Juanita Kimble:
NCDD is pleased to spotlight Juanita Kimble of Atlanta, Georgia. Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Juanita is the first (and only) lawyer in her family. In fact, she had never even interacted with a lawyer before entering law school! It seems, however, that Juanita was destined to become a criminal defense attorney. As a “natural fixer,” she has always immediately sought solutions when anyone would come to her with a problem.
Juanita attended the University of Kentucky for undergrad. She went on to study law at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Despite her stint in Michigan and her current residence in Georgia, Juanita maintains her Bluegrass State roots with a special love of bourbon and the Kentucky Wildcats! To help supplement her income while receiving her education, Juanita taught dance (hip hop) and worked as a bartender – a job that “has been surprisingly useful in this world of DUI defense.”
Before entering private practice and becoming a partner at the EHG Law Firm, Juanita began her criminal defense career as a Public Defender in the City of Atlanta. A fierce advocate for the criminal accused, Juanita describes her approach to law as being her “authentic self.” “My authentic self is both compassionate and well prepared. I am also very client centered. I strive to make sure my desire to ‘win’ does not overshadow what my client considers to be a ‘win.’” Juanita enjoys “helping people navigate what is often a very stressful and unpredictable process.” Her belief in authenticity is also at the heart of her advice to new attorneys, “Remember that although the practice of law is old, there are always new ways to actually practice law. It’s okay to take advice from experienced lawyers, but don’t be afraid to do things in your own unique way.”
Juanita is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated of the Mu Epsilon chapter at the University of Kentucky. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and reading fiction. Juanita also notes that she has been married to her “awesome husband” Mike for 5 years. They first met and became friends at UK and Mike is currently a PhD Candidate who serves as an adjunct professor as well as the Director of the Cultures, Communities and Inclusion at Georgia State University.
Juanita credits Mike as one of the greatest influences in her life noting that his “support is unmatched” and he “lives life in a way that is an inspiration to all who meet him.” Her mother, Pam, a retired Customer Service Specialist, has also instilled in her and shown her, “the power of positive thinking and the belief that I can do anything I set my mind to.” Sadly, Juanita’s father, Russell, who was a peer specialist with the VA, passed from Covid in 2020.
When asked what the National College for DUI Defense means to her, Juanita remarks, NCDD is a reminder that I made the right choice in not only becoming a lawyer, but in also choosing DUI defense as my area of expertise. The college is full of attorneys who share my desire to be the most knowledgeable, creative and tenacious lawyer in the room. Having access to lawyers who are willing to offer advice and suggestions is an invaluable perk of being a member of NCDD.
Sir Desmond Tutu has said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Juanita certainly continues to overwhelm the NCDD and our members through her teaching and leadership. In recent years, Juanita has freely donated her time and expertise to the NCDD as a highly-rated speaker at several different seminars. We are grateful for her devotion to her clients, her community, and our beloved organization.
