Kelsie J. Mattox | YLD Secretary

Candidate Statement

The first few years of legal practice are some of the most challenging. Many new lawyers focus on stability—obtaining and keeping a job, meeting billable hour requirements and mastering the basics of practice. In the process, they often miss valuable opportunities for professional growth and connection beyond the daily workload.

One of the greatest missed opportunities is the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) itself. Many newly admitted attorneys do not realize they are automatically members, or that the YLD offers programs, leadership roles and relationships that can shape their careers for a lifetime.

As a career prosecutor, I have benefited from specialized training and organizations supporting public service attorneys. My involvement with the YLD, however, has been truly transformative. As a Leadership Academy alumna, current YLD Board of Directors apointee and co-chair of the YLD Leadership Academy, I have collaborated with passionate young lawyers across the state, leading initiatives that promote connection, mentorship and professional development. These experiences have shown me the YLD’s potential to unite and empower young lawyers across every sector and practice area.

Many public sector attorneys are isolated from the broader legal community because their professional development is largely focused on agency-specific opportunities. This isolation, however, is not limited to the public sector. As lawyers, we should stay connected to the entire profession to strengthen the rule of law.

As YLD secretary, my goals are to:

• Increase awareness of YLD membership and opportunities from the start of practice.
• Bridge the gap between public and private sector young lawyers.
• Foster engagement through mentorship, networking and leadership development.

Together, we can build a more connected, informed and empowered YLD.

Education

• Western Kentucky University, B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, summa cum laude, and Division I Intercollegiate Softball Student-Athlete (2014)
• The University of Alabama School of Law, J.D. with Certificate in Public Interest Law (2017)

Personal/Family

• Born and raised in Fulton County, Georgia, and currently lives in Milton, Georgia
• Has one eight-year-old hound-mix named Bennie that she adopted as a puppy
• An avid Atlanta professional sports fan
• Enjoys documentaries, reading, golfing, attending sporting events and Orangetheory Fitness

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• City Solicitor, Cities of Alpharetta and Milton, Georgia (2022–present)
•  Assistant District Attorney, Northeastern, Atlanta and DeKalb Judicial Circuits (2018–2022)
•  YLD Board of Directors (2024–present)
•  YLD Leadership Academy co-chair (2024–present)
• YLD Award of Achievement for Outstanding Service to the Public (2024-25)
• YLD Leadership Academy graduate (2024)
• Member of Lawyers Club of Atlanta, Atlanta Bar Association, Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Gate City Bar Association and Greater Atlanta Black Prosecutors Association
• Alpharetta High School Mock Trial attorney coach
• North Point Community Church Guest Services greeter team leader

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

The Young Lawyers Division faces several important challenges that are critical to the success of new attorneys. First, early engagement is essential but often lacking. Many young lawyers delay involvement in the YLD for several years as they balance the demands of practice with professional development. Others are simply unaware of the YLD and the opportunities it provides for mentorship, leadership and professional growth, particularly during the first few years of practice. Second, public sector attorneys often remain disconnected from the broader legal community because their leadership opportunities and professional development are heavily focused within their agencies. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence is rapidly affecting the practice of law, creating both opportunities and challenges that young lawyers must understand and navigate to remain ethical and professional. As YLD secretary, I will work to address these challenges and ensure that the YLD supports the success of all young lawyers across every sector and practice area.