Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Boyd, Esq.
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
A former teen mother and single parent of three, I am no stranger to adversity, challenges, and overcoming obstacles. A native Detroiter and the youngest of seven siblings, I am a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to become a lawyer. As a young mother, my academic career was non-traditional, but I was determined to attend college and obtain my degree. In 1989, as a young mother, I began taking classes at Wayne County Community College. I was introduced to the legal field and began my legal career as a paralegal at one of Detroit’s most prestigious law firms. In 2003, I relocated to metro Atlanta in search of a better environment for my children and career opportunities for myself. Unfortunately, the move to metro Atlanta did not go as planned. The position I thought I secured through a temp agency was filled internally. My children and I had to stay in a Super 8 motel until I could secure employment and housing.
In 2004, I began working at a large corporate law firm in downtown Atlanta. Soon thereafter, I was able to purchase a home for my family in McDonough, Georgia. I began taking classes in person and online at Troy University, graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in 2006. Since I was a little girl, I have always aspired to be a lawyer. In 2009, I was accepted into Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. While working full-time at the downtown law firm, I attended law school in the evenings for four years, graduating in May 2013 with my Juris Doctor degree.
After graduating law school, I began working as an Associate with the large corporate law firm. However, there was something missing. I felt a void in my legal career. Although the pay was very lucrative, especially for a first-year attorney, I did not feel that I was helping people. I knew that my true calling was to utilize my law degree in a way that would help others in my community. On November 2, 2015, I resigned from the corporate firm and established my own firm, The Price Boyd Law Firm, in McDonough, Georgia.
Throughout my career, I have utilized my talents in service to the community. As an attorney, I had the opportunity to counsel and represent clients on complex cases in many diverse areas of the law, including civil law, family law, and personal injury law. I devoted thousands of hours to researching these complex issues and drafting legal arguments crafted to persuade courts that my client’s interpretation of the law was correct. It was during this time that I realized what a deep passion I have for my community, the law and the role of the court system.
As a result, I am proud to announce that I am a candidate for Chief Magistrate Judge in Henry County. It would be a tremendous honor to merge my dedication to the law and heart for public service to be able to serve all the people of Henry County as Chief Magistrate Judge, I am a firm believer and living testimony that “It is not how you start, but how you finish!”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Because I was a paralegal for over 20 years, once I went to law school, I thought I would remain in a corporate firm as a lawyer. God had another plan. My heart was for the community and using my law degree to help people. I had a “tug of war” with having a lucrative, high-paying position of high regard within a large corporate firm and the risk of being my own boss and potentially making less money.
Balancing school, work and family life was a struggle. While in law school, I missed my youngest daughter’s first piano recital. These are the types of decisions and sacrifices I had to make in order to achieve my goals that would later benefit my family.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Over the past several years, history has been made in Henry County. Henry County has elected its first Black Superior Court Judge, Holly Veal; first Black District Attorney, Darius Patillo; first Black Sheriff, Reginald Scandrett; first Black Mayor of the City of McDonough, Sandra Vincent; and first Black Mayor of the City of Hampton, Ann Tarpley, to name a few. I am excited to announce my candidacy for Chief Magistrate Judge in Henry County.
I have been a resident of McDonough, Georgia for 18 years. I have raised three successful children in Henry County. Now, my children are raising their children in Henry County. I am affectionately known as “Gma” to five Grand Girls. I am married to Kenneth Ratliff, a General Contractor and veteran. I am an active member of Tabernacle of Praise Church International, located in McDonough, Georgia. When I am not advocating for clients, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and boating.
My professional and academic affiliations have included the Henry County Bar Association, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Gate City Bar Association and American Bar Association. In 2019, my law firm was ranked 9th of the fastest-growing law firms in the U.S. by Law Firm 500. Also in 2019, I received the Caribbean Association of Georgia’s Excellence in Industry award. In 2020, I received an award for my service to the community from the City of Stockbridge for Women’s History Month. In 2021, I was nominated by Lawyers of Distinction. In 2022, I was nominated as a Georgia Rising Star Super Lawyers Honoree. I am extremely proud that after three continuous years of advocacy, planning and collaboration, I am a Founding Advisory Board member for the Shaquille O’Neal Henry County Boys & Girls Club. I have 18 years of ACTIVE involvement in Henry County.
In 2021, I was appointed by the City of McDonough City Council as Solicitor Pro Tempore for the City of McDonough Municipal Court. I represent the City of McDonough in numerous traffic and city ordinance violation hearings and trials. As Solicitor, I am able to work to ensure that the law is applied fairly and that everyone has equal access to a just and proper outcome. I am able to have a positive impact on the lives of young offenders.
My service to the community and dedication to ensure a fair, impartial and accessible Magistrate Court is what sets me apart from others.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Ensuring that all members of the community who encounter Magistrate Court are treated equally and without bias, being relatable to the community, and approachable.
Contact Info:
- Email: boydforhenry@gmail.com
- Website: www.boydforhenry.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boydforhenry
Image Credits:
Traci Reid
