Lara Pulliam doesn’t have a typical day in her role.
As chief of staff for the University of Georgia School of Law, her days consist of supporting the dean’s office and operations while also tackling whatever may come across her desk.
“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.”
The core of her work also focuses on building and maintaining connections. That takes many forms including managing the Board of Visitors, essentially the dean’s cabinet, or overseeing the Distinguished Law Fellows Program, which has grown from three to 22 students under her watch. She also assists other senior administrators with any items or issues on their plate.
Additionally, Pulliam runs the Signature Lectures Program for the school, is the point of contact for any high-profile guests, oversees the events department and supervises administrative assistants. In between all that, she still manages to meet with the dean at least three times a week, in addition to any daily check-ins and discussions.
Pulliam says the chief of staff role really fits with her skillset: connecting with and supporting others on one hand, and organization on the other.
One of Pulliam’s favorite aspects of her job is developing relationships with the law students. She has an open door policy and is always willing to lend a listening ear and provide encouragement and support.
“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.” Pulliam said.
While not a law school alumna herself, Pulliam thinks that sometimes getting that outside perspective can be helpful. She always reminds students that “every no is getting you to your next yes.” But she also reminds them to make their voices heard.
“If you are really interested in something, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and follow up,” Pulliam said.
When Pulliam began at the law school in 2011, she worked in the advancement office in a stewardship position. A big part of her job from day one was connecting donors with their scholarship recipients. It’s something she still enjoys seeing happen to this day.
Prior to starting at the law school, she worked at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel in sales and event planning. Pulliam played a big role in working with families for weddings and receptions hosted at the venue. Moving to the law school and its development arm was a whole new world.
“I was very thankful that they took a chance on me,” Pulliam said.
Pulliam has strong, lifelong ties to the university. Both of her parents attended, and her dad played football for the Bulldogs. Pulliam, who grew up in Monroe, is a UGA alumna as well, with a degree in advertising from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. She met her now-husband during her freshman year, and they got married a few months after graduating.
The couple has two daughters — one a freshman at the University of North Georgia who loves equestrian and the other a freshman in high school who plays basketball. The family also has a dog, a chocolate lab that Pulliam adores.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading. Her current read is “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi, who just so happens to be a UGA Law School alumnus.
On the whiteboard behind her desk, visible to anyone who visits her office, Pulliam lists her three keys to an abundant life: believe the best in others, be slow to take offense and forgive quickly. As she prioritizes strong connections and supporting others in her work, it’s easy to see that these tips are working for the best in Pulliam’s own life.
“I love what I do,” she said.