Condensed and edited for clarity
Michelle Barclay: Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview with me in the first month of our new 2024 year. Let’s talk about your path to your current job.
LaShawn: I started as an executive assistant to Marla Moore (past JC/AOC Director) many years ago (I celebrated 25 years last year) and was going to school at Georgia State University at the time. I actually envisioned going to Law school, as I worked part-time at a great law firm prior to coming to the JC/AOC. At the AOC, I became a traditional liaison to our Magistrate and Probate Court Councils with a team of people as Marla’s roles transitioned over time. And then the Probate and Municipal Councils and Training Councils. Throughout the ebbs and flows of the agency, I was provided the opportunity to choose once we had enough staff (so everyone was not doing every job) and I requested working with the municipal judges and clerks to assist with those Councils becoming all that they could be. When I was asked to narrow it down, it was a really hard decision for me. At some point along the way, I was promoted to Program Coordinator but have the working title of Trial Court Liaison, which essentially operates as executive director for the Judges Council, staffs the Training Council and serves as liaison to the municipal clerks council.
MB: It is not too late for law school. My father-in-law went to Law School when he was 50 and loved it–saw it as an intellectual journey.
LaShawn: I’ve received a lot of encouragement when I have mentioned that in passing and would enjoy the “being persuasive” part of being an attorney.
Sometimes, I can’t believe I have been here so long. There were times that I wanted to flip the desk, but I stayed the course. Court administration has been instilled in me throughout years and I’ve stayed because I enjoy the service part of my job. Being a people person, I like interacting with all the judges and clerks. I love traveling around Georgia, getting to know people, and working to help them. At one point, I think that I was working with the Municipal, Magistrate, and Probate Court Councils, as well as the Magistrate and Municipal Court Clerks. Whew… They are all just first-rate people, great groups and I learned a considerable amount from them all. The job has always been intriguing.
MB: Last year, you were awarded the “Friend of the Council” by the Council of Probate Court Judges. Tell me about that.
LaShawn: That was lovely and I was shocked! They recognized me for my work and efforts over the years, perhaps before I rode off toward the sunset (chuckles). I will always have a fondness for that Council; I still work with many of the Probate Judges because some of them also serve as Municipal Court Judges.
MB: What are your favorite parts of your job?
LaShawn: I’ll go back to being a public servant. That has not changed.
MB: Do you have any goals for 2024? Personally or for work?
LaShawn: Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic was a lot, we did not stop. If anything I think we took on more as it was required during that time. I felt like I was stretched but in a different fashion during that time and upon returning to “normal”, one could begin to focus on just getting through daily tasks. In 23-24 when that leadership took the reins, I felt as though I was stretched again, but in a good way. I needed to be stretched and didn’t know it! Now I want to help stretch the people that I serve. I work with some very smart, intelligent, forward-thinking folk (folk…to quote Rich Reaves-retired ICJE E.D.), who likely see more Georgia citizens than any other judge in the state. The Municipal Court Judges might be the only judge some Georgia citizens ever meet. I want them to be thinking about that first impression of the Judicial branch as citizens walk through the front door, security, and then into the Courtroom. Is it orderly, or chaotic? Is it respectful or disengaged or distracted, etc? The courts should think about this on a continuum. Additionally, as the Council’s strategic plan is essentially complete, I want to get back to reviewing new innovative initiatives and thinking about the judiciary and where (how) the Council fits in. I’d like to continue delving into strategic planning to keep improving. We’ve had so much dramatic change since 2020. We need to take stock of it and make plans. I also would like to improve our case count numbers.
MB: What do you do when you’re not working?
LaShawn: Well, I have my fur baby, Minx (a really cute dog) to spend time with. A lot of people probably wouldn’t think that just by looking at me, but I’m an outdoorsy girl. I love to kayak, walk, and hike. I like the mountains but also I love, love the beach. I also do a lot of do-it-yourself projects. During the pandemic, I pulled the carpet off of my stairs, sanded them and stained them. I love decorating.
MB: My last question, where do you get your fashion sense? You’ve got such a great eye for putting a look together and I love your outfits.
LaShawn: I think it came from my parents. My mother and my father have always been snazzy dressers. I remember playing in my mother’s closet when I was a child. I was a child of the 70s and I can remember some very cool outfits. And I guess I just developed my own style. I like pretty, nice things, put together well lol.
