The Law Firm of Lawanda Hodges

10/13/2026

When everybody knows the words! 🎶❤️ No rehearsal. No coordination. Just generations of Spel-House alumni singing together like we never left!

Different classes. Different decades. Different journeys. But somehow, we all know the SAME songs. And we sing them with the SAME joy! That’s the beauty of our HBCU experience. Some bonds transcend time, and some songs take you right back HOME. 💙🤍❤️

If you know, you KNOW!

Spel-House forever! 🏡

BlackJoy SpelmanSisterhood HBCUPride

10/13/2026

THE TAILGATE WAS POSTPONED. BUT THE LOVE? NEVER. ❤️💙🤍

This year’s Spel-House Homecoming reminded me that Homecoming has never really been about the tailgate. It’s about COMING HOME. When the threat of a hurricane postponed our Saturday tailgate, something beautiful happened. Instead of calling it quits, Spelman and Morehouse alumni did what we do best: WE FOUND EACH OTHER.

Class gatherings popped up everywhere. Homes opened. Restaurants filled. Flights were changed. Some had traveled from across the country, others from as far away as Paris and London. And suddenly, Saturday became one big celebration of US! And it reminded me why we keep coming back.

This is the magic of an HBCU.

A place where we were unapologetically beautiful. Where our complexions, hair textures, bodies, mannerisms, laughter, and very existence were celebrated. Where we didn’t have to explain ourselves, shrink ourselves, or ask permission to be ourselves!! We were ENOUGH. Just as we were.

And decades later, we still seek that feeling. That acceptance. That love. Those bonds that time, distance, and even the threat of a hurricane cannot break. From my beloved Spelman Class of 1999 to the Class of 1984, from my Delta sisters (who I “made”) who showered me with affection to lifelong friends who continue to remind me of who I am, this weekend was a beautiful reminder of the ties that bind us. Yes, we finally had our tailgate on Sunday. But Saturday revealed something even more powerful.

We don’t return just to celebrate where we went to school. We return to the people who remind us of who we are.

And sometimes, we return to the place where we first learned that we were enough. Spel-House, there truly is no place like HOME.❤️ 💙

HBCU Family: what is it about Homecoming that keeps bringing YOU back?
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09/09/2026

Sharpening the tools. Refining the practice.

I spent Labor Day weekend in Miami at the Excellence Retreat—learning, growing, networking, and connecting with professionals committed to excellence in their craft. After more than two decades of practicing law, I’m reminded that experience doesn’t mean we stop learning. There is always another skill to sharpen, another perspective to consider, and another opportunity to become better at what we do.

I returned to Atlanta refreshed, inspired, and ready to put what I learned into practice—continuing to refine how I advocate, serve my clients, and build my practice.

And Miami wasn’t a bad classroom. ☀️🌴

Leadership LifelongLearning WomenInLaw

08/28/2026

Breaking It Down by The Law | Understanding Rule of Evidence 801: Non-Hearsay

Not every out-of-court statement is hearsay. Rule 801 explains when certain statements are considered non-hearsay and may be admissible in court.

Knowing the difference matters. ⚖️

LawStudents TrialLawyer CriminalLaw Evidence RulesOfEvidence Hearsay Rule801 CriminalDefenseAttorney Attorney

08/19/2026

Breaking It Down by The Law | Example of Rule 404(b) Use

Here’s how someone’s prior bad acts can come back into a case—if they fit an exception under Rule 404(b).

The general rule: you can’t use someone’s past just to say, “They did something bad before, so they probably did it again.”

But prior acts may be admissible for another legitimate purpose—such as proving motive, intent, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake.

That distinction matters. ⚖️

LawStudents TrialPractice

08/19/2026

08/07/2026

🇮🇹 One of the highlights of this year was spending time in Italy with the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School community. As a Penn Law J.D. alumna, it was an incredible opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni and meet legal professionals from around the world.

The experience was a reminder that the law is truly global—and that we all grow by learning from one another.

The best part of all was sharing this journey with my son, Melvin Hodges III. Those memories will stay with me forever. ❤️

Grateful for the friendships, the conversations, and an unforgettable experience.

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08/04/2026

It was an honor to spend time with the attorneys of the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office discussing one of the most important protections in our Constitution—the Fourth Amendment.

As a defense attorney, being invited to present made the experience especially meaningful. While prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges serve different roles, we all share the same responsibility: to uphold the Constitution and pursue justice with integrity.

Meaningful dialogue, continuous learning, and a willingness to challenge our own assumptions make our justice system stronger. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that conversation and look forward to many more.

⚖️ Constitution first. Justice always.

CriminalLaw CriminalDefense DefenseAttorney TrialLawyer LegalEducation ContinuingLegalEducation FultonCounty AtlantaLawyer GeorgiaLawyer LawyersOfInstagram

08/04/2026

What an incredible week at the National Bar Association’s 101st Annual Convention in Nashville! ⚖️✨

From reconnecting with dear friends and colleagues to making new connections, every moment reminded me why I love this legal community.

Highlights included hearing from former Vice President Kamala Harris, the Bridgerton-themed costume party and boat ride, my 13y old creating a “crew” at the corresponding kids’ camp, and watching my middle son earn 🥉 Third Place! in the Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Competition. My heart could not be fuller.

This convention was the perfect blend of inspiration, fellowship, family, and joy. Until next year, NBA! ❤️

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