their profits and pay less to the IRS.
Jayden Doyé is a bestselling author and internationally acclaimed speaker. He is renowned for his trainings, which are deeply insightful and thought-provoking. His topics range from business development, client acquisition, hiring profitably, and utilizing technology. He has held numerous workshops around the world on the value of connection, understanding, and collaboration in growing a business. He became a best-selling author in 2022 by Amazon, a distinction that speaks to his influence and impact as an author. With an extraordinary ability to connect with people on a profound level and an incomparable capacity to captivate audiences with his words and thoughts, Jayden Doyé's work has touched thousands of lives across the globe.
Instagram: @Thegreatjayden
Twitter: Thegreatjayden
Tik Tok @Theegreatjayden
Dr. Felix Hernandez is a seasoned consultant with over twenty-five years of experience in Information Technology, Information Security, Project Management, and Business Development.
Dr. Hernandez owns and operates All American Technology Solutions Group, a leading consulting company providing IT services to small and medium-sized businesses. He also leads Strategic Sentinels, a boutique cybersecurity firm offering specialized services to non-profits, healthcare, educational, and legal organizations. Additionally, through Felix Hern Speaks, he delivers engaging workshops and public speaking services to diverse clients. As an author, he has written two books titled "Cybersecurity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence : A Practitioner’s Guide to Leveraging AI for Enhanced Security" and “Business Email Compromise: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding to BEC Attacks”.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management from the New York Institute of Technology, a Master’s degree in Information Management for Executives, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Information Security Management from Syracuse University. He also earned an Executive Education Certificate in Artificial Intelligence: Business Strategies and Applications from UC Berkeley and a Doctorate in Information Technology specializing in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity from Capella University.
Dr. Hernandez's industry credentials include CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional), CDPSE (Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer), CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), PMP (Project Management Professional), and various certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, Citrix, and VMWare.
With over fifteen years of experience in training organizations and instructing students in higher education, Dr. Hernandez has served as a Professor of Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, Information Systems and Security, and Enterprise Risk Management at several institutions across the United States.
Dr. Hernandez draws on his extensive background to provide valuable insights and practical strategies, helping organizations and students understand and navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and AI.
Contact Information:
Email: felix@felixhernspeaks.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/felixhern/
Websites: felixhernspeaks.com, aatsg.com, strategicsentinels.com
Ellakisha O’Kelley, Esq.
Principal Attorney, Scire De Jure® Legal Firm | The Empowerment Influencer®
Ellakisha O’Kelley is a powerhouse in both the legal and athletic arenas, widely known as The Empowerment Influencer® for her mission to help clients own, protect, and scale their legacy. As the Principal Attorney of Scire De Jure® Legal Firm, she serves a diverse clientele, including world-champion athletes, elite-level coaches, small business owners, entertainers, and real estate professionals—by delivering strategic legal solutions that turn ambition into sustainable success.
With over 30 years of lived experience in sports and entertainment, Ellakisha is no stranger to high-stakes arenas. A former Division I record-holder and SEC Championship history maker, she was a top-five finalist at the World University Games and an alternate for the 100m hurdles at the Sydney Olympics. Her accolades include being named Top Female Student-Athlete, Academic All-American, and induction into the Albany High School Hall of Fame, University at Albany Wall of Fame, and the Capital Region Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame.
A former certified NFL agent, Ellakisha now stands at the forefront of the evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) landscape. She is passionate about educating athletes and equipping legal professionals with the tools to navigate NIL regulations effectively.
In addition to her legal advocacy on behalf of athletes, entertainers and entrepreneurs, she channels her empowering efforts in our society as an author and speaker. She authored Code v. Code: The Street Code Versus The Legal Code, Contracting for Wealth, and Intellectual Prosperity: Protect Your Name, Image, and Likeness. As an educator, she shares insightful information and interviews on her podcast Seek ELLAvation, educational workshops, and various speaking platforms such as TEDx.
At the Solo and Small Firm Conference, she brings a unique perspective on how small firm attorneys can position themselves to serve clients harness the value in this transformative era of personal brand monetization.
To learn more about Ellakisha, visit www.allaboutella.com
Dara set out with a belief that every person should have the opportunity to succeed no matter where they were born. After graduating from Brandeis University in Waltham Massachusetts, with a semester abroad at Hebrew University, Israel, Dara went on to attend law school at Georgia State University. Since 2006, Dara has been guiding foreign investors, employees, victims and families who are willing to work to make their dreams a reality by coming to the United States. Ms. Berger was the Chair of the Immigration Section of the Georgia Bar from 2012 through 2022, planning CLE events annually on the topics of family and business immigration law. She has spoken at numerous State Bar CLEs on the topic of Immigration and is an active member of American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). She has held positions on several committees for AILA over the last 10 years. She has spoken at the AILA Georgia/Alabama Chapter conference every year for the last 3 years on various immigration topics and assisted in planning the conference in 2021.
Traci Weiss is an AV-rated attorney with over 20 years of civil litigation experience, specializing in family law. After working for nearly two decades with and being a partner of a larger Atlanta family law firm, in 2022, Traci started her own firm. She established Weiss Family Law to best serve the interests of her clients with compassion during their challenging family matters, focusing on a reasonable, honest approach toward optimum results. As a part of her exclusive dedication to family law, Traci also serves as a Guardian ad Litem, where she is appointed as an expert to aid in the investigation of child custody matters and the determination of the best interests of the children.
