Mediator Resume

Accomplished attorney, certified mediator, and Guardian ad Litem with more than 18 years of experience representing individuals, business owners, executives, and professionals throughout Georgia. Experienced in complex family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, property division, legitimation, and protective orders. Former Judicial Staff Attorney for the Fulton County Superior Court Family Division. Known for combining strong advocacy with practical problem-solving, guiding clients and parties toward effective, lasting resolutions through mediation and litigation. Frequent CLE speaker, published author, and active leader in Georgia's legal community.

Bates Law Firm, LLC - Managing Attorney

Mediator; Guardian ad Litem; Attorney

Managing Attorney, Bates Law Firm, LLC, 2008-2014; 2018-Present; Litigation Attorney, Meriwether & Tharp, LLC, 2017; Attorney, Fulton County Superior Court, Family Division, 2014-2016; Judicial Law Clerk, 237th District Court – Lubbock, Texas, 2007-2008.

More than 18 years of law practice with substantial experience in litigation, mediation, judicial service, and alternative dispute resolution. Successfully represented clients in hundreds of family law matters as well as other civil cases including real estate, small business issues and complex financial challenges. Experience also includes bankruptcy litigation, business counseling, real estate transactions, staff attorney research for judges and Guardian ad Litem investigations. Early legal experience includes internships with B. Lawrence Watkins & Associates, P.C., the Fulton County Superior Court, Cobb County Juvenile Court, and the Cobb County District Attorney's Office.

Certified mediator experienced in facilitating domestic relations and civil disputes involving divorce, custody, parenting plans, child support, alimony, equitable division of property, and related family law issues. Draws upon extensive business, litigation and former judicial staff attorney experience to assist parties in evaluating legal risks, focusing on resolutions and reaching practical, durable agreements.

Divorce, child custody and parenting plans, child support, alimony and spousal support, equitable division of marital property, legitimation and paternity, parenting time and visitation, contempt and post-divorce modifications, protective order disputes, family business and financial issues, general civil disputes.

Employs a facilitative, solution-oriented mediation style while utilizing evaluative techniques as appropriate. Encourages future focused resolutions, informed decision-making, and creative problem-solving. Creates an impartial environment that allows parties to explore settlement options while remaining focused on practical resolutions that minimize future conflict, preserve relationships where appropriate, and avoid unnecessary litigation. Comfortable conducting both in-person and virtual mediations. All mediations occur via Zoom unless otherwise agreed..

Microsoft Office Suite (all programs); Adobe Acrobat; Zoom; Electronic Court Filing (Georgia State and Federal Courts); legal research platforms, including Westlaw and LexisNexis; case management and document management systems; virtual mediation platforms.

Texas Tech University School of Law (J.D.); University of Houston (BBA, Management).

Admitted to the Bar: Georgia (2008); Georgia State and Superior Courts; Georgia Court of Appeals; Georgia Supreme Court; U.S. District Court: Northern District of Georgia; U.S. Court of Appeals: Eleventh Circuit. Certified Domestic Relations Mediator; Certified General Civil Mediator; Guardian ad Litem.

American Bar Association; Atlanta Bar Association; DeKalb Lawyers Association; Gate City Bar Association, Past Board Member; Georgia Association for Women Lawyers; Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (Chair, Judicial Review Committee); State Bar of Georgia, Former Northern District Representative for YLD; State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division Solo/Small Firm Committee, Founder; National Bar Association, Past Committee Member.

Published author and frequent Continuing Legal Education (CLE) presenter on family law, mediation, legal ethics, and professional development topics. Has presented educational programs for bar associations and legal organizations throughout Georgia and has been recognized by both the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association for outstanding service to the legal profession.

Hourly Rate: $450.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $450.00/hr Cancellation: $450.00/Day Cancellation Period: 2 Days Comment: All work performed is set at $450.00 per hour, with a two hour minimum. Cancellations before 49 or more are free of any further obligation. All mediations occur via Zoom unless otherwise agreed.

English

United States of America

Atlanta, Georgia