Lara Pulliam, chief of staff for the University of Georgia School of Law, described her role as centered on supporting the dean’s office and managing daily operations, according to a May 1 announcement. Pulliam said her responsibilities are varied and can change each day depending on what is needed.
Pulliam emphasized that her main goal is to help make the dean as successful as possible. “I really see my role as to help make my dean the most successful they can be,” Pulliam said. “Whatever I can do to make sure their day is set up for success and they have what they need is top priority.”
In addition to supporting senior administrators, Pulliam manages several key programs at the law school. These include overseeing the Board of Visitors—described as the dean’s cabinet—and supervising the Distinguished Law Fellows Program, which has grown from three to 22 students during her tenure. She also coordinates with high-profile guests through running the Signature Lectures Program, oversees events, and supervises administrative assistants.
Developing relationships with law students remains one of Pulliam’s favorite aspects of her job. She maintains an open-door policy for students seeking support or advice. “I just want my office to be a place where students know they can come and connect, and if something is on their mind they need to talk through, they know I am a safe place to do that,” she said.
Pulliam joined UGA Law in 2011 after working in sales and event planning at another university department. Her connection with UGA runs deep; both parents attended UGA—her father played football for the Bulldogs—and she earned a degree in advertising from Grady College at UGA herself.
Reflecting on her work philosophy, Pulliam keeps three principles visible behind her desk: believe the best in others, be slow to take offense, and forgive quickly. “I love what I do,” she said.
