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Sonia Lakhany, Tricia Smith, Jim Johnson, & Emily Rowell (Host)

Sonia Lakhany Esq. w/ Lakhany Law, PC

Sonia Lakhany focuses her practice on trademark and copyright prosecution, as well as corporate and transactional law matters. In addition to her law practice, Sonia is an instructor at the Trademark Institute of Training, where she lectures on trademark law basics and the mechanics of trademark prosecution. Sonia also speaks and blogs regularly on intellectual property under the name “Lady Lanham, Esq” (a word play on The Lanham Act, which is the federal law that gives trademark protection in the United States). Over the course of her career, Sonia has helped numerous startups and small- and medium-sized businesses secure trademark protection for their names, logos, and taglines.  Prior to founding Lakhany Law, LLC, Sonia practiced at firms in Washington, DC and Atlanta, Georgia.

Sonia stays active in the Atlanta legal community in several ways. For the Intellectual Property Section of the Georgia State Bar, she serves as Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Division-Intellectual Property (YLD-IP) Lawyers Committee and a member of the Trademark Committee. For the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL), she serves on the Mentoring Committee and leads a monthly Breakfast Mentoring Circle. For the South Asian Bar Association of Georgia (SABA-GA), she serves as Co-Vice-President.

Sonia earned her Juris Doctorate at the Emory University School of Law, with a focus on intellectual property. As part of her Juris Doctorate program, Sonia spent her final semester at The George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC completing coursework in the intellectual property LLM program and concurrently held an internship at the United States Copyright Office. She also authored an independent copyright law research paper entitled, “There’s More Than One Way to Skin the Mouse: A Comparative Analysis of Fictional Character Protection”, which won first place in the Emory Law American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Nathan Burkan Memorial Writing Competition.

Originally from Orange County, California, Sonia attended the University of Southern California, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the Annenberg School for Communication and her Minor in Business Administration at the Marshall School of Business.

Sonia is licensed to practice in Georgia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. She is fluent in Urdu/Hindi. In her spare time, Sonia enjoys running, hiking, and cooking.

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Tricia Smith w/ Focus Brands

Tricia Smith is an in-house attorney with FOCUS Brands Inc., franchisor of Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s Deli. At FOCUS, Tricia manages the trademark portfolios of all six brands and is responsible for monitoring the use of brand assets online and off, by FOCUS employees and those not associated with the brands, and handles the online enforcement of intellectual property rights when necessary. In addition, Tricia reviews and approves all marketing, advertising and PR communications for each of the six brands and is the legal point of contact for both the Global Channels Group (brand licensing) and International Franchising departments of FOCUS Brands. Tricia joined FOCUS Brands in January 2012, shortly after graduating from Georgia State University College of Law and passing the Georgia bar exam in 2011.

LinkedIn     Website

Jim Johnson w/ Sutherland

Jim Johnson cut his teeth as a trademark lawyer by serving as in-house counsel for The Coca-Cola and Kellogg companies and as an examining attorney in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Now a member of Sutherland’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, Jim continues to enforce the trademarks and copyrights of some of the world’s most famous and valuable brands. His practice includes filing oppositions and lawsuits to protect high value intellectual property rights, counseling clients on how to best protect such rights, and managing international IP portfolios. He also advises on unfair competition and domain-name disputes.

Website

Peachtree Offices with 4 Atlanta Locations is your go-to company for Attorney Offices and Meeting Rooms. Contact Peachtree Offices to set up a tour of their Attorney Focused Spaces Today!

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Chris S, Heather B, Meredith R, Harmon C, & Alvaro A (Host)

Chris Stombaugh w/ Stombaugh, Smith & Company

BALTIMORE, Md. (February 23, 2015) – Two of the nation’s leading trial lawyers today launched a new firm, built around cutting-edge research, which will give real people an edge in court. “It’s about telling their stories more effectively and making sure they are truly heard by jurors,” said co-founder, Christoher Stombaugh, “we can use innovative research to help them find justice at a difficult time in their life.”

Named Stombaugh, Smith & Co., the new firm will be a joint venture of Smith, Gildea & Schmidt, LLC and blend the talents of Wisconsin trial thought leader Chris Stombaugh with one of Maryland’s leading litigators, Michael Paul Smith. The alliance will also include Next Research, LLC, (NR), which will use cognitive, social, and behavioral research to create predictive models and personalized trial strategies, as well as Next Trial Innovation, LLC, (NTI) which will train and educate trial lawyers in how to use this advanced research. Stombaugh, Smith & Co. LLC (SS&C) will apply these methods into trial, negotiation and legal consulting services.

