Natasha Cooper, Esq.

U.S. Attorney’s Office, NDGA, Assistant U.S. Attorney

Alma Mater: Emory University School of Law

Natasha received her JD from Emory University School of Law, where she was a Kessler-Edison Scholar and earned membership in the Order of Barristers. During law school, she served as a corporate counsel legal extern with The Coca-Cola Company, servicing its North America business unit. Upon graduating from law school, Natasha received the Dean’s Award for Public Service and the Atlanta Bar Association honored Natasha with the Edward J. Henning Award for excellence in dispute resolution. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Natasha was an Associate in McGuireWoods Atlanta office, where she represented financial institutions, broker-dealers, and investment advisers against consumers and government regulators in federal and state courts. Her experience allows her to comprehend and navigate the complexities of the financial and regulatory landscape and reach the optimal outcome for the client. In private practice, Natasha represented the world’s largest broker-dealers and served as outside regulatory counsel to one of the nation’s leading broker-dealers.

Get to Know Natasha

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 21-year old self?

You are worthy. I had recently began law school when I was 21. I had what many consider “imposters syndrome” and did not feel like I belonged. I let my self-doubts get in my way. I felt incredibly unprepared to succeed. I did not apply myself as much as I could have. I knew I was just as smart as my classmates were but because I was afraid of failing, I choose not to put in the hard work. I convinced myself I was okay with being mediocre. I finally had that “aha” moment when I realized I was worthy! I deserved to be the best version of myself. The moment my confidence kicked in and I stepped out of my own way, everything came together.

My role model – my sister.

What about your upbringing contributed to your success as an attorney?

Both of my parents immigrated to the United States from Jamaica for better educational opportunities. They stepped outside their comfort zone and worked hard for everything they earned. They went on to receive their master’s degrees and now live a life dedicated to medical services. They rarely celebrate good grades as it is expected. Growing up they served as perfect examples of what hard work looked like. As I grew older, my older sister also became a role model. She makes her accomplishments look effortlessly. She is always humble and quiet. I jokingly tell my friends, when your sister becomes a Neurologist at Yale, there is not much you can do to impress your parents.

Mixing both my passions, the law and journalism.

What is your favorite quote and what makes it so meaningful to you?

“For I know the plans I have for you…plans to proposer you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. During difficult times, I lean not on my own understanding but God’s. I was raised in a Christian home and attended Catholic school from kindergarten to twelfth grade. My faith has served as a steady rock when I feel overwhelmed. I have learned not to pray for easier times, but for strength to endure those difficult times. This quote serves as a daily reminder that the best is yet to come.

If you weren’t in your current job, what would be your dream job?

My dream job would be a journalist. I actually studied communications and journalism in college. I was an anchor, producer and director of my university’s broadcasting news program. I absolutely loved it. I love investigative journalism. I love the idea of being objective and seeing both sides. I love healthy roundtable debates. I love delivering news. If you ask my mother, she would probably say it stems from me being in everyone’s business as a child.

You are worthy!