Attorney's Corner

Gailya McElroy, Esq.: New General Counsel for Sickle Cell Foundation
Interviewed By Brian Poe, Esq.

Raised in Hannibal, Mo., by her parents Hellmuth and Jacqueline McElroy, Gailya McElroy’s perspective of her potential was illuminated in 1974, when as a little girl she saw an influential, nationally televised speech made by Barbara Jordan, a lawyer and Congresswoman.

Jordan spoke before the United States House of Representatives Judiciary Committee supporting the impeachment of then-President Richard M. Nixon. From that day forward, McElroy believed that she would ultimately pursue a career that was non-traditional for a woman, allowing her to direct business and legal decisions at a high level.

After completing her degree in health services management from the University of Missouri, McElroy rose to the position of senior human resources manager for Dell Computer Corporation in Austin, Texas, and later Porto Alegre, Brazil, where she directed United States, Brazilian, and Argentinean business and workforce strategies, managed HR staff and labor relations issues, and facilitated management training. At the same time, she completed a master’s in human services from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas.

Ultimately, McElroy’s interests and experiences led her to enter law school full-time at the University of Missouri. Upon completing law school, McElroy relocated to Atlanta where she works in private practice and was recently appointed general counsel of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia Inc., serving under a woman she considers her present-day mentor, D. Jean Brannan, SCFG’s legendary long-time president and COO.

Before we talk law, tell us what attracted you to Atlanta.

I have always loved the energy of the city, and its balance between a metropolis and a sleepy town. I also love the intelligence and entrepreneurship that pervades here. Milder winters are a plus, too. Fortunately, I have garnered wonderful friendships since my move.

Tell us about your law practice.

The general civil litigation practice of my colleague, attorney James West, and I includes medical malpractice, family law and probate matters. We take on selected commercial contract cases as well. Our cases often involve catastrophic losses and complex litigation. When I attended law school, I was surprised at my affinity for litigation and I still love it.

You are an example of a lawyer who had another career prior to law school. Can you tell us if your previous career has helped you as a lawyer?

Yes it has, especially in the client relationship aspect of practice. Just prior to enrolling in law school, I worked with international business teams and grew to understand multinational business and labor challenges. My human resources management responsibilities always involved seeking internal and external legal counsel. My relationships with legal counsel grew immensely while at Dell Computers and State Farm Insurance Company, and I was constantly encouraged to become a lawyer. When God told me the time was right, I stepped out on my faith.

Congratulations on your recent appointment. With so much on your plate, what inspired you to serve on a non-profit board as General Counsel?

I am motivated to serve because of the complete commitment of the Foundation’s board and staff and their leadership in helping people with chronic illnesses not only survive but thrive. Unfortunately, this non-profit organization does not get the media attention or commercial branding that others receive, but I am convinced that our community needs the Sickle Cell Foundation just as much as those other good causes. Personally, I am also motivated and fulfilled because it is most important for me to be a balanced, giving individual. Since I’ve been in Atlanta, the city has given a lot to me, and I am committed to serving the community with my talents.