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aPRiL/MaY 2014 Macon Magazine i 77 ADVERTISING | WOMEN IN BUSINESS 231 Riverside Drive, Ste 100 | Macon, GA 31201 www.JamesBatesLLP.com | 478.742.4280 TELL US ABOUT JAMES-BATES-BRANNAN-GROOVER-LLP. James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP is a full-service business law firm delivering high-quality, cost-effective legal services for individuals and businesses throughout Georgia. We put our clients first by being responsive, by being accessible, by continuously improving our procedures and by understanding their needs. WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR JOB? JO LANIER MEEKS, PARTNER: The most rewarding part of my job is working with people. As a litigator, I am in daily contact with people from all walks of life in Georgia and beyond. It is gratifying to be able to assist someone in resolving a legitimate dispute and to receive a "thank you" when the matter is concluded. HOW DID YOUR CAREER PATH LEAD YOU TO YOUR CURRENT PROFESSION? KIM H. STROUP, OF COUNSEL: I have provided a diverse range of legal services in the Middle Georgia area for over 20 years. On behalf of the firm, I have the opportunity to work with financial institutions, businesses and individuals. I have had the opportunity to provide pro bono counsel to individuals who otherwise may not be able to afford legal assistance with the same level of service provided to all clients of the firm. WHO INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST TO PURSUE YOUR CAREER GOALS? KATHRYN S. WILLIS, ASSOCIATE: My mother and father were my greatest influences. My mother nurtured my love of reading and writing. My father encouraged me to let my interests guide my career choice. They both taught me that hard work and dedication place almost all goals within reach. Their unwavering support and encouragement gave me the self-confidence to pursue my career goals. WHERE DO YOU ENVISION YOURSELF FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? CORRIE E. HOLTON, ASSOCIATE: I have been blessed to be surrounded by talented and hard-working mentors. I am constantly impressed with how these colleagues and friends serve their clients, but also deeply invest in their communities. Five years from now, I envision being an established attorney, dedicated to my clients and my legal practice, but also vibrantly engaged in promoting the welfare of the city in which I live and work. TELL US ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY. NATALIE STROUD BROWN, ASSOCIATE: It is difficult for me not to sign up for every wonderful organization that is working to make Macon a better place! I have had the opportunity to serve our community through raising funds for the United Way and an upcoming canned food drive with the Georgia Food Bank Association. I am excited to find more opportunities for our office to serve our community. James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP Georgia's Law Firm Pictured from left to right: Jo Lanier Meeks, Kim H. Stroup, Natalie Stroud Brown, Corrie E. Holton, Kathryn S. Willis