STEARNS-MONTGOMERY & PROCTOR - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Paralegal to Samirah Hooks
Belinda grew up in Texas, and after meeting her husband in Atlanta, eventually relocated and attended John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. Upon graduating, she founded Fowler and Martin with a law school colleague, which they operated for several years. She established Martin Law, P.C. in 2016 and has served clients through that firm until Stearns Law caught her eye.
"I was open to joining an established and well-known firm like SM&P because I wanted to be part of a team and offer more support to my clients," she said. "I chose them (SM&P) because they provide the professionalism and advocacy to their clients that I have always strived to provide as a solo-practice attorney, but with the added benefit of the support of an experienced team behind me."
"Mary and her team," said Belinda, "were professional and yet friendly and down-to-earth from my first interactions with them. I appreciate Mary's approach to the field of law, with her focus on success and managing with integrity."
"Belinda's approach to business stands out through her drive to succeed and a no-nonsense approach," said Mary. "She is professional and a good presenter. We appreciate the qualities that she brings to the firm."
"I think my preparation skills help me stand apart from other attorneys," Belinda said. "I am also very client-centered. I involve my client in the process every step of the way."
Clients say that Belinda is hard-working, approachable, reachable, prepared, and formidable in court. She describes herself as pragmatic, with a focus on solutions. "I work hard to find a way to meet my clients' expectations and accomplish their goals while at the same time guiding them through the legal process," she explains. "If there is a way to settle a case, I want to find it. But I am always willing to keep fighting, if necessary."
Like most attorneys at SM&P, Belinda is community-oriented. She is a founding member of the Juvenile Dependency Accountability Court in Forsyth County as parent attorney and served as president of the Forsyth County Juvenile Bar Association from 2018-2020. "I am involved in my church, and have a passion for advocacy for breast cancer research." She was a board member of National Association of Counsel for Children, 2017-2020.
"I have also served as guardian ad litem on various matters and in some very difficult cases," she said. "I think this makes me particularly good with custody issues. My training in mediation style allows me to offer my clients the opportunity to resolve their legal issues in a less expensive and stressful way."
Belinda enjoys teaming up with her husband Chris to remodel "fixer-upper" homes. "We are always working on a project at our home. We are also new grandparents and love every minute of spoiling our granddaughter, Azalea Fay. Belinda also hangs out with her elderly corkie (cocker spaniel/Yorkie). "She's had us since she was a puppy."
Job Titles:
- Paralegal to Partner Randy Sabatini
- Paralegal to Partner Randy Sabatini ( Remotely - Home Office: Alpharetta )
Carly is one of those rare attorneys who can take seemingly unrelated skills and combine them for the benefit of her clients. She has a degree and background in accounting and insurance. Therefore, not only does she have the attorney's aptitude for words, she is a master of numbers. Using these complementary fields of expertise, she has successfully dealt with cases dealing with assets or any kind of support such as high-asset divorces, DFCS cases, and highly contentious custody cases.
To accomplish these legal feats, Carly has proven herself in drafting legal documents, including proposed orders and various motions for family law matters, assisting clients in the preparation of financial affidavits and documents for mandatory disclosure, and laying the groundwork for hearings and trials. She is capable of researching issues such as international child custody disputes and dissolution with an incapacitated party and preparing for mediation and case management conferences for family law matters.
Despite her previous success in legal matters, she felt ready to make a change. "I've enjoyed my experiences with family law and always intended to make a career of it," Carly said. "I was ready to stop approaching law in a purely intellectual way and start practicing with heart as well. Family law requires empathy and understanding, and those are qualities I admire and want to maintain in myself."
Carly doesn't see law as only a career. It is a calling. She was awarded the Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award in law school for her willingness to donate her time to people needing but unable to afford legal help. In particular, Carly volunteered with the guardian ad litem program advocating for the best interests of children (from infants to older teenagers) who were in the dependency system, so she understands the special difficulties that come along with DFCS cases. Through that program, she made monthly visits to children and caregivers, drafted visitation reports and reports for judicial reviews, and attended and testified at judicial reviews and hearings.
Carly remains a supportive person who strives to make clients feel seen and heard. "I try to find a point of common ground with everyone I speak with," she said. "I'm also very clear-headed and solve issues in cases in a methodical, rational manner. I try to be straightforward and make it a point to explain legal issues to clients without ‘legalese.' I don't take myself too seriously -- I'm not afraid to admit when I'm wrong, to learn from others, and to ask for input when necessary."
Clients say Carly makes it easy for them to understand what's going on in their case by explaining things in layman's terms and distilling the issues down for them. They also say she is easy to talk to and a diligent lawyer who works quickly and communicates well.
