Senior Supervising Attorney, Economic Justice
Southern Poverty Law Center
Atlanta, Georgia

Meet Crystal Stevens McElrath, a dedicated attorney who hates small talk and prefers deep, meaningful conversations. McElrath’s greatest professional achievement is recognizing that her aversion to small talk is a strength. It allows her to connect authentically and empower others, which she believes is the true measure of success. As the senior supervising attorney on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Economic Justice Litigation team, McElrath uses her presence and skills to make space for those marginalized by the legal system. Her journey includes a run for State Court Judge and rising to partner at the mid-sized, Atlanta-based litigation firm Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers.

Emory’s Center for the Study of Law and Religion empowered McElrath to embrace her desire to go deep, wrestle with faith, consider the law and social justice, and pursue a vocation that combines all of these areas. This foundation has been crucial in her career.

McElrath enjoys cooking, especially trying new recipes that her young kids might refuse to eat. She finds happiness in the kitchen with music playing. McElrath finds fulfillment in seeing people realize their power, whether it’s a young minority attorney discovering a new strength, a voter appreciating the significance of a local election, or a community advocate being included in legal proceedings. 

She says Emory gave her the freedom to explore her interdisciplinary interests and a home base to nurture them. The support and inspiration she received at Emory continue to influence her career and personal life.