“We will teach lawyers how to bring all of the elements together while keeping the focus on the people they are trying to help,” said Stombaugh, “through the research we will better understand what jurors “hear” at critical points so we can reach them on a more engaging, one-to-one level and tell them more.”

Both Stombaugh and Smith have been highly successful in difficult cases in difficult times which has drawn the interest of other trial lawyers nationwide. Their successes have helped countless plaintiffs pursue justice when it’s become increasingly difficult to take a single case to court.

Stombaugh has pioneered many of the cognitive neuroscience techniques the consortium will focus on. As a trial lawyer, Stombaugh has obtained several record jury verdicts, often seven and eight figure, in a variety of diverse cases. The Wisconsin native’s professional passion is to allow deserving people to have their stories be heard by real juries in contemporary courtrooms across America.

A Drake University Law School honors graduate, and faculty member at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming. Stombaugh was, until recently, a partner at the Keenan Law Firm in Atlanta, Georgia.

Stombaugh has earned “Super Lawyer” ratings from Thompson Reuters since 2010, and has a perfect 10/10 rating from the Seattle-based AVVO legal rating service. His practice has concentrated on the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, product liability and medical negligence.

Website

Heather Brown w/ Brown Law LLC

With more than 14 years of experience, Heather D. Brown is the perfect choice for landlords, financial institutions, and other businesses needing legal assistance with creditors’ rights and bankruptcy matters. Her practice is primarily concentrated on the representation of landlords (retail, industrial and office) and financial institutions in connection with distressed real estate and commercial loans. In addition, Heather represents all creditors in every facet of bankruptcy, workouts and other financial restructuring matters.

 Website       LinkedIn

Meredith Ragains w/ Georgia Lawyers for the Arts

Ms. Ragains is the Executive Director of Georgia Lawyers for the Arts. GLA is a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to artists to ensure that their life’s work is legally protected. Ms. Ragains is the Bloom Sugarman Everett Fellow at GLA. Through her position at GLA, Ms. Ragains is responsible for every aspect of the organization’s operations.

Ms. Ragains is a former member of the commercial litigation practice group of Bloom Sugarman Everett, a boutique litigation firm. She was formerly a member of the commercial litigation practice group of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, a national law firm, for 11 years.

Ms. Ragains has a deep well of experience in a variety of subject matter areas including, in part: Employment Law; Insurance Defense and Subrogation; Business Torts and Trade Secrets; Restrictive Covenants; Class Action Litigation; Health Care; Securities and Financial; Workout and Lender Liability; Partnership Disputes; Trademark Infringement; and Consumer Protection litigation.

Ms. Ragains represents Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, business owners, developers, contractors, builders, property owners, landlords, tenants, real estate brokers, technology companies, and manufacturers.

Ms. Ragains has significant experience in managing and overseeing associates and staff, as well as litigation management.

Ms. Ragains has provided pro bono assistance over the past 10 years to the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence in areas ranging from employment advice to insurance matters.

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Harmon Caldwell w/ Caldwell & Watson

As an Atlanta native, I’m currently managing partner at Caldwell & Watson specializing in family law. In my career, I have tried over 150 civil jury cases through the State of Georgia to a verdict and handled over 70 reported decisions in the Georgia Supreme Court and Georgia Court of Appeals. I have spoken regularly at seminars and have served as an expert witness on the issue of attorney’s fees in a number of cases.

I have recovered numerous verdicts in excess of $1 million, have represented more than 1,000 high net-worth individuals in divorce and have obtained favorable settlements in hundreds of cases.

My accomplishments in law include:

-In 1996, I recovered what was at the time the highest verdict ever in Hall County, Georgia.
-In 2012, I obtained a record settlement in a divorce case after a two-week jury trial in Dougherty County, Georgia.
-In 2012, I obtained a $5,000,000 settlement after a two-week trial in Fulton County, Georgia.
-I obtained the first ever award of punitive damages in a Probate Court case in the United States. The case involved the breach of a fiduciary duty by the executors of an estate.