Traci has been a member of the Amicable Divorce Network (ADN) since 2000, where she currently serves as the Legal Chair, and previously served as the Internal Membership Chair. In 2022, she became a Certified Amicable Divorce Professional (CADP), with specialty designation training in matters involving LGBTQIA+ clients and families. In 2024, Traci also earned CADP special designations in Child-Focused Divorce and Gray Divorce.
An active member of the Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law Inn of Court for several years, in 2022, Traci was elevated from a Barrister to a Master within the organization, and she served as a Program Chair for the 2024-2025 term. Also active in multiple bar associations, Traci is beginning her term of Chair of the State Bar of Georgia Law Practice Management Advisory Committee (LPMAC), after serving as a Co-Chair during the prior term. Traci joined the LPMAC with a desire to help educate others about the challenges of opening and operating a small firm, helpful tools she has found, and the valuable, helpful resources available through the State Bar. She has also served as President (2022-2023) of the Women of the Bar (WOB) Section of the Cobb County Bar Association (CCBA), where she also served as Sponsorship Chair (2023-2024). In addition, Traci was the President of the Family Law Section of the CCBA (2020-2021), and before that, served as the section’s Vice President (2019-2020), Secretary (2018-2019), and Member-At-Large (2017-2018).
Recognized for her advocacy and courtroom performance, Traci has been awarded an “AV Preeminent Attorney” rating (every year since 2012) through Martindale-Hubbell. In addition, she has been named to the SuperLawyers list (every year since 2019) by Thompson Reuters, and before that, she had been named to the Georgia Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list for multiple years. Traci and Weiss Family Law have also been named winner of the Best of Jewish Atlanta Reader’s Choice Awards for Favorite Attorney/Law Firm through the Atlanta Jewish Times multiple times, in addition to being named Best of Gwinnett for Family Lawyer/Family Law Firms for 2023 and 2024.
A native of eastern Long Island (Shirley), New York, Traci earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Binghamton University (S.U.N.Y.), and her Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law. An active member of the community, she has volunteered several years as a judge in mock trial competitions, and has served on the Board of Directors of her homeowners’ association. Together with her Husband, she is the proud mother of a son who is just starting middle school, a daughter who is just starting high school, and a stepson who is a sophomore in college, as well as their 4 dogs, 4 turtles and a Goffin’s Cockatoo.
This is Jim's 43rd year in the practice of law. He is presently a partner in the firm of Hogan & Stoye in Marietta. Most of his legal career has been spent as a solo practitioner or associated with a small firm. Although Jim has practiced in a number of areas including criminal defense, personal injury, business transactions and litigation, domestic, etc., he has now settled into Wills, Probate, Estate litigation and domestic relations. During his years of practicing law, Jim has served the comm unity in various ways: as Chief Counsel of the U.S. Senate campaign for Bob Barr and Chief Counsel of the Barr for Congress Campaign; past President of the North Cobb Rotary Club; served on the Board of Directors of the Pinetree Country Club; former Chaplain of the Cobb County Bar Association; served as a Trustee, member of the Executive Committee, and as President (2019-2020) of the Cobb County Bar Association. He is also the Founder and Director of the Cobb County Bar Association's Lawyers Helping Lawyers. Jim presently serves the Georgia Bar in the following committees: Lawyer Assistance Committee, Member Benefits Committee, Chairman, Senior Lawyers Committee, and previously served with the committee for Delivery of Legal Services in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic.
Jim is a life-long resident of Cobb County, the oldest of 6 children, and a graduate of Sprayberry High School in Marietta. Along with other sports, Jim was an honored member of the Sprayberry High School football team and has been inducted into the Sprayberry Sports Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the Sprayberry High Football Collage Event Award, which recognizes an outstanding Alumni who has brought creclit to his school and himself, while being an asset to his fellow man. Shortly after graduating, Jim entered the U.S. Army, and was assigned to the 28th Air Defense Artillery Group and Forces Command. He received an Honorable Discharge after serving his country from 1973-1976. Jim and his wife, Amy, have seven children. They are active and engaged members of the Burnt Hickory Baptist Church, where they have led Adult and Children's Sunday School Classes.
In September 2017, Karlise Yvette Grier became the Executive Director of the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism. Prior to assuming her current position, Ms. Grier worked as the managing attorney of Grier Law Office, P.C., an Atlanta law firm that concentrated in the areas of adoption, divorce, and family law. Ms. Grier was appointed to serve as a part-time Magistrate Court judge in Fulton County and served as a Judicial Officer in the Fulton County Superior Court Family Division from May 2006 through December 2008. From March 2000 until June 2005, Ms. Grier served as a Judge Pro Hac Vice in the former City Court of Atlanta (“Traffic Court”).
Ms. Grier served as the Vice Chair of the State Bar of Georgia’s Child Protection and Advocacy Section and the founding chair of the GABWA Family Law Section. She is a past president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys and of the League of Women Voters of Atlanta-Fulton County. She is a member of the 2015 Class (BCE) of Leadership Atlanta.
Ms. Grier received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science from Dartmouth College in 1986, and her law degree from the Emory University School of Law in 1992. She was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in that same year.
Ms. Grier was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was graduated from Frederick Douglass High School. She is a member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church.
Stanley E. Foster, Senior Partner at Hollowell, Foster, & Herring, P.C., has been an active member of the Georgia Bar for 46 years. His areas of focus included non-profit law, corporate and business transactions, international transactions, public finance, and representation of federal agencies. For the past 15 years his practice has focused on planning and administration of estates. and most recently estate planning and administration of estates.
