Samantha Marie Mullis | Columbia Circuit

Candidate Statement

I started my legal career in Augusta, and since being back I made it a point to be active in the Augusta Bar Association. I have taken steps to become more involved with the local bar, specifically by getting involved with the Law Day Committee.

My State Bar involvement began with the Young Lawyers Division in 2017 as a member of the YLD Women in the Profession Committee. I then co-chaired that committee for two years. I am a 2020 graduate of the YLD Leadership Academy. This year marks my fourth as co-chair of the Leadership Academy, a role I will transition out of at the end of this Bar year. In addition to my work with the YLD, I am currently serving on four State Bar committees: Attorney Wellness, JQC Nominating Committee, Member Benefits and Professionalism. These roles have deepened my understanding of the Bar's operations and the issues facing our members.

My involvement with the State Bar has been deeply rewarding, and I am eager to continue serving the members of Columbia County and advancing the mission of the State Bar. I have attended the Bar’s Annual Meeting since 2019, and I attend at least one other Board of Governor’s meeting a year with my work with the YLD. Ultimately, I am already doing the work, I enjoy the work and am committed to continuing the work. As a representative of Columbia County, I promise engaged representation and future communication regarding the business of the Bar.

Education

• B.S., Newberry College, 2012
• J.D., Charlotte School of Law, 2014

Personal/Family

I am married to Justin Mullis, a prosecutor with the Augusta District Attorney’s Office. We are the parents of two boys ages 4 and 2. Outside of the practice of law, I enjoy reading and getting in a workout. You can normally find me in a morning class at the local spin studio. I serve on Newberry College’s alumni board and recently received their Philip T. Kelly, Jr. Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• Current Employer
  • Augusta University, assistant general counsel, 2021–present
• Past Work History
  • Clerk for the Superior Court of the Augusta Judicial Circuit, 2015-16
  • Assistant district attorney for Chatham County, 2016-17
  • Associate attorney, Goodman McGuffey, 2017-2021
• Current Involvement with State Bar
  • Young Lawyers Division Leadership Academy co-chair, 2022–present
  • Young Lawyers Division Board of Directors, 2020–present
  • State Bar of Georgia Attorney Wellness Committee
  • State Bar of Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission Nominating Committee
  • State Bar of Georgia Member Benefits Committee
  • State Bar of Georgia Professionalism Committee
• Other Bar Memberships
  • August Bar Association; I’m currently involved with the Law Day Committee
• Other Accomplishments
  • YLD Outstanding Service to the Profession Award, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2023-24
  • 2020 YLD Leadership Academy graduate
  • “What Good is Stress? Rethinking Our Relationship with Stress to Harness its Benefits,” Samantha Mullis and Plamen Russev, Georgia Bar Journal, December 2023
  • “Five Tips for Contracting with a State Entity,” Samantha Mullis, The YLD Review, March 2024

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

• Attorney wellness and mental health are critical concerns, as the stress and burnout faced by many lawyers can have profound effects on both their personal and professional lives. As an active member of the Attorney Wellness Committee, I am committed to promoting the mental health initiatives already offered by the Bar and finding new ways to support lawyer wellbeing.
• Professionalism is at the heart of our profession, and I believe we must continue to uphold the highest standards. Through my work with the Professionalism Committee, I have seen how important it is to foster an environment of mutual respect, ethical behavior and accountability.
• Engagement is key to strengthening the Bar and ensuring that all lawyers feel connected and represented. Whether through my leadership roles in the Young Lawyers Division or my involvement in multiple Bar committees, I have seen how active participation can make a significant impact. I will work to increase opportunities for lawyers to engage with the Bar, enhance communication, and ensure that every voice is heard and valued.