When she first met with SM&P's hiring committee, she noticed right away that the firm has a culture of working hard but having fun doing it. "I also think the wide range of expertise and years of experience between everyone at SM&P makes the firm a great place to demonstrate yourself as an exceptional family law practitioner."
Mary Montgomery, the firm's founding and managing partner, was at first interested in Carly because of her knowledge in both the law and accounting. "We do look for financial experience when we recruit our team members because almost all divorces have some element of money involved," said Mary. "But when we realized she looked beyond the facts and numbers to really see and care about clients, we knew she was a keeper."
Outside of work, Carly spends time hiking with her Australian shepherd, Sadie, watching college football with her husband, Kyle, and trying out new recipes in her downtown Atlanta kitchen. "I can also be found reading by the pool, taking weekend road trips around the southeast, and attempting to play tennis."
Carly is slowly trying to check spots off her north Georgia hiking list. She and Kyle frequent Red Top Mountain Trails, Amicalola Falls, and local hikes like Island Ford, Vickery Creek, and Cascade Springs Nature Reserve. "My immediate goal is to start doing some overnight weekend hikes," she said. "Long term, I'd like to eventually section-hike the Appalachian Trail over a few years."
She also co-captains the golf cart for Kyle on some weekends, usually in Canton, but often around the Atlanta and north Georgia area, to enjoy the weather and get some quiet reading time in while he golfs.
Gainesville, Georgia native and UGA School of Law graduate Catherine Sartain worked for a small family law firm there before joining SM&P. "While a smaller firm can have its perks," she explains, "you end up wearing many hats, often juggling administrative tasks on top of practicing law. I was interested in finding an environment where everyone had a job or area of focus and worked well together, like a well-oiled machine. It makes the process much smoother. I found that here at Stearns."
Work-life balance is also very important to Catherine, known as "Cat" to her friends. "Stearns offered the structure and perks of a mid-sized law firm, but it was apparent from the beginning that this balance was also valued and encouraged. This firm cares about families, including our own."
Job Titles:
- Paralegal / E - Filing and Closing Clerk
Job Titles:
- Senior Paralegal to Lily B. Lutton
After completing college and law school in Louisiana, Dominic was drawn to metro Atlanta for his law career. While working in Atlanta and throughout the state, he developed deep and broad skills in negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, and mediation in various areas of family law.
As a family law attorney, Dominic's interest in further expanding his knowledge of family law led him to Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor. "I was aware of their reputation for excellence, so it made sense to join the firm," he said. "They have an abundance of support staff and legal resources, allowing their attorneys to do the very best for each client. They seem to have a family-focused work environment. Everyone feeds off of each other, working collectively to help each member of the team reach their ultimate goals."
"Dominic has an impressive array of family law competencies," said Mary Montgomery, founding and managing partner of the firm. "But he also grasps what clients are going through, the high emotion and low morale that is common among clients facing divorce and other family law challenges. I am confident that he will treat each case with the seriousness and compassion that it deserves. Dominic will be a real asset to clients at our Marietta office and to the firm at large."
Dominic describes himself as an accomplished, determined, and passionate attorney. "I have a great track record of performance with planning, preparing, and managing family law cases. I pride myself on my excellent analytical, investigative, and organizational skills and the ability to see things through from start to finish. Although I aggressively advocate for clients to get them the result they desire, I also provide them with a realistic projection on what they can expect from their case. I am willing to treat each case like it is my own and will always work extremely hard for every client.
Dominic hopes that clients notice he is very accessible and always keeps them abreast of the status of their case. "Although I maintain a seriousness of purpose on all my cases," he said, "they can see that I have a great sense of humor and can provide them with a pleasant experience regardless of the circumstances of their case."
In his spare time, Dominic regularly volunteers as a member of the Cobb County Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. with the New Georgia Project to register and civically engage Georgians on their right to vote, coordinating initiatives to promote youth mentoring in the community, and helping every holiday season to pass out gifts to low-income families in Cobb County.
He and his family are members and regular attendees of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Atlanta. He is an avid New Orleans Saints fan and enjoys spending time at home in Smyrna with wife Cassidy, their daughters Kamryn and Kaiden, and friends. He also likes to travel, attend sporting events and concerts, and trying out new restaurants.
Dominic, named a Rising Star, is motivated by the need to help people in whatever difficult family situation they are in, whether it's a father wanting to be a part of his child's life, or getting someone out of an abusive relationship. "I believe that you need to be passionate about the area of law that you enter because your passion will most likely lead to more success for your clients."
