Best Lawyers has recognized Georgia State Law alumna Malissa Patel (J.D. '18) in their “Ones to Watch” cohort for 2025.
Patel currently serves as an associate at Barnes & Thornburg, where she practices real estate law, represents and advises developers, tenants, lenders and operators in real estate and corporate transactions.
This award holds personal significance for Patel, who reflects on her journey into law and the changes she has witnessed in the profession. “I decided to pursue a legal career at the age of 16, and back then, I rarely saw attorneys who resembled my background or experiences,” said Patel.
Throughout her undergraduate and law school years, Patel noticed that awards like these lacked diversity and representation. “Being recognized now reflects a significant shift in the legal field and serves as a reminder that we are continuing to open doors for even more diversity in the profession,” she said.
The award honors Patel’s commitment to excellence and the role she plays in advancing diversity within the legal community. “It’s not just about the accolade itself,” Patel emphasizes, “but also about the fact that this recognition is peer-nominated and evaluated. It’s deeply humbling and gratifying to know that my work is positively impacting my colleagues and contributing to a broader representation in the legal profession.”
This isn’t the only organization taking notice of Patel’s contributions to the legal community. The Podium, an organization for Asian American women lawyers in Dallas Fort Worth, Texas awarded her the 2024 Outstanding Member Award at a VIP Celebration in September.
“Malissa is someone who lifts and builds up others, lives bravely and generously serves our organization with her unique skills,” the organization shared in a LinkedIn post.
Patel has expertise in land use, planning, construction and lending, and she focuses her practice around renewable energy project development and financing.
After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia, Patel chose Georgia State Law to pursue her legal education. She was drawn to the diversity of the student body, the thriving legal market in Atlanta, and the law school's impressive job placement rates. Patel remembers being a part of the first class to enter the new law school building at 85 Park Place, which she affectionately calls “the glass castle.”
Early in her time at Georgia State Law, Patel participated in student organizations and sought leadership roles, serving as the 1L at-large representative and later as vice president of the Student Bar Association.
“These roles allowed me to build important relationships with peers, faculty, and legal professionals,” she explained. The mentorship and connections Patel formed during this time guided her through the challenges of law school and helped her establish a solid foundation for her legal journey.
Looking back on her experiences at Georgia State Law, Patel notes that it was not one specific event but a combination of opportunities and relationships that set her on the path to success. “My involvement in various student organizations and leadership roles helped me learn how to balance work and extracurriculars in practice,” she says. Patel credits the mentorship she received from professors like former College of Law Dean Wendy Hensel and Professor Kendall Kerew, as well as the support of her close friends and peers, for teaching her the importance of resilience, teamwork, and initiative—qualities that continue to serve her well in her legal career.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Patel is committed to giving back to the community where she lives in Dallas. She volunteers with the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP), where she uses her legal expertise to advocate for individuals and families who need pro bono assistance.
One of her proudest achievements with DVAP was successfully helping a family facing eviction, an experience that reinforced her dedication to using her legal skills to make a difference in her community. “This experience was humbling and reinforced my commitment to supporting and empowering those in need,” Patel said.
- Written by Lauren Allred