Stephanie L. Steele

I moved to Marietta, Georgia after law school in 2004.  Throughout my career, regardless of my area of practice, my goal has been to educate clients so that we (as a team) could determine and implement the best plan for their situation and their life.  I love building and creating.  That includes building relationships with people and families and it includes creating a unique plan for each client that supports and protects their long-term goals.  My clients are not commodities.  I truly care about them and want to know what’s going on in their lives – beyond the four walls of my office.

I have significant experience in estate planning, probate, and prenuptial/postnuptial agreements.

Whether in court or developing an estate plan, I employ a balance of kindness and toughness, dependability, and knowledge to achieve the best outcomes for my clients.

I look forward to meeting you and asking, “What can we build together?”

PRACTICE

Estate Planning
Probate Law

EDUCATION

University of Georgia School of Law (J.D. 2004)
J.D., Admitted to State Bar of Georgia

​Mercer University, (B.A., magna cum laude 2001)
B.A., Magna Cum Laude
Major: Psychology; Minor: Political Science

​Oxford University, Oxford, England
St. Peter’s College
Study Abroad, Hilary and Trinity terms, 2000

BAR ADMISSIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Supreme Court of the United States of America
• U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Georgia
• Georgia Supreme Court
• Georgia Court of Appeals
• Georgia Superior, State, Juvenile, Magistrate and Probate Courts

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

• Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law Inn of Court
  • Barrister 2013 to Present (peer-selected professional group, nomination required to apply)
• Georgia Bar Association:
  • Fiduciary Law Section Member, 2017 to present
  • Family Law Division Member, 2006 to present
  • Child Protection and Advocacy Section Executive Committee Member, 2012-2013
• Cobb County Bar Association (approximately 1,000 members)
  • President (2020-2021)
  • President-Elect (2019-2020)
  • Treasurer (2018-2019)
  • Secretary (2017-2018)
  • Board of Trustees Member, 2011 to present
    • Selected each year to work on several ad hoc subcommittees, including:  Contract research and analysis (2015-2016), Bylaws Revision (2015-2016), Sponsorship Guidelines (2014-2015), Golf Tournament fundraiser (2015), Community Service Fund (2014)
  • Law Week Chair, 2019
  • Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee Member, 2010 to present
  • Family Law Section
    • President (2011-2012)
    • Secretary (2012-2013)
  • Young Lawyers Section
    • Secretary (2008-2009)
    • President-Elect (2009-2010)
• Sleighbells on the Square, Charity 5K
  • Team Captain, 2013 to present
  • Volunteer, 2008 to present
• American Heart Association Northwest Georgia Heart Walk, 2018
• Leadership Cobb, Class of 2017
  • Hospitality/Graduation Committee Member, 2017-2018
  • Social Services Day Committee Member, 2019-2020
• American Immigration Lawyers Association Member, 2017-2018
  • Chair, GA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, 2017-2018
  • Pro Bono Committee Member, 2017-2018
• Aloha to Aging, Inc., developed marketing presentation, 2017
• Marietta Tree Keepers
  • Chairperson, 2016-2017
  • Vice Chair, 2015-2016
  • Board Member, 2012-2018
• American Cancer Society, Swordsman’s Ball Auctions Committee, 2011

SEMINARS AND AWARDS

• Atlanta Magazine SuperLawyers Honoree, 2020 (No more than 2.5% of attorneys in the State are selected for recognition)
• Atlanta Magazine SuperLawyers Rising Star, 2013-2020 (No more than 2.5% of attorneys in the State are selected for recognition)
• 20th Annual Justice Robert Benham Awards for Community Service, Award Recipient 2019
• CLE, Cobb County Guardian ad Litem Training panelist, 2019
• Cobb County Bar Association President’s Award – Volunteer of the Year and Rising Star 2015-2016
• CLE, Cobb County Family Law panel moderator, 2014
• CLE Chair, Cobb County Family Law, 2011
• Presenter on Nuptial Agreements, “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”  National Association of Legal Secretaries, February 2011

REPRESENTATIVE CASES

• Contested adult Guardianship and Conservatorship cases
• Court-appointed Guardian ad Litem, conducted investigations and recommendations and testified regarding custody and visitation
• Conducted a 3 day jury trial in a breach of contract and fiduciary duty case, handled case from Complaint to Voir Dire to post-judgment motions
• Researched and fully prepared appeals for the GA Supreme Court and GA Court of Appeals
• Managed and presented contested custody, child support and divorce trials
• Negotiated settlement of custody, divorce, legitimation, modification, paternity and other domestic cases
• Handled numerous uncontested divorces, name changes, contract drafting, contract analyses and nuptial agreements
• Managed adoption, dependency and guardianship cases
• Involved in international custody cases

WORK HISTORY

Steele Law Firm, Marietta, GA

     Founder: December 2018 to present

​Huff, Woods and Steele, Marietta, GA

     Partner:  January 2013 to December 2018

Huff, Woods and Hamby, Marietta, GA

     Associate:  September 2010 to December 2012

The Manely Firm, P.C., Marietta, GA

     Supervising Attorney:  February 2010 to August 2010

     Associate:  June 2006 – January 2010