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S e l l & M e l t o n , L . L . P. JULIA MAGDA What led you to the legal profession? Early in my adolescence and into college, friends solicited me for advice with problems, but my strength was identifying the "problem behind the problem." I would then work on that solution, too, whether it was an interpersonal or organizational issue. That innate gift for thinking through problems, combined with my academic record and collegiate activities, opened doors for me to attend law school. What type of law do you practice and what do you consider your specialty? My legal practice blends business advice and litigation on topics ranging from employment, health care, premises liability, medical malpractice, and privacy to contracts. I also like to tell clients to call me instinctively, and that if I cannot help them, I will put them in touch with the right attorney in the right field whether that is one of my partners at Sell & Melton or someone else altogether. What is most challenging about your job? There are never enough hours in the day to be the ideal attorney, rainmaker, supervisor, partner, community volunteer, church member, friend, wife, and mother that I want to be, but that has not stopped me from trying. What is most rewarding about your legal practice? To be a resource for people, particularly those whose livelihoods are at stake in personal or business litigation matters, is extremely gratifying. Lawyers often get a bad rap as a class of professionals, but most individuals, when asked, light up when they describe their family lawyer or the go-to corporate attorney to whom their business is entrusted. I work every day to be that kind of attorney for my clients. Some naturally need more hand holding along the way than others, but at the end of the day when my clients say, "Please handle this for us," I want them to trust it will get done capably, efficiently, and with as little interruption to their affairs as possible. 577 Mulberry Street I Macon, Ga. 31201 I 478-746-8521 70 l MACON MAGAZINE JUNE/JULY 2013 A D V E R T I S E M E N T B i b b C o u n t y S o l i c i t o r G e n e r a l REBECCA GRIST What are the main responsibilities of the Solicitor- General's office? The Solicitor-General's Office is responsible for prosecuting all misdemeanor crimes in Bibb County. Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. This includes DUIs and other traffic offenses, shoplifting of up to $500, and other thefts of up to $1,500. It also includes Family Violence offenses. How did your career path lead you to run for Solicitor- General? I started my prosecutorial career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Child Support Enforcement Unit. After 2.5 years, I became an Assistant Solicitor-General, specializing in what has become my passion: prosecution of domestic violence cases. My boss, Otis Scarbary, groomed me to take over for several years. When Otis retired, I announced my candidacy for Solicitor-General. With the humbling support of my fellow attorneys, I was able to run unopposed and took office on January 1, 2013. What is your largest challenge? My largest challenge is also my greatest opportunity. There are many changes coming for the Solicitor's Office. In July 2013, a second State Court Judge will take the bench. In January 2014, with the Macon-Bibb County Consolidation, the Solicitor's Office will take on cases currently handled in Municipal Court. These changes mean an increase in staffing and responsibilities. I look forward to guiding my office through these transitions and see it as an opportunity to make the Solicitor's Office better than ever before. What is most rewarding about your job? The most rewarding part of my job is working with the people who are affected by misdemeanor crimes. Not only do I get the opportunity to help victims, I also help defendants through pre- trial diversion programs, accountability courts, and specialized counseling. Room 504, Bibb County Courthouse Macon, Ga. 31201 478-621-6572