"I always put myself in the shoes of my client and use my experience and knowledge to help them out with whatever they are going through. I think about the very best options that I can come up with to make sure that my client gets the results that they desire."
Dominic attributed much of his success to mentors. "Now I am paying it forward. It's exciting to get that knowledge and then pass it down to younger attorneys."
The process of establishing child support payments often causes anxiety for parents going through the divorce process or paternity suits.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal Assistant to Dominic K. Jones
Job Titles:
- Senior Paralegal to Partner Melanie Prehodka
Judy joined SM&P in the summer of 2019, bringing with her 24 years of experience in family law. She possesses a keen ability to cut to the chase regarding issues pertaining to contested divorce and divorce mediations and settlements, modifications, legitimization, and custody disputes.
Judy has also brought a unique skill set to add to the SM&P arsenal - a passion for adoption cases, including foreign, contested, same-sex couple, agency, relative and step-parent, third-party independent, DFCS, and interstate (ICPC). She has finalized over 700 adoptions in her career as part of her family law focus.
Because of her deep and broad knowledge of adoption, she was part of a group of attorneys who participated in developing the new Georgia adoption code in 2018. "I've seen pretty much everything in adoption," she said.
Law is not just an intellectual exercise for Judy. She went through the pain of her parents' divorce, then the suicide of an aunt who had lost part of her farm due to a lack of legal representation. The suicide was the catalyst for starting law school midlife. Judy is currently a widow with five children, two of whom she adopted from Russia.
"I've been through what many of my clients are going through," said Judy. "I'm not above a little hand-holding when it's called for. And it often is in family law cases. But I don't pull punches about expectations for results. My clients need honesty as much as empathy."
Judy can keep her feet as well as her ego on the ground. Having grown up on a Paducah, Kentucky farm, she knows what work is. "I work hard but smart and love what I do."
After practicing solo since 1996, she is excited about the camaraderie that comes with working on a team. She studied the backgrounds of the SM&P attorneys and felt she had found her place. She likes the way senior partner Mary Montgomery thinks outside the box and engages in lively conversation about future growth at the firm.
"Judy doesn't beat around the bush," Mary said. "She is very straightforward and thinks fast on her feet. We value that here."
Judy has lived in Georgia since 1981 and in Gainesville on Lake Lanier since 1994. She enjoys boating and traveling, especially to Destin, Florida. An avid Georgia Bulldogs football fan, she admits to even barking on occasion.
Atlanta native and UGA graduate Kimbley Puckett was employed in the legal field for more than two decades before being recruited by SM&P. One reason she made the move was her desire to worry less about the administrative/management part of maintaining and growing a business and concentrate more on her clients. "I prefer this environment where I am able to give my clients all the attention they deserve," Kimbley noted.
Kimbley started her career advocating for domestic violence survivors. "I have worked with victim advocates, law enforcement, and judges to give survivors a voice. I contributed to the Georgia Domestic Violence Benchbook."
She also developed a collaborative seminar to show people the benefits of estate planning, often an important aspect of family law.
"I chose SM&P because of their focus on family law," said Kimbley. "I believe a concentration allows you to perfect your skill set. Also, Stearns-Law has an impressive reputation in the legal community. The individual attorneys are highly regarded among our peers as well. At this point in my career, I want to learn and contribute to a team with a high level of excellence and this firm will allow me to do just that."
Kimbley found the rapport among Mary and the team very appealing. "Mary has a commanding but humble presence," she said. "I know how hard it is to grow a successful and long-standing business. Mary's accomplishments are beyond impressive."
Mary was interested in Kimbley's years of experience, her dedication to client needs, and the obvious comfort level with the SM&P team. "Her knowledge of the law is impressive," said Mary. "But her ability to best apply it to clients' cases makes her the kind of standout we value here at Stearns. The Fayetteville office will benefit from her presence there."
Clients describe Kimbley as knowledgeable, personable, accessible, professional, and committed. She describes herself as effective, compassionate, and dedicated.
"But I am not always a cutthroat attorney," she said. "I believe sometimes you can be more effective when you have grasped the facts, the law, your client, the judge, opposing counsel, and the opposing party. You get more with honey than vinegar."
She explains that the holistic approach she takes in representing her clients is what sets her apart from many attorneys. "My goal is to make sure the client is whole in every aspect of their lives."
Kimbley shares her legal expertise with the community at large by teaching classes and seminars such as Estate Planning 101, Why Estate Planning is Important, Bankruptcy and Family Law, Resume Building, and Women & Wealth.
