At Drew Eckl & Farnham, we recognize the incredible women in our firm and the legal profession. To celebrate, we asked a few of our women attorneys to share their stories and the women who inspire them.
Melody Ellis is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, and she is a Senior Associate in Drew Eckl & Farnham’s Albany, Georgia office. Her practice focuses primarily on the healthcare industry. She also handles matters related to workers’ compensation defense.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I pursued a career in law with the intention of becoming a criminal prosecutor, and I served in that role for many years. The law is what keeps us from falling into chaos. Our society is intent on righting wrongs, seeking justice, and making sure others pay for what we deem offenses against us. Without the courts, many of us would take it upon ourselves to personally right those perceived wrongs. The legal system allows us to peacefully resolve issues.
Can you share a defining moment in your legal career?
Being sworn in as an Assistant United States Attorney is one of my proudest moments. Being entrusted to represent the United States is truly humbling. Another defining moment was when I turned away from criminal prosecution and began practicing workers’ compensation. Though I represent employers and insurers, I still believe I am assisting injured workers by making sure our clients offer the benefits the worker deserves. Being entrusted to care for others is truly a blessing.
What is one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you wish you knew earlier?
Take care of yourself because you cannot pour from an empty cup. We all strive so hard to represent our employers and take care of our clients that we forget to take care of ourselves. Work smart and balance your needs.
Can you share a moment in your career when you felt especially proud or accomplished?
Every time someone comes to me with thanks for a job well done. That could be a thank you from a victim for ensuring a successful prosecution, a thank you from a client for helping them with an issue, or a thank you from a colleague for making his or her day a little easier.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It reminds me that there is no ceiling. As women, we are valuable assets. We have earned respect and acknowledgment, and we are confident enough to demand it.
Which women in history or the legal field do you admire most, and why?
There are so many women who have grown this world for my betterment. Any woman who has pushed the limits, who has demanded more than she is getting, who has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with is my hero.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of women in law?
I hope the next generation does not even remember when women were treated as less capable. I try to live and work in a way that makes other women see that they deserve everything. As I tell my daughter all the time, know your worth and demand what you deserve. If you want something, go get it. Do not allow others to set your limits.