Liz Broadway Brown is a mother and wife who is also a powerful litigation attorney practicing law on the defense of high-stakes class action cases and privacy litigation matters in the health care, technology and financial services industries.
Brown is a partner at Alston & Bird LLP and a member of the firm’s Litigation and Trial Practice Group.
Brown also serves as president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) and is a member of the National Bar Association, National Association of Women Lawyers, Atlanta Bar Association, and Gate City Bar Association.
Besides being a successful attorney, Brown finds time to serve the community as a volunteer mentor for GABWA’s Sister 2 Sister Program, a volunteer attorney for the Truancy Intervention Project of Georgia and a volunteer in the children’s ministry at Passion City Church in Atlanta.
Brown was among some of Atlanta’s top lawyers and judges honored during rolling out’s Justice for All recognition.
What attracted you to the legal profession?
From the time I was a young child, I wanted to be a lawyer. Growing up, the picture of success for me was most often represented as either a doctor or a lawyer. I wanted to be successful. But I had a weak stomach and did not think I would make a good doctor. So, I decided I would be a lawyer.
How well has college prepared you for the legal profession?
FAMU [Florida A&M University] made me the person I am today. It instilled in me quiet confidence and an undeniable work ethic. Georgia Law provided me with solid foundational skills needed to succeed in the legal profession. I am grateful for everything I learned at both institutions and could not have chosen better schools to prepare me for this journey.
What qualities make for an effective lawyer?
Aside from having a keen knowledge of the relevant law, the best lawyers I know are excellent listeners, nimble negotiators and hard workers. Lawyers are entrusted to be zealous advocates for their clients, which includes being voices of reason and providing objective and wise counsel to individuals and organizations during their toughest times.
What advice would you offer a law student just beginning their career?
Take charge of your career at the outset. Set goals, work hard and make excellence your standard. Be motivated by the potential within you and the light you can be for others who are praying for the things you are taking for granted today.
Define a legal mind.
A “legal mind” is one that is introspective, constantly working and capable of the digestion of an immense amount of information. A “legal mind” is one that is able to visualize many sides of an issue and capable of advocacy absent subjective association. A “legal mind” is a powerful tool and can be used to advance justice or to obstruct it.
