One side of most all disputes believes with all their heart their position is meritorious and righteous while their adversary’s position is simply untenable. The primary reason disputes exist stems from the adversary feeling just as strongly that the opposite is true. That’s why a neutral with appropriate perspective is so important to resolving disputes. 

All ADR companies need neutrals with worldly experiences to provide the proper perspective. Indeed, a neutral perspective is the only way to resolve a legal dispute short of a Judge or jury deciding it as a matter of law. Legion searches tirelessly for neutrals with just the right experiences to provide the perfect perspective to any given dispute. Legion is so very blessed our search led us to Judy Stephens.

Save our judiciary, public educators issue more judgments than any other profession. From the mundane to the complex, disputes inside and outside the classrooms and school hallways absolutely fill an educator’s day; especially if the educator is a school Principal. That’s the precise reason Legion seeks former educators to fill its ranks of mediators. The more experienced the educator, the better the mediator. 

EDUCATION

Judy has a vaunted history of more than thirty-five years of education experience at almost every level. Born in Gainesville and raised in Commerce, after graduating from Brenau University in 1987, Judy began her career as a teacher in the Jackson County Georgia school system. As Judy progressed to obtaining her Master of Science in Education at Brenau in 1989 and her Educational Specialist degree at the University of Georgia in 1993, she also balanced her role as a teacher in Walton and Hall Counties. 

Judy didn’t stop her quest for further education as she obtained her Educational Leadership Specialist degree in 1996 while transitioning into education administration in the Gwinnett County Schools.

EXPERIENCE

Judy remained in the Gwinnett County School System as a Middle School Assistant Principal and Principal until she assumed a role at the Gwinnett County School Districts Quality Plus Leadership Academy. As Judy continued to seek more challenges, she went higher in her educational service. Judy ultimately became a Field Supervisor for the University of North Georgia. She has been Gwinnett County’s Outstanding Principal of the Year, twice selected as Teacher of the Year, recognized by Standards & Poor’s (the entity providing “the S&P”) School Evaluation Services, a leadership conference speaker and presenter, and was a Commissioner on the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Judy’s vast and varied education leadership roles have resulted in gaining perspective on the values and beliefs of as wide of an array of citizens as anyone can imagine. Even beyond her educational leadership, Judy experienced the struggles and difficulties of our youth in the most challenging of circumstances. Judy gained an incredible amount of perspective during her time in various positions at the Georgia Department of Youth Services (now the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice). There, Judy piloted the first Intensive Community Supervision Program for Georgia’s newly released youth identified as being at the highest risk of recommitment. 

Eventually, Judy became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in order to bring a sense of urgency to the needs of foster children by amplifying their voices and improving their experiences in foster care. Judy understands the struggles, trials and tribulations endured by Georgia’s families at every level and it makes her an amazing neutral.