Mr. Foster earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law and his B.A. from Brown University.
Always anxious to encourage legal professionals to take better advantage of the technology available to them, Brett primarily helps law firms and corporate legal departments successfully navigate their e-discovery challenges. Brett co-authored the eDiscovery Buyers Guide designed to help small- and mid-sized law firms understand the options available for their e-discovery needs. Brett is also the eLaw Evangelist at Nextpoint (www.nextpoint.com) where he helps to educate lawyers and law firms on the duties and responsibilities around collecting, reviewing, and producing electronically stored information. Brett also serves at the Vice President of eDiscovery Consulting at the Nextpoint Law Group (www.nextpointlawgroup.com).
In addition, Mr. Burney teaches lawyers how to integrate Macs and iOS devices in their practice and coauthored the ABA-published book Macs in Law: The Definitive Guide for the Mac-Curious, Windows-Using Attorney. Brett also co-hosts the weekly In the News podcast (www.inthenewspodcast.com) with Jeff Richardson from www.iphonejd.com.
Brett served as the Chair of the 2015 ABA TECHSHOW Planning Board and is currently Co-Chair of the 2026 ABA TECHSHOW Planning Board. Brett regularly speaks around the country to lawyers and legal groups on a wide variety of technology-related topics. You may contact him at bburney@nextpointlawgroup.com.
April Roberts is an entrepreneur and Co-Founder at NOMOS Marketing. Prior to her career in marketing, April worked in higher education as the Director of Extension for a national collegiate organization. She discovered her passion for marketing and client service after joining Wonderist Agency as Head of Account Management, where she supervised a team of seven account managers handling over 200 clients nationwide. April is passionate about business development, building partner relationships, and delivering excellent client service for both NOMOS Marketing and its clients.
Tyler Roberts is an attorney and Co-Founder of NOMOS Marketing, a full-service marketing agency for lawyers on a mission to make the law more accessible, more approachable, and ultimately more human. Tyler discovered a passion for entrepreneurship and legal technology after working at several early stage startups and later reporting on legal trends as an editor for three law-related magazine titles. Tyler is a content creator at heart and loves helping clients bring their visions to life through storytelling and design.
J.D., Tulane University School of Law, 2001
Regina I. Edwards is the Owner and Managing Attorney of Edwards Family Law. Ms. Edwards has been practicing law in Georgia since 2001.Ms. Edwards has 25 years of complex family law litigation. She was one of the first attorneys in her area to go completely paperless in 2008. At the same time, she switched to flat fees, which revolutionized her practice. She is a nationally sought speaker on flat fees and efficiency.
She is slightly obsessed with tech tools and constantly tests new systems. This led to her creating a Facebook group Lawyer on the Beach, which is about tech tools and processes to help create the life-work balance that so many of us crave.
Ms. Edwards uses tech to not only allow her a great life-work balance, but to also provide a seamless experience for her clients.
Ms. Edwards enjoys traveling to different countries. She has been to more 45 countries and counting.
She also enjoys reading, watching football, running, yoga, hiking and camping and spending time with family and friends.
Sonia Lakhany is a trademark attorney and has been practicing trademarks for over 14 years. She is the owner of Lakhany Law, a national award-winning trademark law practice, as well as 4L Education. Under 4L Education, Sonia is best-known for her online course 2 Weeks to Trademarks which is now eligible for CLE credit in most states. You can connect with Sonia on LinkedIn, via email at sonia@4Leducation.com, or via Instagram where her handle is @trademarklawyerlady.
Randall M. Kessler is the founder of Kessler & Solomiany, LLC., a domestic relations law firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Kessler is the author of many family law books including Divorce: Protect Yourself, Your Kids and Your Future, The GA Library of Family Law Forms, and How to Mediate a Divorce. He is also an adjunct professor of Family Law Litigation at Emory Law School and has served as the Chair of the Family Law Sections of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association. Mr. Kessler has represented some of the highest profile clients in the country including judges, national and local
politicians, professional athletes, TV Stars and other celebrities, entertainers and artists.
Chandler Law, LLC, is devoted to its clients in two primary respects. First, the Firm represents lawyers in all issues which affect their law practices and their law licensure. Second, the Firm provides estate planning for lawyers and non-lawyers alike through its proprietary Succession Planning and Life & Legacy Planning programs. Douglas Chandler has been practicing law for twenty-five years and is one of only two legal malpractice specialists in Georgia certified by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys. To his credit, Douglas has over thirty Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals reported opinions. Douglas’ expertise is well-recognized and in that regard he is often called upon to mediate professional liability cases. Further, he has been named as one of Georgia’s Top 100 lawyers by Super Lawyers, and has been recognized as a Legal Elite by Georgia Trend Magazine for the past several years. Douglas regularly writes and speaks to attorneys and law firms throughout the state about legal ethics, professional liability avoidance, and risk management. In 2021, Douglas published Minnows and Sharks-- Lawyers’ Quick Reference For Reducing Risk and Avoiding Trouble which is available in paperback on the Chandler Law website, and is also available as an E-Book through Amazon, Apple, and Barnes & Noble. Douglas is a Co-Founder of the Professional Liability Section of the State Bar of Georgia and is also the Vice-Chair of the Unlicensed Practice of Law Standing Committee. He is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Member of dri™ Lawyers Representing Business.™ When not practicing law, Douglas enjoys sailing, hunting, fishing, tennis, and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of with his wife and their three children. Learn more at www.chandler-law.net
Meagan McGuire (Landress) is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), and a Certified Student Loan Professional (CSLP®), She’s been a consultant at Student Loan Planner since 2019, consulting with nearly 2,400 people and advising on over $380 million of student debt. She has a micro-specialty in helping Parent PLUS loan borrowers navigate their unique repayment options.
