Words from the wise
Ask a District Attorney
Sherry Boston , formally the DeKalb County Solicitor General , ran for office against then incumbent Robert James . Previously a criminal defense attorney , she was elected in May 2016 , receiving 62 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary , and as there was no Republican candidate , she assumed office in January 2017 . We posed the following questions of this newly elected D . A . my ambition but encouraged me to be an innovator in the areas of law and public service .
When you graduated law school , is this where you thought your legal career would take you ?
Absolutely not . When I graduated from law school , I was hired to work for a firm specializing in criminal defense work . I anticipated then that I would have a life-long career as a criminal defense attorney . However , over the past few years , I have learned to remain open to new possibilities and opportunities in the law . Embracing that mindset help
The movie Philadelphia was an impactful and thought-provoking legal drama exploring both humanity and the struggle against hypocrisy .
What is the most frustrating aspect of your job ?
Falling short in the fight for justice . Despite our most fervent attempts to secure what we consider to be a just result , sometimes a jury may see a case in a different way . That can be disappointing . Nevertheless , we continue the good fight in the face of all obstacles on behalf of the victims for whom we advocate and the citizens we serve .
What do people not know about you that would surprise them the most ?
Most people would be surprised to know that I have a twin sister . Yes , really , I do !
Who was your most influential mentor and why ?
Early in my career , I sought the advice and guidance of female attorneys who could serve as role models and help me navigate what was traditionally a maledominated profession . I am fortunate to have connected with several inspirational women who not only supported propel me to the elected position of District Attorney for the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit . I am grateful for this role and the opportunity to not only represent , but serve , my community .
What is your favorite movie or book about the law ?
If you could travel to any place in the world where would you go and why ?
I would love to travel to Thailand . I am intrigued by the culture , history , food , and sheer beauty of the land . It is a bucket-list destination .
The Varsity or Chick-fil-A ?
Chick-fil-A all the way ! Growing up in Baltimore , Chick-fil-A establishments were few and far between . I savored those rare visits back then and still enjoy a great nugget or two every chance I get . ▪
* The Editorial Board requested responses from several metro-Atlanta District Attorneys ; however , at the time of publication , only Ms . Boston ’ s responses were available .
The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER 17