Over Traci Bransford’s 30-year career, she has served as the general counsel for world-renowned performing artist Prince and represented a range of other entertainers, athletes, and media companies.
Traci has practiced law from coast to coast, from Beverly Hills to Brooklyn with other stops along the way, including in Minneapolis. Last year, she decided it was time to pivot and move south to Atlanta as the right place — and join the partnership of Parker Poe as the right firm — for her next stage.
“I have loved Atlanta since my time at Spelman College and seen the rise of the city’s sports and entertainment industry over the course of my career,” she said. “Atlanta is also a very welcoming place to work as a Black woman in ‘big law.’ You can’t get around the city’s legal community without meeting someone of color — that is not always the case in other cities.”
“Parker Poe stood out because of its full-service platform and welcoming culture, particularly the diversity of its Atlanta office from the leadership level on down,” Traci said. Parker Poe has over 275 attorneys across its footprint from Atlanta to Washington, DC. “I was also impressed with the firm’s significant history of serving historically Black colleges and universities, including its full-ride scholarship program at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte.”
“There is a clear commitment to supporting people of color in our communities and in the legal profession,” Traci continued. “That commitment comes from the top, as our managing partner and C-suite are ‘all in’ on DEI.”
Two years ago, Parker Poe created a C-suite role overseeing all aspects of talent management and diversity, equity, and inclusion – reflecting the firm’s commitment to those matters at the highest levels. The firm conducted a national search and concluded Shalanna Pirtle, a current partner, was the right person for the job.
“As our firm grows, I am constantly thinking about what we need in place to support all of our folks and ensure DEI is integrated seamlessly across the organization,” Shalanna said. “As I’ve gotten to know Traci and heard her perspective on our firm, it has been a wonderful affirmation of the work we have done and continue to do.”
“Traci is now an integral part of our work.” Shalanna continued. “Her vantage point from years of advocating for clients in the entertainment industry, and beyond, is invaluable as we continue expanding in that booming sector.”
Shalanna and Traci call DEI a critical ingredient in that expansion. Traci’s compassion for inclusiveness is key as she represents a broad client base from individual clients to global companies with diversity metrics to consider. “We don’t have to dance around the topic,” Traci said, “as I am able to cut to the chase with my clients. It’s one piece of how my background allows me to offer comprehensive solutions and get to the bottom line.”
Traci also brought much more to Parker Poe than her client service, Shalanna said.
“Her passion for mentoring the next generation of diverse attorneys aligns perfectly with our focus on recruiting, retaining, and promoting legal talent from all backgrounds,” Shalanna said. As Traci put it, “You can attract talent but unless you provide a path for that person to aspire to, retention is a difficult component of DEI.”
Shalanna continued, “Traci is also an authentic, powerful voice for DEI in a moment where some are shying away from it.”
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year striking down race-based college admissions programs has caused some in the legal and business community to deemphasize DEI efforts.
“We will meet our clients’ demands far better if we continue to walk the DEI walk and do not stray,” Traci said. “Parker Poe gets it.”
“I do not have to mute or diminish myself here,” she continued. “To take all of my legal experience and now place it somewhere I can truly be comfortable — in this city, at this law firm, and with an expanding client base — it’s my delight to practice at Parker Poe in Atlanta.”
