Women Lawyers

Joyce Gist Lewis

Krevolin & Horst, LLC

• Joyce Gist Lewis is a skilled and tenacious advocate for private companies and governmental entities in and out of the courtroom. Joyce’s two decades of experience includes serving as lead counsel for claims involving professional liability, director and officer liability, business divorce, real estate litigation, employment discrimination defense, and catastrophic injury defense. Her appellate experience includes arguing cases before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and successfully petitioning for certiorari to Georgia’s Supreme Court. Joyce is also a top choice for government clients seeking counsel in sensitive intra-agency disputes and investigations. Her reputation as a principled trial advocate has resulted in Joyce being named to the “short-list” of nominees recommended by Georgia’s Judicial Nominating Commission for appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 2018 and to the Atlanta Judicial Circuit in 2011 and 2012.Joyce received her BA, magna cum laude from Wake Forest University (1993) and her law degree from Georgia State University College of Law (1999). Joyce’s current leadership positions include her roles as Chair of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta and President of the Board of the Federal Defender Program, Inc. She serves as a Master in GSU’s Bleckley Inn of Court, and in 2018 was elected to the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors, where she serves on the Bar’s Advisory Committee on Legislation. The recipient of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Outstanding Woman in the Profession Award for 2018, Joyce is frequently invited to speak on matters of trial practice and law practice management.

Nakisha N. Chaney

Salvatore Prescott Porter & Porter

• From negotiating employment contracts to representing human trafficking survivors in civil litigation, Nakisha Chaney’s practice focuses on empowering individuals who desire to know, secure, and enforce their legal rights. Nakisha is an employment, civil and human rights litigator. Her clients range from highly-compensated professionals who want to negotiate an employment or separation agreement to vulnerable low-wage earners who seek recourse for labor exploitation and other workplace harms. Nakisha has represented clients in actions involving sex harassment and discrimination; race, age and disability discrimination; retaliation and whistleblowing; prison abuse; contract and noncompete negotiation and litigation; and human trafficking. Nakisha also counsels and represents college students, professors, and employees in disciplinary proceedings.Nakisha’s cases have been featured in statewide and regional media coverage, including through outlets in Atlanta (GA), South Bend (IN), Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Benton Harbor. In 2016, Nakisha was featured in Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s verdicts and settlements. Nakisha has been a featured speaker on issues of employment litigation, sexual harassment, and human trafficking for groups at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Oberlin College, as well as for numerous organizations in Michigan, Ohio and New York. Nakisha is a member of the National Black Lawyers-Top 100, and she currently serves on the State Bar of Michigan’s District Character and Fitness Committee.Prior to joining Salvatore Prescott & Porter, Nakisha was a Senior Attorney at NachtLaw P.C., where she practiced employment and civil rights litigation. She previously served as a commercial litigator at Dickinson Wright PLLC and clerked for two years at the Michigan Supreme Court.Nakisha earned her BA from Oberlin College, Phi Beta Kappa and with high honors. She earned her JD from the University of Michigan Law School where she was a member of the Journal of Gender and Law.

Twila S. White

Law Office of Twila S. White

• A talented labor and employment law attorney, Twila S. White is the founder of her own firm that is located in Los Angeles, California (near LAX). Ms. White has recently opened a Santa Barbara office, to better serve the Ventura and Santa Barbara County areas. Providing representation to prospective, current and former employees throughout the greater Los Angeles area, she handles cases involving workplace discrimination arising out of various federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Ms. White also has experience with violations of the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.Ms. White also provides assistance to male and female employees who have been the victims of sexual harassment, and she represents whistleblowers who have been the subject of demotions, terminations and other unlawful forms of retaliation. In one notable 2009 California case, she established a precedent for the introduction of so-called "me too" evidence regarding a claim of workplace discrimination. On the basis of her achievements, Ms. White has been named a member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100.Active in a variety of professional organizations, Ms. White is a member of the board of governors of both the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and Consumer Attorneys of California. She is also a member of the California Employment Lawyers Association, and she sits on the board of directors of Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities. She has been a featured speaker and presenter at numerous employment law and legal conferences and seminars. Admitted to practice in California, Ms. White holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial and systems engineering from the University of Southern California and a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law.

