Vanderbilt University School of Law; J.D., Earl Warren Fellow (1978)
University of Arkansas; B.A. with Honors, Political Science and Journalism (1975)
Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities (1974 – 1975)
Associate Editor, Student Newspaper
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
Provided legal advice and counsel to city and county officials
Utilized her legal training to influence policy decisions in her community
Local government experience includes public safety, taxation, housing, discrimination, zoning, construction, water and sewer issues, quality of life issues, the arts and politics
EXPERIENCE:
Fulton County Government: County Attorney (1999 – 2007). Responsible for all of the County’s legal affairs including litigation, contracts, taxation, bond issues, ordinances and operating procedures. Managed a 33 member staff. Reported to the seven member elected Board of Commissioners of Fulton County. Practiced in all Georgia state courts and federal courts.
City of Atlanta, Associate City Attorney to Acting City Attorney (1983 – 1999) Handled litigation and provided advice and counsel to various city departments including Police, Fire, Corrections, Administrative Services, Personnel and Human Resources, Parks and Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and the Courts. Provided advice and counsel to the Mayor and City Council members on a variety of policy matters. Litigated various causes of actions, including federal civil rights, public contracting, construction claims, eminent domain, taxation, open records and open meetings. Supervised internal investigations of alleged wrongdoing.
Private Practice in solo practice and in partnership, Atlanta, GA (1978-1983); Specialized in the areas of domestic relations, corporate, entertainment and personal injury law.
Hyatt and Rhoads, Law Clerk, Summer 1977. Researched and prepared legal memoranda in the corporate law area with the emphasis on condominium law.
PUBLICATIONS:
American Bar Association Journal, “Curfews for Juveniles,” April 1994.
31st Annual Institute for City and County Attorneys, “Constitutionality of Juvenile Curfews,” September 1994.
Star Child News Magazine, Founder, Editor, various articles, 1997 – 1999.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Georgia Bar Association
Georgia Association of Women Lawyers
Georgia Association of Black Women Lawyers
International Municipal Lawyers Association
Fulton County League of Women Voters
Mediation Areas of Interest:
Local government disputes
Service Delivery Strategy issues
Local Option Sales Tax
Tax Allocation Districts
Intergovernmental Agreements
Intergovernmental Disputes
Land Use
Environmental issues
Water issues
Condemnation
Election issues
Nuisance claims
Employment issues
Governance issues
Civil Rights Disputes
Title VII (Race, sex, age, national origin)
Retaliation
Wrongful termination
Disciplinary actions
Section 1983 (Excessive force, false arrest)
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
All constitutional violations
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Contract Disputes
Service contracts
Construction contracts
Personal Injury
Wrongful Death
Nonprofit Governance Issues
Overtis Hicks Brantley
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