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Alvaro A. Arauz w/ 3a Law Practice Management (Host)

“We challenge ourselves with complex assignments of all kinds – it requires us to constantly evolve, which in turn allows us to give better advice.   If you’re a brave attorney putting up your own shingle, a small firm adding more associates and staff, or a mid-size firm that needs infrastructure re-engineering, we can help.  We promote progress through productivity.  It’s about results, not effort.”

In 1997, Alvaro began helping lawyers by teaching them how to achieve the holy grail of greater profits for less work.   Now, Alvaro’s clients ask for his counsel in every facet of their business growth.

He believes lawyers should do two things: represent clients and foster new clients.   Anything that takes them away from that needs to be delegated.  He also believes law firms should inherit the two do-wells:  Do Well By The Client & Do Well By The Employee.   To do so, his clients receive a comprehensive and streamlined set of solutions organized and funneled through a central database.   This lets attorneys  spend less time on administration details or capturing time and more emphasis on clients or at home.

These days he shares his knowledge by speaking at frequent CLE seminars, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association Annual Conference on Law Practice Management or at solo practitioner boot camps.   Fluent in Spanish, he can assist Latin American attorneys here and other countries.  Aside from helping many of Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia’s Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, he is proud to claim top tier lawyers recognized globally by Chambers, 7 of the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers and 3 of US News Best Law Firms in America as clients.    They are also frequent experts on CNN and other national news sources.

When not saving lawyers from inefficiencies, Alvaro would rather spend time with his loved ones, helping his home community or expanding his photography portfolio by traveling around the world. His literature studies in Cambridge, England and creative writing degree allowed him to teach graduate students and help start a screenwriting program at USF in Tampa.  He also contributes his time serving on four operating boards of non-profit organizations here in Atlanta and in his hometown of San Francisco.

“I teach my kids they have to give forward to receive.   If I don’t lead by example, my kids – much less clients – will pay me no mind.”

Website     LinkedIn

Once you have great trial education and prep, it may be time to think about office space convenient to the courthouses. Peachtree Offices has great Downtown Atlanta office space that caters to attorneys. 

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Aaron M, Steve A, Sarah W, Jeff W, Nathan W, & Emily R (Host)

Aaron Marks w/ Marks Law Group

Aaron Marks, founder of the Marks Law Group, is a personal injury attorney specializing in representing those who have been injured and killed through the negligent operation of non-emergency medical transportation. Non-Emergency Medical Transport is any transportation to and from medical treatment by a third party. Many people take non-emergency medical transportation to dialysis, to their doctor, and to and from a group home. These vans are so prevalent you’ve probably passed one going to work today.

Experience:

Aaron Marks has handled catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout Metro Atlanta against:

• Cities
• Municipalities
• National Retailers
• Police Departments
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Companies
• Physicians
• Insurance Companies

Cases and Claims:

• $240,000 for disputed negligence against non-emergency medical transportation company
• $600,000 for disputed slip and fall against national retailer
• $200,000 for automobile accident resulting in crushed heal
• $175,000 for family in disputed auto accident
• $150,000 for man assaulted by employee at national retailer
• $300,000 for disputed car accident resulting in cervical fusion

Organizations and Associations:

• State Bar of Georgia
• Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
• DeKalb Bar Association
• Atlanta Bar Association
• American Association for Justice

Publications:

• Georgia Biking Accidents 101: Why Biking Accidents are Different
• Five Things to Know if You Are Injured at Wal-Mart
• Georgia Trucking Accidents 101: Why Trucking Accidents are Different
• Georgia Drunk Driving Accidents 101: Why Drunk Driving Accidents are Different
• Who Is Driving the Van? A Look at Non-Emergency Medical Transport Accidents

Since graduating from Georgia State University College of Law Aaron has pursued his interest in public service by serving on the Oakhurst Community Garden’s Board of Directors, College Heights Learning Center’s Nutrition Committee and becoming an active member of the City of Decatur. Aaron is not just another lawyer – he’s a passionate advocate for his client. Aaron routinely visits clients at home and at the hospital, negotiates with doctors, treatment centers and insurance companies, and makes sure the client is at the center of every decision. Aaron became an attorney because he wanted to help people. In his law practice Aaron helps injured people become whole again and regain their previous lives.

Website     LinkedIn     Facebook     Twitter     AVVO

Stephen D. Apolinsky w/ Apolinsky & Associates, LLC.

