CAREY KERSTEN | October 27, 2015
Quick snapshot (name, education, job history, any other boards you sit on, interests, etc.): Graduate of Samford University (we won’t mention the year) and have been in Litigation services/eDiscovery for 18 years now. Was a previous small business owner for 10 years prior to getting into this industry. I serve on the Samford University board and Foundations International Ministries board and am the international mission’s president, as well, for Foundations. I am an avid outdoorswoman and adventure seeker (let’s leave it at that) and spend my vacation days serving and training people in third world countries who don’t have the same educational or professional opportunities we do here in the U.S.
How did you get involved with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation? I first learned about AVLF about 8 years ago via the Domestic Violence Project and was hooked. When I met Marty Ellin, I knew I had to do whatever I could to further the efforts of AVLF and I have been joyfully involved since that time.
Give us your best elevator pitch – what does AVLF mean to you? I am truly honored to be involved with AVLF and I love the fact that we provide access to justice for those who might never be able to hire the caliber and expertise of the lawyers who volunteer for us. We truly change lives, and that makes me very happy and helps me sleep a little better at night. While there is so much more we need to do in the ATL area, I know we are currently making a tremendous impact, and we have big plans to increase our efforts.
What is your favorite AVLF moment? Earlier this year at our PurSHOEing Justice, it was amazing to hearing Christy Sims, an Atlanta-area domestic violence survivor, share how she overcame the domestic violence incident that forever changed her life. (We’ll have another amazing guest speaker this upcoming February at the 3rd annual event. Join us!) AVLF stood with Christy all along her journey. Recently, her abuser was convicted in criminal court. BAM!!
What are you proudest of professionally? The people I am so fortunate to work with at AVLF, as it’s resulted in me knowing the brightest and most compassionate lawyers in the Atlanta area.
And personally? The relationships I have built over the last 18 years. I love that my friendships have helped AVLF make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable.
Is there anything else you want our readers to know? Yes! Get involved – and do what you can to get your company or firm involved – in AVLF.