"I try to maintain healthy relationships with family and friends through social gatherings like traveling, eating out, and dancing," Kimbley said. "I am an avid cigar smoker, so I highly enjoy cigar events like meet and greets, cigar pairings, and fundraisers. It helps me to relax and recharge."
She raised her sons, Xavier and Jonathan, as a single mother while starting and running her own law firm in McDonough. "I made sure to keep them active while they were growing up. I was not just a soccer mom. I was a sports mom -- baseball, basketball, football, and soccer. I am very proud of them."
Kimbley has two Yorkies, Tigger and Roo, and two bulldogs, Boogie and Garnet. "None are related but all get along," she brags. "My girls are alpha females and show it every day. They are like two teenage girls-- stubborn and outgoing. My boys are laid back. They are all very protective of our home in McDonough. I used to be afraid of dogs. I never thought I would be a dog mom. Now, I do not remember not being one."
"I am extremely maternal," said Kimbley. "I take my job as a mother -- biological, puppies, and friends -- very seriously. I am protective of the ones close to me. That protection extends to my clients."
Job Titles:
- Senior Paralegal to Judy Sartain ( Remotely - Home Office
Job Titles:
- Senior Paralegal to Partner Ryan Proctor ( Remotely - Home Office Buckhead )
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Attorney
- Our Attorney
Coming from a family of divorce, Lily knows the highs, lows, and difficulties that can make or break a family. These experiences are what kindled her desire to become a family law attorney. After graduating from Mercer University School of Law, Lily immediately began her vocation in family law. Throughout that career, Lily has managed many cases, including those with very contentious child custody matters, complex equitable divisions, prenuptial agreements, modifications, legitimations, name changes, and guardianships.
Like most attorneys who sign on with SM&P, Lily was attracted by the collegiality she found there. Although assigned to the Buckhead office, she was quick to say everyone is very approachable throughout the firm.
Lily is extremely attentive to her clients and is not afraid to aggressively pursue what is best for them. "I work to be a strong advocate. I can be extremely vigilant and will fight for my client's interests. I also understand the perspective of children who are coping with their parents' divorce. This has proven to be a great tool for advising my clients who have children."
Her clients recognize right away that she is a people person who can connect with them. They especially appreciate that she gets right back to them when they need that listening ear or are in suspense over critical news involving their case. Lily's reputation for straight talk is one of several reasons they trust her.
Marlys brings 25 years of legal and financial experience to the SM&P team. After working as legal counsel in two "Big Eight" accounting firms for 11 years, Marlys moved from accounting and tax law into divorce law. She had always wanted to be a divorce attorney since she began law school.
"Life took me a different way," she explained, "and when I had the chance, I made the transition to family law." To that end, she launched her law firm in Marietta. After seven years in solo practice, she realized she could learn and do more in a bigger firm.
"Since opening my own firm, I have always heard of Stearns Law. And I wanted to be part of a strong, dedicated, and kind team of individuals. I had worked with some of their attorneys and was always impressed with their professionalism. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped."
"When I met Mary (the firm's founding and managing partner) and her team, I was struck but not surprised by their responsiveness," Marlys said. "I have a great deal of admiration for Mary. What she has accomplished in establishing and continuing with SM&P is truly impressive."
Marlys believes Mary was intrigued by her background prior to family law and, most importantly, her maturity. "Marlys has been out in the working world for a very long time," said Mary. "Her 11 years in public accounting make her a special prize. Many of our clients going through divorce or estate planning deal with financial issues. She is a great asset to them. Furthermore, her enthusiasm is contagious. We look forward to having her work with us from our Marietta office."
"I think my approachability and ability to empathize with my clients sets me apart," Marlys said. Clients agree. They have described her as smart, empathetic, always available, supportive, and honest.
"And I love what I do," she said. "I try to treat everyone -- clients, opposing counsel, court staff -- the way I would want to be treated. However, I can turn on a dime and be just as tough as the next attorney when that respect is not reciprocated."
Marlys is a transplanted Californian who now claims Georgia as her adopted state. "One of the many things I like about Georgia is the seasons," she said, "except for summer. I prefer summer in San Francisco where it's cool and foggy."
When not working, Marlys, a golfer since she was 10, spends time on the greens all over the area, including Canton, Johns Creek, and Waleska. She loves to hike, giving Red Top Mountain a special shout-out. She shares her Marietta home with two dogs -- Grisham, a 127-pound bloodhound, and 13-pound Gracie Mae, a Chiweenie. "I hate to admit it," she said, "but I love to watch reality television. I'm also a big chocolate and ice cream fan."