Since starting with Student Loan Planner in 2019, Meagan has written many articles, including on topics such as student loan repayment strategies, student loan debt loopholes, technicalities of the federal student loan system, PSLF, and taxable loan forgiveness.
Meagan has been interviewed on top local tv stations, podcasts such as The Newsworthy, Financial Freedom for Physicians, and The Pre-PA Club, and featured in Money, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, CNBC, and more.
Outside Student Loan Planner, Meagan is a Partner at SLP Wealth, helping folks with student loan debt achieve their financial dreams.
Cynthia Thomas is the owner of PLMC & Associates, a law firm management consulting company. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in HR and financial/operations management for small and midsize firms.
Cynthia is a Six Sigma Champion (white and green belt) and coaches lawyers on building sustainable practices and speaks frequently on law firm operations.
Driven by her unwavering dedication to resolving challenges with utmost efficiency, Cynthia is a sought-after speaker and prolific writer on matters pertaining to law firm operations and management.
Co-author of the ABA's bestselling "Law Office Policies, Procedures, and Operations Manual" (7th ed., 2022), Cynthia has held leadership roles in various ABA divisions. She chaired the 2024 ABA TECHSHOW and played a pivotal role in the creation of the ABA LP Lawyer Leadership Mastermind Series.
A California native, Cynthia enjoys hiking with her Dalmatian, Norco.
Jamala McFadden is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of the Employment Law Solution (“ELS”). ELS partners with employers to identify, minimize and resolve workplace legal issues, from advice and counseling to representation in class action litigation.
ELS is a multi-million-dollar firm powered by five lawyers and eight professional staff.
Jamala has practiced litigation and employment law for more than 25 years. She earned her law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, where she was an Executive Editor of the Michigan Law Review. Prior to forming ELS in 2013, Jamala was a member of (now) Eversheds Sutherland’s litigation team for more than nine years.
Jamal is actively engaged in the legal community. For example, she is a past president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA); a past president of the Atlanta Legal Aid Society’s Board of Directors; a Georgia Supreme Court appointee to the Judicial Qualifications Commission and the Character & Fitness Board; and a former high school mock trial coach.
Jamala has invested deeply in learning how to manage and grow a profitable law firm. She is an alumnus of Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program; Babson College’s Black Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program; EY’s Entrepreneurs Access Network program; and How to Manage a Small Law Firm. She has also recently ventured into the Airbnb business with her son, Jamal.
Jamala is consistently recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer and one of Georgia’s top 50 lawyers, among many other distinctions.
Matt Wetherington isn't just a lawyer - he's a legal supernova whose brilliance outshines the very sun itself. His courtroom prowess is matched only by his legendary humility and incredible good looks. His love and respect for the law results in him often wearing a paper bag over his head to avoid distracting jurors with his overwhelming charisma and piercing gaze.
When not single-handedly rewriting the entire canon of American law, Matt spends his time teaching bald eagles to cry red, white, and blue tears, and personally ensuring that justice is served with a side of the world's most exquisite pizza. It's said that opposing counsel often surrender their cases upon merely hearing Matt's footsteps approaching the courthouse, and that judges have been known to swap their gavels for foam fingers reading "Wetherington #1" in his presence. Matt's unparalleled legal acumen and transcendent modesty have led many to speculate that he is, in fact, the long-prophesied chosen one, destined to bring perfect balance to not just the scales of justice, but the entire universe itself.
Kate is a seasoned professional in the Legal Tech industry with a passion for transforming the legal experience. From managing a non-profit law firm to consulting with law firms across North America, Kate has honed her skills in identifying inefficiencies and addressing pain points within the law firm landscape. She currently serves as an Affinity Partnerships Manager at Clio, where she leverages her background in law firm management and consulting to forge strategic alliances and collaborations. Her expertise lies in fostering partnerships that drive innovation and elevate the legal profession.
Kristin Tyler is Co-Founder of LAWCLERK and leads the marketing and business development efforts, with a focus on helping busy attorneys re-think their workflows. She has seen how LAWCLERK can help attorneys be more productive and profitable. Kristin is committed to demonstrating that being a lawyer doesn’t have to mean working insane hours and missing out on time doing the things you enjoy with the people you love.
Kristin has been practicing law for nearly 20 years and has built a robust estate planning and probate practice. She is known for her work ethic, her integrity and her ability to connect people. As a partner of a mid-size law firm in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada she understands the challenges that her fellow attorneys face in today’s fast-paced, rapidly evolving legal industry.
Kristin was named to the 2022 American Bar Association’s LTRC’s Women of Legal Tech. Kristin has been designated an AV/Preeminent Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell and earned a Top 50 Women of the Mountain States Super Lawyers award 2017-2019 and 2022-2024. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyer by the Mountain States Super Lawyers Magazine every year since 2014. She is active with several local community organizations, including the Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) of Southern Nevada Board, and is dedicated to providing pro bono service.
Tamika M. Johnson, an Attorney with over 19 years of experience in the state of Georgia, specializing in estate planning and real estate closings. As the managing attorney of T. M. Johnson Law Firm, LLC, which has office locations in Lilburn, GA and Conyers, Georgia, Tamika is a dedicated estate planning attorney who helps individuals and families protect their assets, provide for their loved ones, and secure their legacies. Specializing in Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Deeds, and other estate planning matters, Tamika guides her clients through the process with clarity, compassion, and a personalized approach.
