Jennifer McCall gives new meaning to the term, “there are no excuses.” At 15, during an incredibly difficult time for her family, Jennifer found out she was pregnant. This was a defining moment in her life. It was during this time she formed a relationship with Dan Summer, who was the only attorney, in the area, Jennifer’s family could find to help them during their time of need. Dan always encouraged Jennifer to become a lawyer.
Jennifer McCall
Jennifer had her first daughter at 16 and went on to graduate high school. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from University of North Georgia in 2003. She married and went on to have two more daughters, but it wasn’t until 2008 after she was laid off from her banking job that she went on to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer, (with some encouragement from her husband, who bought her an LSAT study guide and told her it would be “their secret” if she didn’t do well).
She did do well.
Jennifer attended Georgia State Law as a working wife and mother of three with an hour long commute each way. Jennifer THRIVED.  She became a 1 L representative her first year, served on the Student Bar Association all three years, and in her final year she was Student Bar President, giving the commencement speech with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.
Jennifer was glowing as she said, “I received a standing ovation.”
These are just a few of the many accolades Jennifer has received.
It’s hard not to be enormously inspired by Jennifer’s tenacity and passion; her faithfulness and determination.
Jennifer recently took the time to meet with us and answer some questions about her life, interests, and love for Hall County to share with fellow members of our community.
Question: If you could only eat at one place for an entire week in Hall County, where would it be?
Answer: “Recess.”
Q: How long have you lived in Hall County?
A: “My family moved here when I was 13 from Toccoa. My grandfather was a professor at Toccoa Falls College and sponsored my mother, father and two siblings to come here from Thailand where they were living as refugees after fleeing Vietnam. They were ‘Boat People’”.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Hall County?
A: “Dan Summer.” The interview got quite emotional at this point. “He had a HUGE impact on my life. We were able to work a case together before he passed away and he told me he was proud of me.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
A: “The beach, any beach, to not think about anything.”
Q: What is your favorite song?
A: “’Hymn’ by Jars of Clay. But only when my husband sings it, it was the first song he sang to me.” (Her husband has a beautiful voice.) “And I love the message of the song. I’ve been through some things in my life, so songs about worshipping God in our brokenness mean a lot to me.”
Q: What is your favorite social outing in Hall County?
A: “I love First Friday Concerts on the Square.”
Q: If you had my job what question would you ask?
A: “What was the defining moment in your life?” To which she answered: “When I gave birth to my first daughter. I was 16 and pregnant, and then she was born and I felt it was right.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “It feels like small community but it is big enough to not be bored. It’s also very connected.”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “’Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail.’”
Q: What advice would you give a crowd of people?
A: “If something is important to you; you make time, not excuses.”
Q: When have you felt the most satisfied in your life?
A: “It was pretty awesome giving the speech at my Law School graduation. I was able to thank everyone. It was a nice time to reflect on how far I’ve come.” You can watch Jennifer’s speech here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9s92nC6giE.
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.