Hala Linda Carey | Atlanta Circuit, Post 36

Candidate Statement

I am honored to announce my candidacy for the State Bar of Georgia’s Board of Governors.

My mission is to serve as a strong advocate for our legal community while upholding the integrity of our profession. With my background in civil and criminal law, mediation and community outreach, I have worked to resolve conflicts, strengthen relationships and promote access to justice.

If elected, I will prioritize initiatives that promote attorney well-being and retention such as:

• Expanding mental health resources to provide greater access to confidential counseling, peer support networks and wellness education.
• Developing mentorship and professional development programs to retain talent, address burnout and help attorneys at all stages of their careers find long-term success.
• Advocating for flexible CLE policies and work-life balance initiatives that help attorneys manage workload demands without compromising their health or professional growth.

Through my experience in mediation, outreach and both civil and criminal law, I understand the value of collaboration in creating meaningful solutions. I am committed to ensuring that Georgia attorneys have the resources, support and representation needed to thrive. I look forward to the opportunity to serve.

Education

• City University of New York, Baruch College, B.B.A. Finance & Economics cum laude, May 1987
• The University of Texas at Austin School of Law, J.D., May 1994

Personal/Family

• Moved to Atlanta with my husband and my toddler son in 2001. That was a long time ago! Since then, my son has grown, married and now resides in Chicago. For the past 16 years, I have been in a “new” committed relationship and continue to build a fulfilling life in Atlanta, a city I love and am dedicated to serve.
• Passionate about live music events, cultural exploration and community engagement.
• Registered mediator and arbitrator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution (since 2009), having handled cases involving juvenile delinquency, child in need of supervision, contract disputes and divorce matters.
• In September 2010, I joined the City of Atlanta Solicitor’s Office as a senior prosecutor, prosecuting cases while applying mediation and negotiation skills to achieve fair and just outcomes.
• Advocate for access to justice, having served on the Municipal Court of Atlanta Self-Help Task Force (2010) to assist pro-se defendants and participated in Gov. Deal’s Behavioral Health Coordinating Council Transition Project (2014) to reduce recidivism and improve reentry resources.
• Engaged in ongoing community outreach through food distribution drives, senior citizen public safety events and town hall symposiums.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• Solicitor Senior Counsel, City of Atlanta Office of the Solicitor (2022–present)—focusing on community prosecution, outreach, DUI prosecution and public safety related initiatives.
• Senior Associate, Vial, Hamilton, Koch & Knox LLP (1994-2001)—represented municipalities and government officials in active litigation with an emphasis on constitutional law, civil rights, employment discrimination, zoning and land use matters, as well as state tort claims act.
• Licensed attorney—Georgia and Texas
• Admitted to practice—U.S. Supreme Court, the Supreme Court of Georgia and Court of Appeals of Georgia
• Gwinnett County Bar Association (2016-2022)—Chair, Community Service Outreach (2018)
• Atlanta Bar Association, Dispute Resolution Section (2009-2016)—Board Member
  
• American Bar Association (2010-2011); Co-Chair, Mediation Training Database Project
• Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (2009-2010)—Member and Leadership Committee

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

One of the most pressing challenges in our profession is attorney burnout, which leads to stress, attrition and a decline in overall well-being. To strengthen the legal community, I will focus on initiatives that promote attorney well-being and retention. I believe this issue resonates across all practice areas and aligns with the State Bar’s duty to uphold a strong, ethical and well-supported legal community.