Believing that estate planning is about more than legal documents, Tamika focuses on creating plans that reflect each client’s unique goals, family dynamics, and values. She has a talent for simplifying complex legal concepts, empowering clients to make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed. Her clients often praise her for her approachable demeanor, thorough explanations, and unwavering attention to detail.
Tamika’s practice serves a wide range of clients—from young professionals beginning to accumulate wealth, to families with complex planning needs, to retirees seeking to preserve their life’s work. In addition to Wills and Trusts, she ensures that her clients’ wishes are honored now and in the future.
Outside of client work, Tamika is passionate about education and outreach. She regularly presents to community groups and fellow attorneys, sharing her expertise and demystifying the estate planning process.
For Tamika, estate planning is both a profession and a calling. She takes pride in providing the guidance and peace of mind her clients need to navigate life’s uncertainties, ensuring that their loved ones are protected and their legacies endure.
Tamika earned her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Georgia and her Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center. Outside of her legal practice, she is married and is the mother of three children. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and occasionally indulging in the pleasure of doing nothing at all.
Chair, Center for Lawyer Wellbeing
Treasurer, State Bar of Georgia
CEO, Magnifying Synergy, LLC
Meet Javoyne Hicks, the dynamic owner and CEO of Magnifying Synergy. As a certified executive leadership, life, and mindset coach, experienced speaker, trainer and a certified mediator with a distinguished legal background, Javoyne brings a wealth of experience in leadership roles and a steadfast commitment to wellbeing. She also holds certification in the Tree of Humanity coaching program, aimed at helping individuals attain the life they desire and deserve.
Formerly an Acting District Attorney and Chief Assistant District Attorney for DeKalb County, Javoyne has a profound understanding of the legal system and an unshakable dedication to justice. Her executive journey extends to roles such as Chief of Staff in the federal government, Associate Magistrate, and Clerk of Court. Throughout these positions, she has spearheaded high-level policy decisions, initiated community engagement projects, and optimized organizational processes to enhance technical, financial, legal, and administrative performance.
Javoyne also chairs the State Bar of Georgia Wellness Committee and was elected to serve as the Treasurer for the State Bar of Georgia. As such, she is a member of the Executive Committee for the Board of Governors. Her leadership journey has been marked by resilience through personal challenges, including overcoming a husband’s suicide, divorce, the death of a parent, and career transitions, all while raising two exceptional children.
Inspired by her experiences, Javoyne has been a passionate advocate for incorporating wellness—encompassing physical, mental, social, and financial dimensions—into everyday life. Her expertise makes her a highly sought-after speaker, panelist, and keynote presenter at numerous organizations, legal education sessions, and conferences. She has also provided executive leadership training and individual coaching for C-suite executives and staff. In addition to chairing a committee for the State Bar of Georgia, she holds the position of Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Institute for Lawyer Well-Being (IWIL) and serves on the board of the Georgia Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
These roles have honed her management skills, enabling her to guide individuals and teams toward success. With a genuine passion for people and deep insights into human dynamics, Javoyne empowers a diverse range of clients, fostering growth and unlocking their full potential. Her unique combination of legal acumen, leadership experience, and personal resilience sets her apart as a trusted coach for attorneys, executives and staff striving to excel in today's complex business environment while maintaining holistic wellness.
Sheila Baldwin has been the Member Benefit Coordinator for the State Bar of Georgia since June 2009, following her experience at a boutique mid-size law firm in Atlanta. She holds a B.S. degree in Legal Studies from Clayton State University, earned in 2005.
Sheila is a Certified Consultant for various legal software products and aids members with technology and related needs. She serves as the Bar’s primary connection to vLex Fastcase Legal Research, offering training, resources, and support. She is a regular contributor to the Georgia Bar Journal. Sheila also acts as the liaison between the Bar and its recommended insurance brokers, Member Benefits, Inc., and administers the Online Vendor Directory on the State Bar website. Additionally, she assists the Member Benefits Committee in the goal of providing the best member benefits to members.
She is a 2017 Fastcase 50 recipient, a member of the National Association for Bar Professionals. Sheila can be reached at Sheilab@gabar.org or 404-526-861
Thua G. Barlay, originally from Monrovia, Liberia (West Africa) with family roots in neighboring Sierra Leone (Bullom Homeland), is a partner with Lueder, Larkin & Hunter LLC. He manages the operations and affairs of the firm's Conyers and Covington offices and co-manages the firm's Estate Planning and Probate group. His areas of practice are Estate Planning (Wills & Trusts) and Real Estate (Closings). He is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with existing clients in addition to creating new opportunities.
Mr. Barlay has over twenty years of real estate closing experience having represented several major banks and lending institutions. In addition, he serves as the Georgia Forum Leader of WealthCounsel, a national organization that provides attorneys with a unique blend of estate planning resources to competently serve the needs of their clients.
He believes strongly in developing his leadership skills and is an alumnus of Leadership Georgia, Leadership Atlanta, Leadership Rockdale, State Bar of Georgia's Young Lawyers Division Leadership Academy, Regional Leadership Institute, Georgia Academy for Economic Development, and New Leaders Council Institute.
