The Georgia Bar Association was founded in 1884. In 1964, it was replaced by the State Bar of Georgia. Neither organization had a woman president until Linda Klein came along.

A longtime GAWL member, Linda Klein is known both nationally and internationally as an innovator and thought leader. As a result, her lecture schedule has included presentations in France, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Russia, Croatia, Japan, Great Britain, and Canada. Attorney Klein is also past president of the American Bar Association-the world’s largest voluntary professional organization. In recognition of her commitment to public service, President Jimmy Carter appointed her to serve on the Carter Center Board of Counselors.

Not surprisingly, she was selected as one of the 100 most powerful and influential Georgians. However, what may come as a surprise is the fact that she didn’t initially set out to become the first woman president of the State Bar of Georgia. In this episode, she discusses with host Ebony Phillips the chain of events that set her historic 1997 tenure as president in motion and shares words of wisdom for those who may be considering becoming “the first.” Tune in!