Amber K. Boyd

Amber Boyd Attorney at Law

• Attorney Amber K. Boyd is the founder and owner of Amber K Boyd Attorney at Law located in Indianapolis, Indiana. A highly versatile attorney, Ms. Boyd represents the rights and entitlements of a diverse range of clients throughout the state who have legal challenges involving any of the following:·         Employment and labor law·         Estate planning and probate·         Business litigation·         Legal research and writingA 2009 graduate of Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ms. Boyd obtained her Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law in 2012, where she earned designation as an Equal Justice America Legal Services Fellow. The Indiana State Bar Association admitted her to practice the following year.Ms. Boyd began her legal career serving as a compliance officer with Nationstar Mortgage, where she managed 19 law firms throughout the country with their matters involving state and federal regulatory compliance, operational litigation support, foreclosure analyses, policy and procedure testing, and more. She then established her own private practice, where she focuses primarily on representing employees with their serious and complex labor and employment law issues.In addition, Ms. Boyd also served as a volunteer attorney with the Vision Development Center, where she was responsible for planning and developing the organization's mission and vision, and ensuring compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. She also facilitated a number of seminars regarding entity formation and other legal topics.Throughout her career, Ms. Boyd has maintained an active presence with the Indiana State Bar's Leadership Development Academy, and she has conducted lectures before the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Foundation on important employment law matters. Committed to her local community as well, Ms. Boyd currently serves on the board for both the Asante Children's Theatre and the Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association.

Conti Moore Smith

Conti Moore Law, PLLC

• Her professionalism and loyalty to her clients helps her provide them with useful insights and knowledge to move forward with their cases. Whether your case involves family concerns, business issues, criminal charges, or an injury caused by someone’s negligence, Conti Moore Law, PLLC can provide you with a free consultation to get started on planning your next steps. Call today to begin the processMs. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in computer information systems with a business minor from Florida A&M University before obtaining her Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law. While in law school, she was successful as a member of the FSU Mock Trial Team and a member of the Florida State University Journal of Transnational Law & Policy.Throughout her career, Ms. Smith has earned a reputation as an aggressive advocate for her clients from the beginning to the end of a case. Her focus on cost-effective, excellent service has built her a large clientele that come to her for everything from landlord and tenant disputes to employment discrimination. The strategic, exceptional legal representation she provides is proven by her successful record.In 2018, Ms. Smith was recognized for her pro bono work by the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada and the Clark County Bar Association; she was also given the county’s Lied Award for Most Pro Bono Hours. As she moved her practice and career to Florida, Ms. Smith adopted the motto “Stress less, choose Moore” and has let this principle guide her throughout her career.

Elizabeth L. Riles

Bohbot & Riles PC

• Elizabeth Riles is a founding and the managing shareholder at Bohbot & Riles.  She specializes in employment discrimination and personal injury cases. She also specializes in human resource consulting, business litigation and mediation.  She has successfully represented employees against a wide variety of businesses and government entities, in matters of race, national origin, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability and gender discrimination, cases of sexual and racial harassment, retaliation, whistle-blowing and wrongful termination.

Kimberly Wilder

Davis, Chapman & Wilder, LLC

• Attorney Kimberly Wilder is a partner at Davis, Chapman, & Wilder, LLC, in Augusta, Georgia. Ms. Wilder practices in the areas of criminal defense, family law, personal injury and mediation, serving clients in Augusta and the surrounding areas. She is committed to providing dedicated representation to all of her clients, helping them attain the best possible results.Ms. Wilder has extensive trial experience in criminal matters, defending criminal defense clients in over 1,000 cases over the course of her career. She has experience litigating misdemeanors and felonies and appearing in state, superior and juvenile courts in the state of Georgia. She handles matters involving aggravated assault, domestic violence, drug possession, DUI, murder, obstruction, possession of a firearm, probation violations, sex crimes and theft.In addition, Ms. Wilder is a registered mediator, successfully resolving complex family law, personal injury and other civil cases. She also holds an accreditation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which allows her to represent veterans attempting to secure benefits.Professional organizations Ms. Wilder belongs to include the Augusta Bar Association, the Augusta Youth Development Campus, the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys and Young Lawyers of Augusta. She also participates in a variety of other community programs in the Augusta region.Born and raised in Augusta, Ms. Wilder received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Georgia. She earned her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law and obtained her license to practice law in 2012. She is qualified to appear before all Georgia state courts.