Mr. Barlay is both active within and without the legal community. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia, and is the Secretary-Treasurer of the Real Property Law Section (to serve as Chair during the 2027-28 Bar year). In addition, he serves on the Bar's Advisory Committee on Legislation and the Supreme Court of Georgia Study Committee on Legal Regulatory Reform (Access to Justice). Outside of the legal community, he has served as Chairman of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, twice President of the Rotary Club of Conyers, and Chairman of the March of Dimes Rockdale/Newton/Walton March for Babies Campaign. He also serves or has served on the boards of the Children's Museum of Atlanta, Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council, Family Promise of NewRock, and the Rockdale County Public Schools Foundation.
He received the 2016 Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service and the 2014 Jerry Barboe Small Business Person of the Year. In addition, he has the unique honor of receiving 40 Under 40 awards from two major publications (in the same year): Georgia Trend magazine; and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Kimberly Bennett has over fifteen years of combined experience as a commercial transactions and labor and employment legal and business professional for food service, financial services, sports and entertainment and real estate companies. Six of the ten years were spent representing clients as in-house counsel and three years as outside counsel. Today, my focus remains on bridging legal analysis with strategic business objectives to drive measurable gains in people and business operations specifically in the areas of: risk reduction, efficiency, revenue, and profits.
Yuri is the founding patent-attorney at Founders Legal and co-founder of Junior, an AI integration platform for patent attorneys. Yuri and his co-founder have previously founded patent legal tech companies, one of which was sold to Lexis Nexis as Patent Advisor. Yuri is in his 20th year of patent practice and, two years ago, stepped down from his role as managing partner of a 20-person boutique firm, Founders Legal, to focus on bringing AI into patent practices worldwide. Today he will share the insights he's gained from his hands-on experience integrating AI into both law firms and corporations.
Olamide Imoukhuede is an experienced Business Strategist + IP Lawyer helping business owners build and protect their personal and professional brands. Skilled in Social Media, Trademarks, Public Speaking, Copyright Law, and Business Development. Artist turned Attorney with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property Law from The George Washington University Law School.
She is the founder of OMI Legal and Ritual House - a full service branding and legal agency.
Sara Muender, an esteemed business coach within the Lawyerist Lab program, specializes in guiding lawyers towards building thriving law firms through workshops and personalized coaching sessions. With a wealth of experience, Sara ensures lawyers have the necessary guidance and tools to implement their ideas, expand their businesses, and actualize their firm's vision. In her previous entrepreneurial endeavors,
Sara co-founded and successfully sold a legal-adjacent service company, where she honed her expertise in brand development and optimizing client experiences. Following the acquisition, she established a coaching practice focused on empowering women and mom entrepreneurs to achieve success in both their personal and professional lives.
Based in Atlanta, Sara resides with her fiancé and three young children, all while indulging her passion for podcasting during her downtime. Her expertise extends to assisting businesses in productizing their services through the creation and strategic sale of digital content, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability in today's competitive market landscape.
Shayna Steinfeld, Board Certified by the American Board of Certification in both Consumer and Business Bankruptcy Law, is a shareholder of Steinfeld & Steinfeld, PC, and practices with her husband, Bruce, a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She is a past-President of the Atlanta Bar Association, and the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers; a co-founder and past-president of the Georgia IWIRC (International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation) Network; a past-chair of the Sole Practitioner/Small Firm Section of the Atlanta Bar and the Bankruptcy Sections of both the Atlanta Bar and the State Bar of Georgia; she is past Chair of the Bankruptcy Committee the ABA Family Law Section and currently is a subcommittee Co-Chair for the ABA Litigation Section. She has received many accolades, including “Section of the Year” and “Outstanding Woman in the Profession;” and is regularly named a “Georgia Super Lawyer,” one of the top 50 women attorneys in Georgia and has been previously recognized as one of the top 100 Lawyers in the State of Georgia. A graduate of Emory (BA, JD and MBA), Shayna frequently lectures and has authored many publications, including The Family Lawyer’s Guide to Bankruptcy, which is published by the ABA Family Law Section and is in its 4th edition and she is a co-editor of the recently published series: Her Story: Lessons in Success from Lawyers Who Live It, released by the ABA Litigation Section in the Summer of 2017 and Her Story 2: The Resilient Woman Lawyer’s Guide to Conquering Obstacles, released by the ABA Litigation Section in the Winter of 2023.
A graduate of the University of Georgia, Melanie received a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing along with a Certificate in Legal Studies. She further pursued her passion for law at Pepperdine University’s esteemed Caruso School of Law, where she obtained her J.D. in 2022. During her time at Pepperdine, Melanie distinguished herself academically, earning the CALI Award for the highest grades in both International Business Transactions and International Commercial Arbitration courses.
Immediately after graduation, Melanie put her education into practice at Oliver Hughes LLC, an all-women firm specializing in business and contract disputes. Melanie now works on the Founders Legal trademark and litigation team, where she actively participates in each litigation matter. Melanie holds a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University, equipping her with the skills to facilitate effective solutions in complex disputes.
Melanie’s love for the law is matched by her commitment to her community. An active member of her local church, Peachtree Christian Church, she serves as the Treasurer of her chapter of the church’s Christian Women’s Fellowship group and co-chair of the Youth Ministry.
In her leisure time, Melanie embraces her love for travel and reading. Her adventures have taken her to London, where she spent a semester during law school working at a large firm on an IPO. When she is not travelling, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Aaron Fritz is a legal technology consultant with over 15 years of experience serving law firms and general counsels. He is the founder and owner of Inertia Legal, a legal software consultancy that specializes in AI and document workflow solutions for the practice of law and has implemented a diverse range of software solutions for more than 700 clients.
