A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CHAMPIONING OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS. PHOTOGRAPY BY STEVE SCHROEDER.

231 Riverside Drive, Macon
478-742-4280
jamesbatesllp.com

Pictured from left to right: Corrie Hall, Edgeley Myers and Elizabeth Hall

I ADMIRE WOMEN WHO: Support other women through example, mentoring and providing opportunities.
— Elizabeth Hall, Counsel

WHAT IS THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?
With the numerous expectations and pressures women face today, maintaining focus on a specific career goal can be a difficult task. However, I was recently reminded that it is never too late to regain your focus on your goals or pivot your career. It is never too late to achieve your career goals.
— Edgeley Myers, Counsel

YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW:
I’m the proud aunt of twelve; great-aunt of one; and godmother of three! Let me show you pictures. — Corrie Hall, Partner

I HOPE MORE WOMEN WILL: Seek out mentorship. Three years ago, I committed to meeting with six women to challenge each other and help each other grow professionally. They are some of the most loving and powerful voices in my professional and personal life. — Corrie Hall, Partner

Pictured from left to right: Sarah Young, Donia Wanna, Kelly Mason and Dallas Roper

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT JBBG?
Despite being a larger firm, JBBG feels like family. I am very blessed to be part of such a supportive and fun group of people. — Kelly Mason, Associate

WHAT IS THE MOST GRATIFYING PART OF YOUR JOB?
As a litigator, I meet most clients when they are in a stressful crisis. The most gratifying part of my job is getting the problem resolved. Seeing the relief my client experiences when we are able to close their matter, and remove that stress from their daily life, is incredibly worthwhile and brings value to the work we do. — Dallas Roper, Counsel

HOW CAN WOMEN BETTER SUPPORT EACH OTHER?
Women can help support each other by taking on mentorship roles. Mentoring can be as simple as checking in or helping guide someone through a situation.
— Donia Wanna, Associate

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW IN OUR COMMUNITY?
I’m most excited about our community’s potential. The unwavering support of this community is what brought new businesses and life back into Macon.
— Sarah Young, Associate

Pictured from left to right: Kim Stroup, Daisha Hayes and Taylor Alig

WHO INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST TO PURSUE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
Judge Lisa Godbey Wood. There was never a legal puzzle she couldn’t solve. To listen to her think through a problem was inspiring, so much so that I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps.
— Taylor Alig, Associate

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Success is a journey that is different for every individual. I feel the most successful when I end the day or week feeling valued by my clients and colleagues. Being confident in my work product and in my role as a trusted advisor also lends itself to a general feeling of success.
— Daisha Hayes, CPA

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER AS AN ATTORNEY?
The practice of law offers many opportunities for a great career. During law school, consider interning or clerking with different firms to determine your interests because your first job after law school may determine your career path.
— Kim Stroup, Counsel

Pictured from left to right: Kayla McGehee, Christi Simmons, Bridget Williams and Julie Wiley

WHAT IS THE MISSION OF JBBG?
To be recognized by our employees as one of the best places to work and by our clients as their essential trusted counselors and advocates.
— Kayla McGehee, Director of Marketing

WHAT WOMAN INSPIRES YOU?
Lisa Lane has been my mentor for a decade. Recognizing the impact Lisa’s guidance has had on my career inspires me to lead, coach and support others in the same way she has.
— Christi Simmons, Assistant Director of Human Resources

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER AS A COO?
Never stop reaching beyond your comfort zone and raising your personal bar. Decide what you want and with equal parts of professional will and personal humility, go get it.
— Julie Wiley, Chief Operating Officer

WHAT IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT JBBG?
Compassion Bridge is JBBG’s means of providing financial assistance to JBBG family members and our community in times of need. Established by the partners and funded entirely by voluntary employee contributions, our JBBG family considers Compassion Bridge a tremendous blessing to contributors and recipients alike. — Bridget Williams, Director of Special Projects