Q&A with English Alum Staci Miller, ‘11

Staci Miller with her admission to the Georgia Court of Appeals
Miller with her admission to the Georgia Court of Appeals

Staci Miller '11, associate city attorney for the city of Atlanta, shared how her Duke English major helped her as a young black woman in the field of law. Miller was an English and Spanish double major with a minor in psychology at Duke and received her law degree from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law in 2015.  After receiving her juris doctor Miller served as a law clerk for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and then as an associate attorney with a firm in Atlanta before going to work for the city of Atlanta.

She began her current role in 2017 representing Atlanta: its departments, offices, elected officials, and often, its employees.  "I love that I get to problem-solve every day and help others with their most challenging matters.”

Margaret Gaw,'22, Senior, inquired what motivated Miller to pursue a career in law:

I am motivated by my drive to help people. I enjoy helping others with their problems and creating creative resolutions to issues. I am inspired continuously by the great legal minds of my professors, colleagues, and friends. I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was eight years old. It sounds cliche but watching shows like "Law and Order" inspired me to "fight for the good guys" and against the "bad guys" at a young age.

Catherine Johnson '22 asked Miller, "which skills from the English major translated to your work as an attorney?" 

My English courses at Duke encouraged, nurtured, and fortified both my writing and oratorical skills. 

I was required to submit various writing assignments that focused on different genres, audiences, and tones. ... As a lawyer, I submit memos and recommendations to my clients daily and briefs and motions to presiding judges. Being confident in my ability to produce a quality and understandable work product, set the right tone, and appeal to the right audience is an invaluable skillset in my profession.

Sarah Larkin, '22 wondered if Miller had any tips for students planning to attend law school. 

Having a basic understanding of what law school is and does is highly beneficial to anyone planning to go to law school, especially first-generation lawyers (like me). Utilize all the resources available to you, whether it's LSAT prep, reading "LSAT for Dummies," or "Getting to Maybe." Talk to friends, family members, colleagues, or any other resource available to understand the process of getting into law school and what law school entails. Law school is a considerable investment financially, mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Larkin also asked, "Do you ever feel the weight of being a woman in your field?" 

Yes, there are times when I wonder if my argument is not being heard or acknowledged because I am black, a woman, young, or all three. However, I continually choose to be equal; I refuse to shrink or downplay my zealous advocacy.  I am reminded that I permit myself to participate in the "boy's club." If they can firmly assert their position without hedging and niceties, so can I. If they are allowed to defend their arguments even in the face of an opposing judge, so am I.