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Managing Partner
- Partner
- Founding and Managing Partner
Founder Mary A. Montgomery has been practicing family law as a divorce attorney for more than thirty years. After starting her career at a general practice law firm, Mary decided to pursue her entrepreneurial dream of building her own practice. Her initial success compelled her to expand her Georgia law practice into a team of talented divorce attorneys, family law attorneys, and child support attorneys - all of whom demonstrate incredible success in Georgia divorce and family practice cases. Mary manages a capable team of Atlanta lawyers, and, although her team is larger than ever, she still remains involved in a lot of the family law cases.
In a managerial capacity, Mary's oversight provides clients with creative solutions and unprecedented attorney access. Clients find her to be assertive and determined as she vigorously fights for their rights and goals in the courtroom, but she remains compassionate and practical in dealing directly with clients. In fact, many of Mary's referrals are from "the other side of the table," where those individuals have developed a respect for Mary's tenacity and integrity.
Mary enjoys mentoring other family law and divorce attorneys, both within her firm and in both the Atlanta and Marietta communities. She is actively involved in the community as a volunteer for organizations like 100 Women Against Domestic Violence, the Cobb Justice Foundation, and the American Cancer Society. Mary is on the ACS Silent Auction Committee- an organization that raises thousands of dollars each year by auctioning off everything from Michael Vick helmets to East Hampton vacation homes.
Mary Montgomery, founding and managing partner, said that Cat's experience in and dedication to family law sets her apart. "Family law is truly a calling," said Mary. "It is the most difficult area of law. You are helping people during what is often the lowest point of their lives. I believe you have to genuinely love it to stick with it. She will fit right in at our Gainesville office."
Clients describe Cat as attentive and knowledgeable. She describes herself as a very focused lawyer. "If I have a task or project in front of me, that is my priority, and I give it my undivided attention. I want to ensure that not only is it completed, but it is completed correctly and to the best of my abilities."
She stands apart when it comes to the many details required in dealing with family law cases. "Details are what matters," Cat said. "If you are representing someone, you need to know if they have children. If so, what are their names and ages? This sometimes even means knowing if they have food allergies so that can be addressed in a parenting plan. When you have young children involved, you are often creating a document that will play an important part in their lives until they reach adulthood. It's imperative that the details are included and are correct."
When not hanging with her fiancé, Jarod Maddox, also from Gainesville, you can find her taking care of her three feline fur babies. As a self-acknowledged crazy cat lady, Cat recalls "always being a dog person growing up, but when I went to law school, I thought having a dog would be too much of a time commitment. So I got a cat instead. Now, I'm always either doing something with my three cats -- Biscuit, Leo, and Revan -- or related to them. My first, Biscuit, came from an unexpected barn cat litter and was my loyal law school study partner. Leo was adopted from the Athens Area Humane Society, and Revan was adopted from the Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Society."
Georgia native Megan Long earned her double-major college degree in only three years at the University of Georgia, then stayed to complete her law degree there. Many of her jobs during and after law school were within the state.
She's worked in the Georgia Legal Services Program and a county public defender's office, served as a guardian ad litem, and interned and worked as an associate in private law firms. Within these positions, Megan has represented clients in all aspects of litigation, including settlement negotiation and mediation. She is experienced in the hard work that it takes to get a case through to a successful final resolution.
Megan said she chose Stearns-Law because it's well-known and -- more importantly -- well-respected. "It's a firm focused on zealous advocacy," she said. "I appreciated Mary's straightforward attitude and approach to client representation, which was echoed by the rest of the team."
Mary was impressed by Megan's ability to handle tough situations with grace and poise while effectively representing clients and their interests. "Some attorneys can handle tough situations well. Others are blessed with dignity and composure. Megan possesses a wonderful combination of both."
Megan describes herself as someone who believes in representing clients with the same care, compassion, and professionalism that she'd expect as a client. "With many unknowns in the process of litigation," she said, "I see it as my responsibility to keep clients informed and engaged with their representation and to be someone whom they respect and trust. As a child of divorce and now as an attorney representing clients in similar situations, I know first-hand how divorce and custody issues can affect all areas of life. Therefore, a large part of my practice is spent counseling clients to make sure they have the tools and knowledge to thrive long after their case is completed."
Clients say that Megan is knowledgeable as well as sensitive to individual client needs and what they're going through. They also see her as ethical, direct, reasonable, and approachable.