Through AI-focused Development Cadences, best practice Implementation Services, and full-service ongoing training and support through InertiaCare, Inertia Legal works hard for its clients to ensure sustained progress on the technology front. "Our services create a clear path forward, solving technology headaches and helping practices achieve new levels of success. We start by understanding our clients' “why” and then take responsibility for enabling that “why” through relevant technology."
Aaron is a former speaker at ABA TECHSHOW and numerous legal industry events. Inertia Legal holds top partner status with prominent legal software providers, including NetDocuments and Clio, and is a leading provider of AI development services for the practice of law.
Thomas J. Diggins (T.J.) is a Customer Success Manager at vLex, where he leads efforts to engage bar association members, strengthen client relationships, and empower legal professionals to make the most of the vLex Fastcase platform and its AI-powered tools. With a strong background in litigation support administration, Mr. Diggins has supported legal teams nationwide by streamlining legal research and technology adoption. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina in 2015, where he was an active member of the American Criminal Justice Association, Lambda Alpha Epsilon.
Stephanie helps law firm leaders rethink what’s possible. As a business strategist focused on AI, legal innovation, and smart firm growth, she works with lawyers across the country to build practices that are modern, profitable, and future-ready. She leads the Lawyerist team at Affinity Consulting, designs strategic programs that move the industry forward, and regularly speaks at legal conferences on topics like law firm leadership, business transformation, and AI adoption in small and mid-sized firms. She’s also the host of The Lawyerist Podcast and co-author of the best-selling book The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited.
Stephanie is married with a 14-year-old, and proudly wears the title of soccer mom (seriously—she loves it). When she’s not cheering from the sidelines or watching Atlanta United, she’s planning her next trip (as long as it doesn’t involve an RV). She believes fun, family, and good food are key ingredients in any success story.
Nicole Black is a Rochester, New York attorney, author, journalist, and Principal Legal Insight Strategist at AffiniPay, whose suite of solutions includes MyCase, CASEpeer, and Docketwise legal practice management software and LawPay legal billing and payment processing software. She is the nationally recognized author of "Cloud Computing for Lawyers" (2012) and co-author of "Social Media for Lawyers: The Next Frontier" (2010), both published by the American Bar Association. She was also the co-author of "Criminal Law in New York," a Thomson Reuters treatise. She writes regular columns for Above the Law, ABA Journal, and The Daily Record, has authored hundreds of articles for other publications, and regularly speaks at conferences regarding the intersection of law and emerging technologies. She is an ABA Legal Rebel, and is listed on the Fastcase 50 and ABA LTRC Women in Legal Tech. She can be contacted at niki.black@mycase.com.
Wilson Joseph is an experienced business and technology executive specializing in developing strategies aligned with processes, people, and technology to help small to mid-sized companies proactively manage risks. With over 20 years of experience, he ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems and sensitive data.
Mr. Joseph is the CEO and Founder of Level3MD, LLC, which provides top-tier IT and cybersecurity solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. The company is renowned for its reliability and customer-focused approach.
Mr. Joseph embodies a perfect blend of technical prowess and business acumen. His impressive trajectory is a testament to his commitment to elevating cybersecurity standards across industries. His name is synonymous with trust, innovation, and excellent service delivery in the complex world of cybersecurity.
Before forming Level3MD, LLC, Mr. Joseph was the CEO of Five Star Technology Solutions and DW Technology Solutions. Also, Mr. Joseph held pivotal roles in cybersecurity architecture across various industry spectrums. His experience includes prominent positions at Norfolk Southern, Diebold Nixdorf, and Fiserv. His diverse background has enriched his understanding of industry-specific cybersecurity challenges and, in turn, his ability to design robust solutions.
Travis is a Founding Partner and Financial Partner of the law firm of Townsend & Lockett, LLC, in Atlanta, Georgia, where he oversees the firm's multi-million dollar financial plan. Travis also leads Townsend Lockett’s business law, corporate and securities transactional practices, directing the firm to more than $20B in transactions closed. Additionally, Travis is a Managing Consultant with Torinity Consulting Company where he is currently building out its leadership development and intergroup dialogue departments. Travis is an Adjunct Professor on Faculty at the University of Michigan School of Law and the Emory School of Law where he teaches Deal Skills transactional law simulation. Before co-founding Townsend Lockett and providing services to Torinity Consulting Company, Travis was a Senior Associate in Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC’s corporate transactional group. Prior to joining Womble Carlyle, Travis practiced law with Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP where he was actively engaged in the Morris Manning Diversity and Legal Opinion Committees. Travis began his legal career with the law firm of Alston & Bird, LLP.
Outside the professional arena, Travis is the President of the National Black MBA Association Atlanta Chapter, is a member of the 100 Black Men of South Metro (Atlanta) where he volunteers on the Education Committee, and serves as President of MAFDET, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate disparities in education and employment opportunities in underserved communities. Travis has also served on the Board of Directors of the Serenbe Institute of the Arts, Culture & Environment as its Treasurer, a member of its Executive and Finance Committees, and its ACE Program f/k/a South Fulton Area Initiative Advisory Committee. Travis has served in numerous leadership positions with the National Urban League Young Professionals, including as its National Programs Chair, and has been a Big Brother volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta as well. Fully committed to making a difference in the lives of others, he is a frequent speaker at community events and conferences. Travis is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Travis is a well-respected business owner and community servant whose personal brand lends credibility to the mission of organizations he supports and serves. In 2017, he was a candidate for Mayor of the City of South Fulton, Georgia, and garnered votes and financial support from thousands of metropolitan Atlanta residents.
