January 21, 2015
Profile of Rachel Young Fields, a recipient of the 2015 Generation Next awards, as published in Business in Savannah
Age: 35
Title: Attorney/Partner
Company: HunterMaclean
Top accomplishments
As an attorney, most of what I do at work is confidential, so I can’t share specifics. In general terms, in 2014, I represented a party in a $150 million dollar trust dispute over trust property and fiduciary obligations, a resident of China in a $200 million dollar corporate ownership dispute and an international manufacturer in a multi-million-dollar dispute involving its U.S. business activities.
Top awards/accolades
- Rated AV (top rating) by other attorneys through Martindale-Hubbell
- Recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers
- Accepted into and graduated from the State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division Leadership Academy. I am now in my second year as co-chair of the Leadership Academy where I have the opportunity to assist in the development of Georgia’s lawyer leaders.
Current Philanthropic roles
I have chosen to concentrate my philanthropic work with the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, where I am on the board of directors and chair of resource development. I believe everyone in Savannah should be able to afford a safe, decent place to call home. The Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity is an organization that works locally to provide Savannahians a hand-up — a way to break the cycle of poverty by purchasing a home. I am honored to serve on the board of Habitat Savannah and to be a part of helping families in my community help themselves.
Questions and answers
Q: How will you do business differently in the coming year or decade?
A: The digital age has clearly changed the practice of law, from how electronically stored information has impacted the size and cost of litigation to the prevalent issue of cybersquatting for trademark holders. Lawyers will have to constantly update practices to take into account how technology is affecting our clients, our clients’ businesses and the technical aspects of how we do our job.
Q: What technological or cultural advances are you looking forward to in the coming year or decade?
A: My class at the University of Georgia School of Law was the first to include more females than males. I look forward to the practice of law achieving a gender balance more reflective of the general population.
Q: What qualities or assets will distinguish Savannah and preserve/advance our local economy?
A: Although Savannah has so many distinguishing assets, I believe our historic aesthetic is perhaps our most important asset and will continue to serve as a foundation for the many arts and cultural events that bring worldwide talent to Savannah. I think that having world class events and talent in Savannah will continue to grow tourism and our local population of creative entrepreneurs and innovators. Our beautiful city will continue to inspire people for years to come.
Q: What economic drivers and business sectors promise the most growth in the next year or decade and why?
A: In addition to the port, manufacturing and tourism, I think the film industry in Savannah is likely to experience growth in the coming years. The unique beauty of Savannah coupled with a film-friendly environment will benefit Savannah’s economy in both the short and long term.
Q: What college degrees will be the most in-demand in the Savannah area and why?
A: Some of Savannah’s major employers are national and international manufacturers. I believe these businesses will keep degrees in mechanical, electrical and aerospace engineering in high demand in Savannah.
Q: What advice do you have for other Savannah leaders in the coming year or decade?
A: Seek out ways to experience every aspect of the Savannah community and incorporate those experiences into your leadership. I believe that a broad perspective is a necessary component of effective leadership.
Q: What innovation of yours do you hope will be remembered by future generations?
A: While I leave innovation to my clients, I have litigated cases in Georgia’s appellate courts and, in that way, I have played a small part in shaping the law of this State. I know the cases impact my clients, but perhaps one or more cases I litigate will impact the success of other businesses and individuals in Savannah as well.