Stephen D. Apolinsky, founder of Apolinsky & Associates, LLC, is a preeminent Atlanta injury lawyer with an established record of achieving results for his clients. During his career, Steve has successfully tried over 75 cases to verdict before juries. He has also successfully negotiated over 250 cases with more than 20 in the six-figure range.

A few examples of Steve’s professional accomplishments and honors include:

• Winning a $7.3 million verdict for a business owner against the City of Atlanta
• Named to 2012 edition of Top Rated Lawyers, a special, once-a-year stand-alone magazine appearing in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Wall Street Journal and Daily Report
• American Trial Lawyers Association, Top 100 Trial Lawyers
• Georgia Trend Magazine “Legal Elite: Georgia’s Most Effective Lawyers”
• Inducted as a life member of the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum; an honor awarded to trial attorneys winning million dollar verdicts and settlements
• Recognized as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in the state of Georgia by the American Trial Lawyers Association
• Earning an AV rating by his peers through Martindale-Hubbell
• Named a 2010 Super Lawyer

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Steve is a native of the south and a second-generation lawyer. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan in 1983 and returned to the south to earn his Juris Doctorate at Emory University Law School in 1987.

Steve practices law in Georgia, Alabama and the District of Columbia. He is an active member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Atlanta Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Steve also serves on the Board of Directors of the DeKalb County Bar Association.

Steve’s areas of practice include car and truck accidents, nursing home abuse and neglect, catastrophic injuries; he is an Atlanta wrongful death attorney. As a member of the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America (APITLAmerica), Steve has particular interest and experience in the nuances of commercial truck accidents. Steve was recently elected for a third term to the Board of Directors for the Dekalb Bar Association and he was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for Leadership Dekalb. He is also a Champion Member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.

Outside the courtroom, Steve often teaches and serves as guest speaker for courses at Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology and DeKalb Perimeter College.

Website     LinkedIn     Facebook     Twitter     AVVO

Sarah R. Watchko, Esq. w/ Bettis, Hill & Vann, LLC.

Sarah R. Watchko, Esq. is Of Counsel with Bettis, Hill & Vann, LLC.  Mrs. Watchko’s major practice areas include elder law, Medicaid and Veterans Administration benefits planning, special needs planning, estate planning, and trust and estate administration. She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (“CELA”) by the National Elder Law Foundation, the only national certifying program for elder law and special needs attorneys. The purpose of the certification program is to identify those lawyers who have the enhanced knowledge, skills, experience, and proficiency to be properly identified to the public as a certified elder law attorney. CELAs must complete a rigorous full-day examination and demonstrate that their law practice is focused on special needs and elder law. Once certified, a CELA must continue to practice primarily in elder law and special needs, and complete continuing education credits specifically targeted to advanced practitioners. Most of the leading figures in the elder law and special needs field today hold the CELA certification.

Mrs. Watchko obtained her undergraduate degrees in 2005 from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, where she graduated magna cum laude with B.A. degrees in Psychology and Philosophy.  She continued on to Wake Forest University School of Law in Winston-Salem, North Carolina as a Full Merit Scholarship Recipient and returned to the Atlanta area upon her graduation from Wake Forest in 2008.  

Mrs. Watchko is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is accredited by the Veterans Administration. She is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, the Atlanta Bar Association’s Estate Planning and Probate Section, and served as Chair of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Elder Law Section for the 2012-2013 year.  Her pro bono activities include the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline; DeKalb Volunteer Lawyer Foundation; DeKalb County Probate Information Center; and Fulton County Probate Information Center.

While Mrs. Watchko’s clients come in all ages, she is especially passionate about working with the elderly.  She promotes education for seniors and their loved ones through her speaking engagements as well as her blog, the Elder Law Update (www.elderlawupdate.net).

An Atlanta native, Mrs. Watchko lives in the Brookhaven area with her husband Jeff, son Will, and their loving mutt, Jack.  She and her brother William attended Marist School in Brookhaven, and her husband attended Roswell High School.  Both her brother and husband were collegiate athletes at Georgia Tech who went on to play professional sports (the former playing football and the latter, baseball), and both families remain avid Georgia Tech fans.

Website     LinkedIn     Facebook     Twitter     Elder Law Update

Jeffrey S. Warncke w/ Evans, Scholz, Williams & Warncke, LLC.