Megan and her husband, Will, a doctor of physical therapy, spend their free time visiting local restaurants and attending the many nearby events around their home in Gainesville and in the Atlanta area at large. "I also enjoy cheering on the Georgia Bulldawgs!" But her favorite dawg is Oliver "Ollie" Wendell Long. "He is my first official fur baby, although I grew up with dogs my whole life. He is a Chihuahua, a 10-pound lapdog, with the heart - and mindset - of a dog at least five times that size. I'm absolutely that dog mom who has way too many pictures of him sleeping on her phone and will show them to anyone, completely unprompted."
She is often found watching theater and traveling, especially to Germany. Megan started learning German in high school to fulfill the language requirement. "I immediately fell in love with the culture and language," she said. "Studying German has opened so many doors for me, including the opportunity to travel to Germany for an exchange program in high school and then two internships during college and law school, creating international friendships along the way. I truly love that I can immerse myself in another culture and connect with its people in a way that simply being a tourist wouldn't allow me to. I also thoroughly enjoy the looks on people's faces there when they peg me for an American, but don't realize I can understand most everything they say."
For more than 25 years, Melanie (formerly known as Melanie Webre) has worked diligently to represent thousands of men and women in family law matters in courts throughout the Atlanta metro area. This broad and deep experience has honed her legal skills to razor-sharp.
She is humbled by the opportunity to use her expertise to guide clients as they meet the challenges of tremendous life changes through a court system which can seem very intimidating. Melanie finds it very rewarding to watch how a client evolves from being so uncertain about the future to gaining confidence and becoming optimistic about it as vital family issues are finally resolved.
Melanie's colleagues find her to be well organized, a great listener, and detail-oriented with the ability to absorb large amounts of information and documentation then recast it in a way that tells a story that is clear and beneficial to the client. Clients use such descriptors as tenacious, thorough, patient, empathetic, and incredible in court. With her pedigreed resume, years of family law experience, and the best human and professional characteristics all melded into one tough advocate and concerned and caring counselor, it is no wonder she is a welcome and perfect fit at SM&P.
When Melanie is not working, she is active in her church and a mentor for underprivileged teens. She also enjoys kayaking, yoga, animals, reading, and working out at the gym.
"I always wanted to be a lawyer," said Rising Star, Myia. "I fell into family law and stayed with it because I am uniquely situated to excel at this particular type of work. I am twice divorced, with a child out of wedlock. There is very little within the realm of family law that I have not personally experienced prior to becoming an attorney. My entire life has been preparation for greatness within the legal field."
"Excellence," she explained, "is a mindset that you employ daily. Every decision you make on any given day leads to the outcome of excellence. I do my best on every case, with every client, and I am always elated when things go our way."
Myia encourages her colleagues to remember what it was like starting out. "I would advise young lawyers to never forget how their first case felt and carry that with them each day. That should inform civility of practice and ensure that everyone is treated with respect."
Congratulations, Ryan and Melanie, for being honored as Super Lawyers, and Dominic and Myia, on your selection as Rising Stars!
Job Titles:
- Paralegal to S. Anne Thompson De Magana
Originally from the Atlanta area, Nauman attended Emory University. After graduating from a Florida law school, he worked as a public defender. "I believe every one deserves the best legal representation, whatever their situation," he said. Nauman rejoined the private sector and dedicated himself to the exclusive practice of family law. He recently returned to Atlanta and continued building his reputation in family law.
Nauman makes every effort to understand a client's goals. "There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter family law case," he said. "Each case is unique, and each client has different needs." He spends time with each one to know them better so he can best serve their interests. They describe him as responsive, hardworking, and a good listener.
"I can safely say that my clients never go into a hearing unprepared because they know exactly where I am going with our evidence. I will not throw in the towel just to get a case resolved. And when a client needs immediate action, I am used to dropping what I am doing and dealing with their emergencies. I am easily accessible to clients regardless of time of day. They will know they are supported as they go through a very emotionally trying time."
He makes it a point to understand what a client absolutely requires and what he or she is flexible on. "I do not compromise on client goals unless my professional opinion dictates so and the client cannot achieve that goal in court. I want to give them hope but not unrealistic hope. I am a wise choice for anyone needing an aggressive, empathetic, and steady hand to guide them to the end."
Mary Montgomery, the firm's founding and managing partner, found Nauman's qualifications appealing on several fronts. "He's very direct and smart. Although he possesses a great deal of confidence in his abilities, he still comes across as a warm and dedicated team player. His technical knowledge is also exceptional and appreciated here. At the same time, he is devoted to family and understands that clients are, too."
Nauman was drawn to Mary and the team on several levels. "Mary sets the example for the firm. They all support each other and share expertise, which at SM&P is broad and deep. Everyone seems willing to roll up their sleeves, not only for their own clients but for each other to get the job done for all our clients. I enjoy that kind of collaborative effort. I feel I have a second family here, something I greatly value in a work environment."