Anjel F. Burgess

Burgess & Christensen

• Anjel Burgess is a partner at the Marietta, GA law firm of Burgess & Christensen, where she represents clients in social security disability, guardianship, and veteran's benefits matters.Ms. Burgess began her legal career in 2008 after earning her juris doctorate from the Georgia State University College of Law. She initially practiced at a well-known Marietta civil litigation firm, where she focused on insurance defense. In 2011, she joined attorney Laurence L. Christensen, becoming a partner in the firm in 2014.Over the course of her legal career, Ms. Burgess has earned the respect of both her clients and her peers. In addition, in recognition of her extensive knowledge of disability law, she is a regular guest speaker on the topic at both legal and community events.Ms. Burgess's dedication has led her to be an active member of the legal community. She is a member of a number of organizations, including the Cobb County Bar Association, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives and the American Association for Justice.

Tanisha Bostick

Bostick Legal

• Attorney Tanisha Bostick is the founder and owner of Bostick Legal in San Diego, California. A top-rated lawyer and effective problem-solver, Ms. Bostick provides exceptional representation and support to a diverse range of clients throughout the greater San Diego area and across Southern California who have legal needs involving any of the following:Family law and divorceBankruptcyPersonal injuryA native of San Diego, Ms. Bostick has a genuine concern for the important and pressing legal issues affecting the residents of her community, and she has gained a reputation for delivering highly personalized and compassionate counsel to her clients during what is a very difficult and uncertain time in their lives. Understanding the stress, fear and frustration her clients are experiencing, she offers caring advice to help set their minds at ease as she aggressively pursues the most favorable outcomes on their behalf.A devoted advocate and responsive attorney, Ms. Bostick maintains an unwavering focus on protecting her clients' rights and interests during all legal proceedings, and she returns her clients' phone calls and emails promptly to address their questions and concerns as they arise. Honored for her outstanding professionalism and service, she has earned top rankings and endorsements from her peers as well as numerous positive testimonials and referrals from her satisfied clients.A 2009 graduate of the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in business management, Ms. Bostick obtained her Juris Doctor in 2016 from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. While in law school, she served as law student committee chair of the American Bar Association's Family Law Section, and she received the Jeffersonian Medal as well as the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence from the Witkin Legal Institute.Along with maintaining a successful legal practice, she is also active in her legal community, and she is a member of The State Bar of California, the Lawyers Club of San Diego, the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association. She is also the former vice chair of the Litigation Trial Practice Committee for the American Bar Association's Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section.

Yashiba Blanchard

Law Office of Yashiba Glenn Blanchard, LLC

Christina Essex

Katz Korin Cunningham

• Christina Essex is an experienced litigator with Katz Korin Cunningham where she focuses her practice on the defense of health care providers including long-term care providers in courts throughout the State of Indiana. She is an advocate for her clients and believes that communication is essential to achieving her client’s litigation goals.Prior to joining Katz Korin Cunningham, Christina regularly defended clients in both federal and state court in matters involving personal injury, premises liability, trucking and transportation and medical malpractice.

