Meet Crystal Stevens McElrath:
Blending Academic Excellence and Servant Leadership
Crystal Stevens McElrath's journey seamlessly transitions from academic excellence to impactful legal leadership. Armed with a Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law, a Master of Theological Studies from Candler School of Theology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia, Crystal's academic foundation is rooted in resilience, fairness, and service.
During law school, Crystal served as the National Director of Community Service for the National Black Law Students Association and volunteered at the Dekalb Rape Crisis Center, laying the groundwork for her commitment to community service. Post-graduation, Crystal spent 12 years at Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers, LLP where she rose to the rank of a Labor & Employment and Workers' Compensation Partner. There, she served small business owners by defending a range of diverse matters from FLSA lawsuits to racial and sexual harassment allegations. While at Swift Currie, her commitment to service continued via her work with Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network, ProBonoPartnership of Atlanta, Servis Juris, Hands of Atlanta, Open Hand Atlanta, Trees Atlanta, Atlanta Food Bank, Action Ministries, RIP Medical Debt, and Lasagne Love.
Crystal's dedication to justice, community and service took center stage when she joined the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a Senior Supervising Attorney for the Economic Justice Litigation Team. Leading a team of attorneys and in collaboration with communities, she developed impactful cases and campaigns to address economic justice issues in the Deep South. There, Crystal has gained valuable experience serving communities who have been cast neglected, marginalized and often exploited. She has been privileged to amplify the powerful voices of leaders within those communities, so they can see the legal system work on their behalf.
Recognized as a thought leader, Crystal has contributed to publications and engaged in speaking engagements on crucial topics such as workplace regulations, employment laws, and social issues. Her impact in the legal field was recognized when she was honored with the "2020 On the Rise" Georgia Legal Award.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Crystal is a current member of the UVA Alumni Association and Gates City Bar Association.
She is also a former member of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA), former Section Vice-Chair for the Georgia Defense Lawyers' Association (GDLA), and former NextGen Breakfast Co-Chair at the Young NonProfit Professionals Network (YNPN). Crystal, along with her husband, resides in Smyrna with her father, their two children, and two dogs, embodying a life centered on family and community. She and her family attend Shaw Temple AME Zion Church in Smyrna.
Join Crystal in creating a justice system that empowers communities by prioritizing equity, integrity and compassion for Cobb County.
