Advocate Spotlight: Jacki Payne
For 45 years, Jacqueline Payne has been a powerful force in the legal profession—breaking barriers, building communities, and changing lives. As a young, Black, female attorney, she has been underestimated from the earliest beginnings of her career and had her capabilities challenged for reasons that had nothing to do with her performance in the courtroom. But Jacqueline never backed down. Instead, she let her voice be heard, preparing for every scenario and outcome with relentless determination. “I did everything to the best of my ability, ”she says, and her legacy is living proof.
Jacqueline’s journey in law began with a desire to help those who couldn’t help themselves. That calling has guided her career, resulting in life-changing outcomes—from stabilizing families through adoption to securing essential benefits for those in need. She also made history by founding Georgia’s first Family Law Information Center, one of only two in the country at the time. The center remains a vital resource for Georgians seeking legal guidance.
As a forward-thinker, Jacqueline sees the potential of technology—especially AI—in shaping the future of law. “When I started, we didn’t have laptops, or even personal desktops. If used wisely, AI can be very helpful for lawyer development.”
But no matter how the tools evolve, Jacqueline believes mentorship remains essential. “You learn how to read the law in school, but not how to apply it,” she says. Atlanta Legal Aid pairs every young attorney with a mentor, and the State Bar of Georgia provides mentorship to guide new lawyers in handling relationships with clients, judges, and colleagues. Given the profession’s high burnout, divorce, and alcoholism rates, Jacqueline emphasizes that good mentors should steer young lawyers away from harmful paths.
Her advice for future attorneys? “Volunteer, get internships, try different concentrations—explore.” Her life’s work has earned her the Family First Award twice, the Guardian ad Litem Recognition Award from Fulton County, and the State Bar of Georgia’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Professionalism.
Jacqueline Payne’s voice has echoed through courtrooms, communities, and now through the lives of the many she’s mentored and served. Her story is one of resilience, leadership, and lasting impact.