Mr. Warncke received his Bachelor of Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude, at Georgia State University in 1988. He graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law Cum Laude in 1991. While in law school, Mr. Warncke was selected as one of three students to represent UGA Law School in the American College of Trial Lawyers National Moot Court Competition. The three member team took second place overall nationwide in brief writing. The team also advanced to the quarter finals in the national oral argument competition in New York, New York.

Upon graduating from law school, Mr. Warncke began working as an associate at Dietrick, Evans, Scholz & Williams, and became partner on January 1, 1998. In 2011, Mr. Warncke became a name partner in Evans, Scholz, Williams & Warncke, LLC.

Mr. Warncke has developed a niche specialty fighting abuses by insurers in the long term disability, life insurance, and health insurance arenas, under both federal ERISA law and under Georgia state bad faith insurance law. Since 2006 Mr. Warncke has recovered more than 25 million dollars in insurance benefits, all on claims that insurance companies attempted to deny.

Mr. Warncke’s practice also includes representing seriously injured and disabled persons in actions arising from work-related accidents, automobile collisions, and tractor trailer collisions.

 Website     LinkedIn     Facebook     AVVO

Nathan Woody, Corales & Woody

Nathan Woody specializes in representing injured workers in Georgia. Respected by opponents and peers alike, his only goal is to fight for his clients in a way that is effective, efficient, and professional. Whether filing a claim, arguing in court, or negotiating a settlement agreement, Nathan’s focus is on answering his clients’ questions, zealously representing their interests, and helping guide his clients toward a recovery and an improvement of their lives.

Nathan graduated cum laude from the University of South Carolina before earning his Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University. After graduation, Nathan spent several years representing employers and insurance companies in worker’s compensation cases, developing an impressive expertise in this area of law. In addition, this experience gave him a deep knowledge of how employers and insurance companies view and handle these types of cases; knowledge that he now uses to successfully represent injured workers and maximize their benefits and recoveries. If you want to meet with Nathan to discuss your case, there is no fee for a consultation regarding your work injury. In fact, there are no fees at all until you receive your compensation.

Nathan is a frequent presenter at professional education programs for law schools and industry seminars. He is an active member of the Georgia and Atlanta Bar Associations and a volunteer with the Kids’ Chance Scholarship Program of Georgia, benefiting the children of parents who are killed on the job. He is admitted to practice in the State of Georgia and the Federal Districts of Northern and Middle Georgia and Northern Florida.

Website     LinkedIn     Facebook     AVVO

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Damon Elmore, Eileen Gray, & Emily Rowell (Host)

Damon Elmore w/ Nowell Sparks, LLC

Damon is a Member of Nowell Sparks, LLC in Atlanta. His work and practice areas focus on matters involving HR and Employment Law for non-profit, local government and small business clients. He has over 18 years experience representing public and private sector clients.

He has significant experience as an in-house corporate lawyer, advising corporate subsidiaries and divisions and successfully representing his clients in disciplinary actions and review grievances filed by employees and bargaining units. He is also a former Vice President of Human Resources for a Fortune^® 250 company, responsible for rebuilding and leading the human resources function for the manufacturing, import parts and transportation divisions of the company in the U.S. and Canada. His responsibilities included providing strategic oversight, guidance and direction for many functions, including general human resources controls, employee relations, compensation guidelines, workforce planning, investigations, compliance, recruitment and crisis management.

Damon is a native of Savannah, Georgia and fan of community related activities. He is the current president of the Board of Directors for the Georgia Legal Services Program (2014-2015); a member of the Board for the WDM Community Center in College Park, GA, and; he serves as the HR Liaison for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. Out of his business attire, he is currently in the middle of a personal initiative to bike in every Georgia County (159) to raise money and awareness for GLSP.

Website     LinkedIn     Facebook     Twitter     Bike GA Web

Bike GA Twitter

Eileen Gray w/ Gray & Associates

Eileen Gray, SPHR provides consulting services in the areas of:

• Organizational Effectiveness
• Training and Facilitation
• Executive Coaching
• Culture Change
• Diversity
• Recruitment

Key Capabilities and Experience

Eileen has over 25 years of business experience as an entrepreneur, sales executive, human resource leader, and trainer. She has worked with organizations of all sizes and industries helping them implement solutions that drive strategic organizational results by leveraging the talents and engagement of its human capital.