Falen O. Cox

Cox, Rodman & Middleton, LLC

• Make Falen Cox your sword, your shield, your lawyer. Falen is a partner in the law firm of Cox, Rodman, & Middleton located in historic Savannah, Georgia. Falen represents people who have been injured by the negligence of others. Falen works to protect the rights of her clients who have been injured in car accidents, slip and falls, or as a result of unsafe premises or products; she also represents the estates of those whose injuries resulted in wrongful death. Cox, Rodman, & Middleton takes a client-centered approach to representation and works as a team to ensure that every client receives personal, dedicated, and effective representation guided by the tenants of: Justice, Wisdom, and Advocacy. Falen practices in Chatham County, Bryan County, Effingham County, Bulloch County, and throughout the state of Georgia--personal injury consultations are always free. Prior to founding Cox, Rodman, & Middleton, Falen litigated hundreds of cases as an assistant public defender and was assigned to the elite Major Crimes Division. Falen has taken the skills she learned in and out of the courtroom during her six years in the public defender's office and applied them to her personal injury practice. In addition to her personal injury practice, Falen also represent clients on appeal in criminal and civil cases, represents clients facing serious criminal charges, and probates estates. Falen is both a skilled negotiator and a fearless trial attorney. Falen graduated from Mercer Law School where she was inducted into the Order of the Barristers, served as the Chair of Mercer Advocacy Council's Client Counseling and Negotiations division, and won First Place Team Champion and Best Brief at the Charleston School of Law National Moot Court Competition. Falen has been recognized by the Savannah Multicultural Chamber of Commerce as a top Forty Under Forty and was awarded the organization's Emerging Leader Award in 2018. Falen has also provided legal commentary to the Los Angeles Sentinel and has been featured in the Savannah Morning News and the Savannah Tribune.

Charity M. Davis

Law Office of Gilchrist-Davis, LLC

• Attorney Charity Gilchrist-Davis is the founder and owner of Gilchrist-Davis, LLC law firm based in Birmingham, Alabama. Ms. Gilchrist-Davis serves individuals and families in the greater Birmingham area and throughout the state, and is primarily dedicated to family law, where she helps her clients navigate the complex and challenging divorce process. In this area, she has extensive experience helping clients resolve their disputes and reach agreements for their issues relating to custody and maintenance, property sharing, alimony and other related matters. In addition, she advises clients seeking adoption and she has extensive experience advocating the rights and interests of her clients in changing existing court orders as well as prosecuting contempt decisions related to Rule Nisi petitions. Her law firm also handles personal injury and labor claims and works with other lawyers in the area. Ms. Gilchrist-Davis was born and raised in Birmingham. She is seriously concerned about the legal issues that affect her community's residents. She has earned a reputation for integrity and high ethical standards. In all cases, she is fully committed to the needs and goals of those she serves, and she prides herself on her strong work ethic and dedication to providing the highest level of advocacy and support to her clients. Gilchrist-Davis is a graduate of Samford University, Birmingham, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies and a minor in Sociology. She then received her Juris Doctor from Miles Law School, Fairfield, and the Alabama State Bar admitted her to practice in 2008. Prior to starting her law firm in 2008, she served as a legal secretary, paralegal, and court clerk.She is a member of the local and legal communities in Birmingham and American Inns of Court, the Jefferson County TASK Force, the Jefferson County Family Court's youth mentoring program and of the Worship Center Christian Church Legal Team.

Samantha Pryor

The Halliburton Law Firm, LLC

• Attorney Samantha L. Pryor is the founder and managing member of The Halliburton Law Firm in Denver, Colorado, where she focuses her practice on personal injury law, business law and employment law.Mrs. Pryor is also the founder of Resolution Advocates, where she assists clients in resolving their disputes and reach agreements through negotiation and mediation rather than through expensive, time-consuming court battles.A native of Colorado, Mrs. Pryor has achieved notable success helping a diverse range of clients across the state with their most important legal matters, including maintaining a successful appellate practice, where she has gained widespread acclaim for her legal research and writing skills.Her wealth of experience in many legal areas makes her well-suited to handle the demands of her clients regardless of how complex or challenging their needs, and she has received numerous awards and honors for her professionalism and service. Most recently, the Denver Business Journal recognized Mrs. Pryor as a 40 under 40 Honoree in 2017, which is a high honor to recognize the best and brightest young leaders in the local business community.  Mrs. Pryor was selected as one of the 40 honorees among a group of over 500 nominees in 2017.   After earning her Bachelor of Arts in business administration - finance and accounting, magna cum laude, from Clark Atlanta University in 2004, Mrs. Pryor attended the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 2007. That same year, she received her license to practice law from the Colorado Supreme Court, and she is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado as well as before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.Active in her community, she is a member of several local, state and national bar associations, and she gives back to her local community as well through her involvement with numerous charitable and civic organizations.