He lives in Suwanee in Forsyth County with his wife Myra and young autistic son, Rayaan. "I strive to create a healthy work-life balance. I put the same heart and energy into my family as I do my clients. To relax, he might be seen driving with the windows down and music up to clear his head. He also enjoys reading, movies, and cooking.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal Assistant to Belinda Martin
After growing up in Michigan, Randy left the cold to attend law school in Atlanta and has lived here ever since. Randy has practiced family law for more than half of his legal career and ran his own firm for a number of years. He met Mary during a court proceeding and decided that he wanted to be a part of this premier team focused on family law.
Randy's clients find him, first and foremost, to be a good listener. He helps them feel comfortable, find a common point of reference, and then set a process to achieve their goals. Through this emotional time, Randy remains calm and unflappable, representing his clients' best interests through productive discussion rather than conflict.
With a passion for mentoring and sports, Randy has spent the last 25 years coaching a variety of youth sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, and lacrosse. He even led a youth roller hockey team to a national championship. When he is not coaching or competing in 5K races, you'll find him at a local concert or watching Vanderbilt Commodores football.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal Assistant to Belinda Martin
Atlanta divorce attorney, Ryan Proctor, heads up the Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor Buckhead office. The office was originally built in 1935 as a house and has since been converted to an office in the heart of Atlanta, commonly known as the Buckhead Area. Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor opened the doors in December 2013 to serve Buckhead family law and Atlanta divorce needs for clients in and around surrounding counties.
Before moving to Atlanta, Ryan studied in the United States and abroad. He became fluent in Spanish while attending the University at Ramon Llull in Barcelona, Spain. He uses his language abilities to communicate with and help clients when other attorneys cannot.
After working several years as an attorney, Ryan was drawn to Stearns-Montgomery because of its reputation for high ethical standards and an exceptional level of client contact. In 2010, Ryan became a partner, and the firm's name changed to Stearns-Montgomery and Proctor. Ryan generally works out of SM&P's Buckhead Office.
Ryan, his son Dylan, and his daughter Eva live in Atlanta. They have one dog, Saylor, and two cats, Captain and Scout. When Ryan isn't practicing law, you will find him spending quality time with his family, often escaping the city to the mountains or Lake Allatoona. Although residing in Atlanta, he is an avid fan of the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana Hoosiers. Ryan also enjoys playing guitar with his band.
Being a father of two, Ryan said he can better understand the needs that parents have, as well as grandparents and other relatives. So, his motivation to help parents, families, and children in a time of need was more than enough to result in a deep devotion to this profession.
Ryan also emphasized that law is not a "normal" nine-to-five job. "If you are willing to help families, you need to be ready to handle that responsibility all day every day. It is what this job requires."
Clients describe Anne Thompson de Magaña as someone who genuinely cares about their problems, works hard, and goes above and beyond to get them the best results possible in their unique circumstances.
Having more than a decade of legal experience and unmatched love for and loyalty to her home state of Georgia, Anne has spent her entire working life in legal positions in the Atlanta area, including as a private attorney in Smyrna and Marietta and serving as assistant district attorney for Cherokee County.
Anne established a strong background in civil and criminal litigation, family law, and appellate law, exceptional skills in trial practice, and the ability to speak fluent Spanish. Over time, she has developed an uncommon understanding of the ways family law situations can impact immigrant families, including circumstances where family members live in different countries and own property outside the United States.
Anne has a fierce work ethic, which has resulted in her winning a substantial majority of the appeals in which she has participated.
"Technical knowledge is important," she says. "But law is more of an art than a science. You have to be prepared to deal with the unexpected, be nimble. Most of all, you must be able to understand the difficult emotional situations that your clients are experiencing when they seek your help. Every client deserves the best, no matter how challenging their individual need. "
"I chose SM&P because I value the leadership of Mary Montgomery," says Anne. "Also, I'd worked as opposing counsel with some of the firm's attorneys and was impressed with their care for their clients and their overall professionalism."
Mary recognized qualities in Anne that made her a perfect match for the firm. "She's a quick learner. Just as important, she relates well to clients. I admire her patience and empathy. This is critical with all our clients, but even more so with immigrants struggling with a multitude of complicated issues."
In her very limited spare time, Anne appreciates family activities with her husband and three step-children. They enjoy travel, especially to the mountains, soccer, and Georgia Bulldog football. She also keeps her language skills sharp by watching numerous Spanish-language shows on Netflix.
