SM&P Attorneys Named Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2023
Again this year, Stearns-Montgomery & Proctor is proud to announce that their attorneys have been recognized state-wide for their competence and influence in the legal field. Attorneys Ryan Proctor and Melanie Prehodka were named 2023 Georgia Super Lawyers, and Dominic Jones and Myia Robinson were named Rising Stars by Super Lawyers. Only five percent of Georgia lawyers are chosen as Georgia Super Lawyers, and no more than 2.5 percent are recognized as Rising Stars.
The objective of Super Lawyers is to create a comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys to be used as a resource for both referring attorneys and consumers seeking legal counsel.
“We are excited to have two of our attorneys recognized as Super Lawyers, as well as the two Rising Stars,” said Mary Montgomery, SM&P’s managing partner. “These honors enhance our reputation as a preeminent divorce and family law firm.”
The firm’s honorees, like everyone on the SM&P team, stay fully informed of updates in Georgia family law to provide each client with the best outcome. They have represented hundreds of Georgia clients, including those in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Cherokee, Gwinnett, Paulding, Hall, Bartow, and now the counties surrounding Savannah. Each SM&P recipient has a background and special qualities that make them “Super Lawyers”:
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.”
Melanie said, “I am once again very honored to be selected by the legal community as a Super Lawyer.” This is the fourth year in a row that Melanie was chosen. “Being selected is a badge of respect that lets others know that we are at the forefront of our profession and are esteemed by our colleagues for how well we represent our clients and how we interact with courts and our fellow attorneys with decency and forthrightness.”
Melanie went into law because she realized she had an aptitude for it. “I also understand that no one achieves anything totally on their own. We all benefit from those around us who lend advice and offer collaboration as we strive to do our best.”
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.”
“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!