Travis attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. After graduating, Travis remained in Ann Arbor to study law at the University of Michigan School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor degree in May 2003. During his law school tenure, he served as executive notes editor of the Michigan Journal of Race & Law.
Marc Apple is the founder of Atlanta’s Forward Push Law Firm Marketing, an Inc. 5000 award-winning agency specializing in helping solo and small law firms grow. He understands the unique marketing challenges attorneys face, from limited time and resources to standing out in competitive markets and delivers solutions that work in the real world. An Amazon best-selling author of Too Busy to Market? The AI Playbook for Lawyers and The Legal Marketing Playbook, Marc is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor to attorneys nationwide. He regularly presents to bar associations, sharing straight-talking, actionable strategies to help lawyers attract clients, build credibility, and save valuable time.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcapple/
https://www.facebook.com/forwardpush
https://www.instagram.com/forwardpush/
Matthew Orlinsky, Head of Sales at PracticePanther, assists law firms with their case management software needs to maximize profits efficiently. He takes pride in being a legal technology expert and helps firms of all practice areas stay compliant with their state laws. Matthew has been with PracticePanther since the beginning and has witnessed the robust growth of the legal technology industry as well as the need for cloud-based case management software. Born in Atlanta, GA, he currently lives in sunny Fort Lauderdale with his wife Brooke and their two dogs, Chia and Ginger.
Sam Molloy is a strategic communicator and passionate creative dedicated to helping organizations connect meaningfully with their audiences. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media, Sam brings a strong foundation in storytelling, videography, and content strategy to every endeavor.
She currently serves as a Marketing Specialist at Levitate, a human-centric marketing platform, where she is part of a nimble and innovative in-house team that champions creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. In her role, Sam travels nationally to represent Levitate at conferences and industry events—learning alongside partners, listening to the evolving needs of small business owners, and speaking on the modern marketing challenges they face. Her focus is on turning those pain points into opportunities through authentic, relationship-based strategies.
Whether crafting compelling narratives or shaping integrated campaigns, Sam believes in the power of intentional communication to inspire action, build trust, and drive long-term impact.
Samantha Kirkpatrick graduated from Arkansas Tech University with BS degree in Economics and Finance. After working in industry, she completed her accounting hours to receive her CPA designation.
After working for a national specialized firm in Illinois, she moved to the Atlanta area and worked for a regional firm where she gained extensive experience with tax procedures/laws in various industries. After leaving the firm in 2002, Samantha formed her very own Signature Accounting Services CPA firm. Samantha now has over 30 years of dedicated experience to the world of accounting. In these 30 years, she has worked with a variety of clients with an even greater variety of needs, from businesses, to individuals.
In 2024, Samantha opened Bookkeeping Done Virtually, as she saw a need for experienced bookkeepers, especially within the legal community.
Samantha is a member of the Georgia Society of CPAs and also volunteers for a wide range of charities within her local community that benefit disenfranchised people like homeless veterans and individuals with special needs.
In her free time, Samantha enjoys traveling, playing tennis and pickle ball, and spending time with her family.
Paula Frederick is General Counsel for the State Bar of Georgia, a unified bar organization with 54,000 members. As general counsel, Frederick is responsible for interpreting the ethics rules for lawyers, prosecuting lawyer discipline cases, and providing legal advice to the officers and directors of the organization. She has served in the Office of the General Counsel for 35 years, and was Deputy General Counsel for Discipline before assuming the General Counsel role.
Frederick is a 1982 graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Law and a 1979 graduate of Duke University. Prior to joining the Office of the General Counsel, she spent six years as a staff attorney with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society handling civil legal matters for low-income people.
Frederick is a past president of the Atlanta Bar Association and the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. She is also an active member of the American Bar Association, where she is chair of the Center for Professional Responsibility. In the past she has served the ABA as chair of its Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, chair of the Standing Committee on Lawyer Regulation, as a member of the Board of Governors, and as chair of the Center for Racial and Ethnic Diversity.
LODGING
Glenn Hotel - Autograph Collection I 110 Marietta Street NW | Atlanta, GA 30303 I (404) 521-2250
RESERVATIONS
The State Bar of Georgia has secured a Courtesy Room Block for attendees at the Glenn Hotel - Autograph Collection. Please use the hotel web link below to book your reservation.
2025 TAKE CHARGE! CONFERENCE | Glenn Hotel Lodging Link
Start Date: July 25, 2025
End Date: August 28, 2025
Reservation Cut-Off: August 28, 2025
Reservation Desk: (404) 521-2250
All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. Group Billing has been set up as EPO (Each Pay Own). Guests will be asked to provide a card at check-in for any Room/Tax, Parking and Incidental Charges.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations must be made/modified on or before the Cut-Off date of Thursday, August 28, 2025. All group attendees will be responsible for their own room, tax, and incidental charges. If you need assistance, please contact the Glenn Hotel Reservation Desk at (404) 521-2250.
Please be advised that your credit will not be reported to the State Bar of Georgia CLE Regulation Department until after you have completed the steps necessary to earn credit for that program.
Self reporting is required for all other jurisdictions.
The information presented is solely for educational purposes. The opinions expressed by the faculty in their materials and presentations are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the State Bar of Georgia, its officers, directors and/or employees. The faculty is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional advice and these presentations and publications are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. All publications and presentations were created to serve the continuing legal education needs of practicing attorneys.
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