S. Anne Thompson de Magaña Formerly known as S. Anne Thompson Senior Associate Attorney
Chicago native Samirah Hooks was the founding principal of her private practice representing clients in several areas of the law, where she developed a special interest in family law. "I decided to further my career in family law," she said. "It was a chance to work closely with clients to help them through what can be a very difficult time." As she accumulated knowledge of various legal issues, she chose to also share it academically by becoming an adjunct professor for Roosevelt University in Chicago teaching classes on law fundamentals.
In addition to her experience as a family law attorney, Samirah has an extensive background in related matters, including real estate, bankruptcy, probate, and estate planning. "These are areas of law which are often proven to be essential in the wholistic representation of my clients," she said.
When Samirah began looking for an opportunity to focus on family law, she knew that SM&P was the right environment to contribute what she knew as well as learn more from a cohort of successful attorneys. "I was very impressed with the compilation of attorneys on staff," said Samirah. "They are dedicated lawyers with a passion for family law. My decision to join the firm was made after I learned about the teamwork of the office and how they work together to accomplish common goals."
Samirah could see that Mary Montgomery, founding and managing partner, was devoted to building this firm and growing it into the outstanding firm it is today. "She had a goal that created opportunities for many and provided a much-needed service to many clients, earning its well-known reputation of sincerely caring for their clients while providing stellar representation. The expansive growth of the firm has been outstanding. I saw an opportunity for professional growth and advancement. "
Mary took note of Samirah's professionally broad background and her dedication to the profession. "She has years of experience that is both diverse and deep. We can use that in our Marietta office."
"As an attorney, I bring my full arsenal of knowledge and experience in representing my clients," Samirah said. "I work to make sure they understand the legal process because I am sensitive to my clients' needs. My clients appreciate how I take time to explain legal concepts in easy, understandable terms. They feel well-informed as we work to navigate various legal matters."
Samirah is also known to be tenacious in the courtroom. Her clients appreciate her honesty and direct approach. "They also know that I will work very diligently to represent them and get their desired outcome."
As a child of divorce, Samirah said that she is able to truly empathize with and fight for the children that are often involved in divorce, custody, and child support cases.
Samirah believes in being an active part of her community. "I take special pride in participating in various community service events with my church and through other volunteer opportunities," she said. "I've been a regular guest speaker with the YMCA to inform participants about the home purchasing process."
She is also dedicated to and appreciative of her own family. "I have a loving husband, Jamal, to whom I have been happily married for more than a decade," said Samirah. "We have two daughters and a black rescue cat we call Faith Evans. We all enjoy family gatherings and making home-cooked meals in our Woodstock home, often with Woodstock farmers market ingredients. We take advantage of our annual memberships at the Atlanta City Zoo and Six Flags Over Georgia. And all of us look forward to attending Braves games as well as cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs."
Tamara's story is a fascinating journey of self-discovery and overcoming obstacles. Born in the vibrant city of Brooklyn, New York, to a mixed heritage family, Tamara was instilled with a deep appreciation for both her American and Panamanian roots. Her parents encouraged her to be bilingual from an early age, setting her on a path to success that would see her achieve great things in her life.
After her family relocated to central Florida, Tamara was introduced to the bassoon, which proved to be a life-changing experience. Her natural musical talent led her to pursue a degree in music, and she went on to teach music to elementary school students and play in orchestras for over two decades.
But Tamara didn't stop there. She also gained valuable experience working alongside her parents in their various businesses, and this inspired her to pursue a graduate degree in business. Her MBA led her to a successful career in commercial real estate, where she worked with lawyers and developed a deep interest in law.
Tamara's passion for justice eventually led her to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. It was a long and challenging journey, but Tamara never gave up. She worked tirelessly to complete law school, pass the bar exam, and gain experience working in a law office, all while raising her children and managing a household.
Today, Tamara is a respected and accomplished attorney who is known for her unwavering dedication to her clients. Her compassionate and non-judgmental approach to criminal defense has earned her a loyal following of clients who trust her to represent them in court.
But Tamara is more than just a lawyer. She is a devoted mother of three daughters and a caring co-parent to her former spouse. She is also an avid reader, puzzle enthusiast, and caregiver for her elderly parents. Her commitment to her family and personal interests shows that she is a well-rounded and admirable individual.
Tamara's story is an inspiration to all who know her. Her determination, unwavering advocacy, and commitment to her dreams have made her a fierce and compassionate advocate for her clients.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal Assistant to Kimbley Puckett
Job Titles:
- Senior Paralegal to Partner Mary Montgomery