Q & A with Joyce Gist Lewis
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Q&A
Q & A with Joyce Gist Lewis
A partner with Krevolin & Horst, LLC in Atlanta, Joyce Gist Lewis is a skilled and tenacious advocate for private companies and governmental entities in and out of the courtroom. Her two decades of experience includes serving as lead counsel for claims involving professional liability, director and officer liability, business divorce, real estate litigation, and employment discrimination defense. Her appellate experience includes arguing cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and successfully petitioning for certiorari to Georgia’s Supreme Court. Her reputation as a principled trial advocate has resulted in Gist Lewis being named to the “short-list” of nominees recommended by Georgia’s Judicial Nominating Commission for appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 2018 and to the Atlanta Judicial Circuit in 2011 and 2012.
Gist Lewis received her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from Wake Forest University (1993) and her juris doctor degree from Georgia State University College of Law (1999).
Q: Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
A: My first real job out of college was as an admin and marketing assistant for NationsBank (now Bank of America). I was in the ATM operations department and learned tons about the Microsoft Office Suite. To this day, I’m a big Excel and PowerPoint nerd as a result.
In a recent photo, Joyce was all smiles at her daughter’s confirmation ceremony at the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Church. Also pictured are her husband, Jim, and their children, Anna (17) and Stephen (20).
Q: What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
A: My then-fiancé (now-husband) was practicing law and he made it look like a blast. I was actually a double major in English and theatre, and law seemed like a great fit for my background and skill set. I love to read, write, and be the voice for my clients.
Q: Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
A: George Shingler, my former law partner. He is now retired from practice, but from the day I began working with him in 1999, he exemplified professionalism, drive, and excellent work product. George made it clear to me that the practice of law can continue to be intellectually interesting and great fun for decades.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: To remember that you can’t pour from an empty vessel. Take care of health and your family, and you will be a better lawyer.
Q: What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
A: Speak a foreign language fluently.
Q: What is your proudest career achievement?
A: Being invited to prepare an election law article for the Georgia Law Review in 2021 was a recent highlight, but I’m extremely humbled by the recognitions I’ve received from my peers over the years, including being named Outstanding Woman in the Profession by the Atlanta Bar and being shortlisted for appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals.
Q: What other career path might you have chosen?
A: When I finished college, I wanted to be a professional actor. I appeared in a few commercials and industrial films in the mid-to-late ‘90s.
Q: What is your most treasured material possession?
A: My wedding and engagement rings.
Joyce Gist Lewis
Q: What is your happiest childhood memory?
A: Beach trips with my mom, dad, and sisters to Hilton Head. My dad would rent bikes for us and we would ride trails all over the island.
Q: What is your favorite movie and book?
A: Can’t decide – love movies and books so it’s like asking me to choose a favorite child.
Q: What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
A: The Big Island of Hawaii – incredible landscape, waterfalls, volcanos, lava flows – it was at times like visiting another planet.
Q: What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
A: Hiking, yoga, reading, and puzzles (of all kinds – including building IKEA furniture).
Q: What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A: “Choose kindness.”
