Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna G. Boyd, Esq.
Joanna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I attended Georgia State University, where I studied the Legal Issues Track in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I then attended Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, where I became an active member of the Student Bar Association (SBA), Black Law Student Association (BLSA), Georgia Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL), Criminal Law Society, and Family Law Society. I graduated in the top sector of my class at both Georgia State University and Atlanta’s John Marshall before taking and passing the Georgia Bar Exam. I have worked through cases dealing with divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, equitable division of assets, legitimations, paternity, modification, contempt, and family violence. I have also worked with multiple government agencies, including but not limited to Fulton County Pretrial Services, have volunteered for numerous non-profit organizations, and have experience in public speaking. I have mediation training as approved by the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and have proven myself to be prepared for negotiations or courtroom appearances. I am a fully equipped litigator. I approach each of my cases with an open mind, tailoring my strategy to fit the needs of each individual client. I specialize in advocacy and customer service, providing clients with legal advice and support during the most difficult times of their life. As a mother, I am keen to advocate for clients seeking an outcome that is in the best interest of their child(ren). Outside of the courtroom, I am committed to creating the best possible life for my little one and am not afraid to use the same advice I give on a daily basis to do so. I am a huge football fan and follow my home team, the Atlanta Falcons. I am also a lover of music, dance, art, and all things creative.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As I mark one and a half years since I started my practice, I can only thank everyone who has been part of the journey. I can say it started when I got that letter from John Marshall. I will not lie, I had hoped to get a college closer home, but I guess God had other plans for me and good plans at that. I happened to interact with several brilliant lawyers who, in one way or another, helped shape my journey. In the one year of private practice, I have learned a few things that I should share with you.
The Journey is the Destination – I have enjoyed the journey so far. This doesn’t mean that there have not been challenges. As an unknown quantity, my first few months were difficult, but I managed to pull through. Also, when you are the one with your name on the door and paycheck, you can be easily blamed for problems that arise. Not to say that I was not taking responsibility for things I did, but I did learn that being part of a firm would have shielded me from most of the blame. If you are up to it, take on the journey yourself. I am aware that not all of us are able to do this. If you are lucky enough to be part of a firm, then make the most out of it.
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know – This is so true. I met some great people and learned along the way, but it would be an outright lie to say that my first year was without research. Being part of a larger firm will definitely give you an advantage at learning new information, but if you are brave enough to take on the solitude of a one-man band, you will have to find the resources on your own. Do not feel bad about it; just do what needs to be done to ensure your clients are receiving the best service.
Client Retention and Repeat Business – This is not something I had given much thought to as I started out. This is probably because most of my friends were not in private practice. I do know a few lawyers who have been in the business for several years, and they are surprised that their businesses were built on repeat clients, but it took me time to understand this basic fact of life: people really like dealing with someone whom they trust or can call a friend.
Do What You Love and Be Happy Doing It! – Finally, the biggest motivating factor for me is that I do what I love to do; there isn’t anything more rewarding than this. The kind of support, results and respect that I have received has been overwhelming. I hope to continue growing in my professional career.
As you know, we’re big fans of J.G. Boyd Law, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We specialize in helping families confidently navigate Georgia Family Law so they can fight for the best outcome possible. We handle cases dealing with divorce, alimony, child custody, child support, equitable division of assets, legitimations, paternity, modification, contempt and family violence. We advocate for clients seeking an outcome that is in the best interest of their child(ren). We approach each one of my cases with an open mind, tailoring our strategy to fit the needs of each individual client.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Your Support System Matters – I have met some of the most amazing and supportive people in my first year. These friends, family and people who see something in me have been phenomenal. I am very fortunate to get support from these wonderful folks. And as much as we say that they are there just because they care for us, our support system enables us to be fearless.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@jgboydlaw.com
- Website: https://jgboydlaw.com/
- Instagram: @jgboydlaw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jgboydlaw
- Twitter: @jgboydlaw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxKGh5OMOoyuUjHZ26p8RWQ
Image Credits:
Kurt Holder – IG @iskinnylove
