We sat down to talk with Linda Klein, managing shareholder in Baker Donelson’s Georgia offices and a member of the Firm’s Board of Directors. In our interview Linda talks about why she decided to go into law practice (listen to her story about her grandfather’s grocery store), how she finds purpose in the work she does (it’s about helping people by solving their problems), and her tips for what it takes to be successful:
1) Show enthusiasm for the work you’re given, 2) Work hard, 3) Have self-confidence because you deserve it, 4) Take credit for your success, 5) Know yourself and be authentic in your own leadership.
Linda is also the Chair of the American Bar Association’s House of Delegates for the 2010 – 2012 term. Her practice includes most types of business dispute resolution, including contract law, construction law, fidelity and surety law, employment law and professional liability. In 1998, Georgia Trend Magazine named her one of the 100 most powerful and influential Georgians. Atlanta Magazine has named her a Georgia Super Lawyer and one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Georgia annually since 2004. In 2010 and 2011, she was named by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of Georgia’s Legal Elite. In 2004 the American Bar Association honored Ms. Klein with the prestigious Margaret Brent Achievement Award. In 2009 Ms. Klein was honored with the Randolph Thrower Award for Lifetime Achievement and was named to the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers. Ms. Klein is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, Who’s Who in America and Chambers USA.
In June 1997, Ms. Klein became the first woman to serve as President of the State Bar of Georgia. She served as Chair of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association from 2003 to 2004. She is a Past Chair of the Committee on Rules and Calendar of the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association and Chair of the Association’s Coalition for Justice. She also currently holds numerous Board of Director positions, including Southface Energy Institute and Neighbor to Family. She is a Past President of the Board of Directors’ Network, Past President of the Caucus of State Bars, and Past Chair of the Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Georgia and the Lawyers Foundation of Georgia. She currently serves on the advisory boards of Best Lawyers in America® and Super Lawyers.
Ms. Klein has authored numerous published works, most on construction topics. Her lecture schedule has included presentations in France, Sweden, Spain and Canada, but most extensively in the Southeast United States. She is a member of the American Law Institute, and a certified mediator and arbitrator, frequently serving as a neutral as well as a client advocate.
