MANDY HARGROVE: Making a Difference at Kicklighter Law “Helping our clients, building our team and growing our firm—that’s what I do,” Mandy Hargrove says. An Effingham native, Mandy is chief of staff and senior paralegal at Kicklighter Law, under the leadership of Claude M. “Mickey” Kicklighter, Jr. She celebrates 20 years with the firm. Mandy and her husband A.J. are proud parents of two children: 13-yearold Lily and 8-year-old Braxton. The Start of a Rewarding Career Mandy began her career at the firm as a receptionist. It was her first job right out of high school, and she had very little knowledge in the field. “I began my career with Mickey Kicklighter in June 2002. Back then, the firm was Kicklighter and Persse. It was my first real job; I was young and naive. To this day, Mickey jokes that I was the worst interview he’s ever had, but I would like to think it was one of the most rewarding risks,” she says. Mandy handled various clerical tasks and maintained many public defender cases from arraignment to final disposition. She is thankful to have had several mentors helping her along the way—those who contributed, early on, in shaping the professional she is today. “When I first started with the firm, Jeanne Yawn, Lisa Harris and Holly Bradley showed me the ropes. Lisa, who was a paralegal, inspired me to go to college to get my paralegal degree,” Mandy notes. In 2004, Persse became a circuit public defender. Mickey, however, stepped away from the public defender arena, soon merging with Warren Ratchford and Rick Rafter. In 2006, each partner decided to pursue his own professional interests. Growth and New Responsibilities During this time, Mandy had come to know and love her job, deciding to attend college to capitalize on the knowledge and experience she had gained over the years. “I really enjoyed working in the legal field. In 2009, I wrapped up my final class and received my degree in paralegal studies,” she says. Since then, Mandy has worn many hats in her profession. Whether preparing cases for trial, coordinating marketing initiatives, handling staffing issues or satisfying IT concerns, she is driven to accomplish what is needed.
The Kicklighter Team The cohesive and diligent team has contributed to the law firm’s success. Mickey Kicklighter has demonstrated notable expertise and character over the years. His firm handles both prosecution and defense while specializing in matters of personal injury, criminal law, construction litigation and family law. Clients are confident that a team of knowledgeable, yet compassionate professionals are working on their behalf. “This year marks Mickey’s 40th year in practice and my 20th year with the firm. To say we’ve seen a thing or two is an understatement. We’ve experienced it. We’ve felt what our judges have reacted to when they are considering a ruling. We’ve seen what settlement terms have worked over the years and what scenarios have presented themselves post-judgement,” Mandy says. Mandy knows that the team’s success is the result of a mindset of drive and determination and a heartset of compassion and humanity. “We care about clients. I can’t convey what it’s like to meet people in some of the worst points in their lives and walk beside them through it. Divorces, child custody cases, bad car wrecks, arrests or losing a loved one—those are all very traumatic events. Clients choosing us to walk alongside them is an honor,” she says. A World of Appreciation Mandy appreciates her team. She knows that they are committed to accomplishing favorable results for their clients and the firm. “Our team, wow, they are amazing! They are engaged and interested in our plans for the future and play an active role in helping us get there,” she says. Mandy is extremely grateful for Mickey and his wife Kim; they have supported her from the start and have been true inspirations throughout her journey. “They’ve watched me grow up and helped mold me into the person I am like surrogate parents,” Mandy says. As a successful woman in business, Mandy believes that maintaining a strong
work ethic is essential. She also knows that a good balance in life is priceless. “Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Nothing worth having comes easy. Balancing work and home life is a constant give and take. As a woman raising a young woman, I need her to see it can be done,” she says. Mandy Hargrove has been making a difference where it counts, and will continue moving forward as a noteworthy woman in business.
(912) 754-6003 KicklighterLaw.com 412 North Laurel St., Springfield, GA
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