Best Mentors: Joel Pugh
"There is a fine line to walk between offering advice and not overstepping your bounds."
June 19, 2019 at 02:00 PM
3 minute read
Joel Pugh, Joel Pugh & Assoc., Atlanta (Courtesy photo)
Steven Ellis of the Cobb Solicitor-General's Office explained why he nominated Joel Pugh of Joel C. Pugh & Associates for a Best Mentor Award.
“Joel has been a trusted friend, mentor and adviser to me since I was a baby prosecutor in 2012. Joel is a distinguished defense attorney and leader in our community. Everyone that knows him respects him. Before going into private practice, Joel was a prosecutor with the Cobb Solicitor and DA's office. Even though we are on different sides of the criminal cases I handle, Joel has always been willing to share his advice and counsel with me on both personal and professional issues I may be having.
“Anytime I need some direction with something in my life, Joel is one of the first people I reach out to, and he is always the first to respond with his opinion and feedback. There are very few people I trust more than Joel and the wise advice and mentorship he has provided me the last seven years has made me a better person, prosecutor and attorney.
“I know I am not the only attorney he provides guidance to. I am sure there are many other lawyers that have the same opinion of Joel that I do and value his counsel as much as I do in our community. For these reasons Joel deserves to be recognized as the fantastic mentor he is.”
Who was one of your most important mentors, and what was that relationship like?
Judge Jim Bodiford has been my mentor for years. I worked for him while in law school. He has been instrumental in my legal career. I have tried to model his work ethic and his ability to manage multiple tasks. He's the first person I turn to when I have a problem or a question.
What is the biggest challenge to maintaining a mentor-mentee relationship?
I would say being available and listening to the entire situation before giving advice. There is a fine line to walk between offering advice and not overstepping your bounds. It can be challenging, but a very rewarding relationship. I love to see people I care about succeed.
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