Meet Stephen Shea | Director of Litigation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephen Shea and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephen, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from the south side of Augusta, Georgia. I was raised in a very religious family where I had a lot of early responsibility in the congregation, including speaking from the podium and ministering door-to-door. While my spiritual beliefs have changed, the upbringing and values laid the foundation for how I live, love, and work. As a result, my priority values include integrity, empathy, and compassion. I’m forever grateful for that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has taken a lot of twists and turns to get where I am today. The upside of that is that I’ve been exposed to a lot of different styles and systems, so I’ve seen a lot of different ways to be an attorney and a business owner. There have been downsides and challenges too, but I’d rather focus on how they’ve been put behind me. I’m extremely proud that many old clients return to see me, regardless of the office where I was working when we originally met. I think that connection speaks for itself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My husband and I have a small and tight-knit circle, whom we consider family. We frequently rotate among each others’ homes and enjoy private but lavish dinners (hey, it’s always cheaper to do it at home, right?). Some of our favorite neighborhoods around Atlanta include Inman Park, Decatur, Old Fourth Ward, and Grant Park. There’s always a park or a pop-up that can be so cute and entertaining, so it’s fun to explore. And for good measure, it’s hard to go wrong with a wine-tasting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I first realized I was gay at the age of 18, my biological family turned their back on me. I had nowhere to live and a very limited skillset for dealing with the world at large. So tremendous shout-outs go to early mentors who gave me shelter, kept me off the streets, and taught me how to parlay my skills and aptitudes into the professional I became. They showed me how to be a gay man without self-loathing, and also just how to be a functioning adult.

Website: www.atlantalegalcare.com

Instagram: stephenshealaw

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sshea/