With a sincere commitment to advocacy and access to justice, Heather Johnston has been guiding families through life’s legal challenges throughout her legal career.

Heather, raised in Blue Ridge, Georgia, left the mountains and moved to Atlanta to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology. There, she served on the Undergraduate Judiciary Cabinet, interned on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. for a Georgia Congressman, and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Public Policy.

In 2023, Heather received her Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University's College of Law with highest distinctions in the Public Service and Pro Bono program. Heather has interned with Charla Strawser & Jill Byers Family Law, the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Georgia Public Defender Council and the United States District Attorneys’ Office Violent Crimes and National Security Division. In addition, Heather served as president of the Family Law Society, captain of two intramural volleyball teams, received her Guardian Ad Litem certificate through the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF), and worked with clients of all backgrounds through her 100+ hours of pro bono service with legitimization clinics, domestic violence prevention, street law program, family law clinics, and more.

From 2022-2023, Heather participated in the Welter Family Law Inn of Court. In 2023, she received the Custer-Tuggle Award of Excellence in Family Law.

Heather has been a guest speaker for Georgia Tech’s Transforming Tomorrow Annual Meeting, Georgia Tech’s Women of Influence, and Georgia State University’s College of Law Family Law class.

Heather is community-minded, resolution-focused, and a divorcee herself. She understands the emotions, desire for privacy, and complexities that arise from navigating unexpected circumstances.

Before joining Hedgepeth Heredia, Heather practiced at a metro-based Atlanta Family Law firm in which she was both lead attorney in divorce, contempt, and modification matters, as well as co-counsel in high-conflict and high-asset matters.

Outside of work, Heather enjoys volleyball, matcha lattes, all things Japan, and good conversation.