Candace Sneed (J.D. ’13)
Firm: The Sneed Firm, LLC
Specialty: Consumer protection, small business
Community Involvement: Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys and GABWA’s Will Project,
which partners with Atlanta Legal Aid to provide estate planning services to low income clients
There is a huge need to reach those in the community who may not realize the difference legal representation can make in their lives, Sneed said.
“When I was growing up, no one I knew ever used the services of an attorney, except in criminal matters where prison was a possibility,” Sneed said.
“Many people, especially those with lower incomes, think legal representation is beyond their means, or even worse, a waste of money,” she said. Many are not aware of how hiring a lawyer can be beneficial in consumer related matters, such as repossessions, contract disputes, abusive debt collections, and other affairs, she said.
“Neglected matters of this nature often form the beginnings stage of a disastrous and life-altering financial downfall; often leading consumers to lowered credit scores, making them unsuited to purchase property, drive them into repossession, foreclosure or worse. In essence, a snowball effect is created from not properly addressing what initially are minor issues,” Sneed said.
“I want to help people inform themselves and assert their rights.”