As a sales executive, Eileen led business development in the Southeast for Development Dimensions International (DDI), one of the largest global talent development and assessment firms, consistently exceeding million dollar sales goals through her ability to translate client needs into solutions and build relationships with senior corporate executives. Eileen was responsible for closing numerous high profile accounts with Fortune 500 and was responsible for overseeing the account and managing client relationships.

Prior to spending 10 years in sales, Eileen spent several years in human resources where she progressed though various levels of Human Resource management positions within ALCOA, Atlanta Journal/Constitution, Contel, and ADVO.

More recently Eileen has used her expertise in talent development and human resources as a consultant, trainer, and coach.

Eileen has engaged extensively with Cox Communications managing projects related to workforce planning, selection system design and implementation, executive search, and the development of strategic partnerships to meet diversity recruitment objectives.  She also customized competency models for better alignment with the selection process and led RFP processes to select and implement assessment tools for sales positions.

Eileen also delivers training and facilitation in leadership, diversity, performance management, personal branding, trust, conflict resolution, change, team building, customer service, and interviewing skills.

Throughout her career, Eileen has helped others address their individual strengths and developmental areas in order to achieve the strategic goals of the organization including interpretation of assessment results and the development of action plans.

Eileen has training certifications from DDI, as well as Stephen Covey’s Speed of Trust, and Employment Learning International’s (ELI) Civil Treatment Series.

Eileen is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She has a bachelor’s degree in Personnel and Labor Relations from the University of Maryland and certificate in Human Resources Management from Kennesaw State University.

Eileen is a member of SHRM Atlanta, held various leadership positions in the Atlanta Human Resources Association and is the current president of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources.

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Your Law Firm is a Small Business- and a great way to keep your costs down is by using Virtual Receptionists. Peachtree Offices has a team of 10+ Virtual Receptionists who can help your small business (law firm) by ensuring all calls are answered immediately with a professional receptionist who can also handle some of your day to day admin tasks.

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Shalamar Parham, Steven Parker, Beth Garrett, Emily Rowell (Host)

Shalamar Parham w/ Parham Law Firm, LLC

Shalamar Parham, a native of Atlanta, is a community oriented divorce and family law attorney.  Shalamar is managing principal of Parham Law Firm, LLC, a family law boutique in Atlanta.  Shalamar tirelessly represents her clients in divorce, child support, legitimation, and child custody matters. Shalamar obtained her juris doctorate degree from John Marshall Law School.

Shalamar serves the community through her positions with various community and professional organizations.  Shalamar serves as Executive Policy Officer for Atlanta West Economic Development, as a Board Secretary for Youth Connections and formerly as board member of Cherokee County Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children.  Shalamar also serves as a volunteer attorney for Clayton County Pro Bono Project and Georgia Legal Services Program.  Shalamar is a member of the State Bar of Georgia Law School Outreach Committee, a member of Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association, a member of Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, a member of Gate City Bar Association, and is an avid speaker on community panels related to divorce and child custody issues. Shalamar is also an alumni of the 2012 State Bar of Georgia YLD Leadership Academy.

Shalamar was selected for SuperLawyers Georgia Rising Star in 2013 and 2014 in recognition for her work in family law. She has been admitted to practice law before the Georgia Supreme Court, the United States District Court, Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and all magistrate, probate, juvenile, state and superior courts in Georgia. In her free time, Attorney Parham enjoys golf and scrapbooking.

Website     LinkedIn     Facebook     Twitter     AVVO     Blog

Steven Parker w/ Team Serve 1st @ Keller Williams First Atlanta

At TEAM SERVE 1st it is our Mission and our Ministry to be Real Estate professionals who are Living in the Continual Pursuit of Building Successful Relationships while being Committed to Giving Greater Value every day!
We Believe Our Highest Purpose here on Earth is to Serve People by Adding Value to THEIR Life!
We are Family Serving Families! 2015 promises to be an exciting year of growth and development as we continue to SERVE 1st!

Steven Parker is also Operating Board Member of Visions Anew Institute

Steven Parker of Team Serve 1st is honored to serve with the foremost authority on Divorce Recovery–Visions Anew Institute. Unfortunately, divorce is an incredibly emotional process. As such… effective, short and long term decision making is very difficult. Team SERVE 1st recognizes that there is one defining factor in a divorce… there will be 2 addresses.
We add value to our clients lives by providing free information, resources, tools, workshops, and empowerment for their future. Not only for their decisions on real estate, but for their total well being- and THAT is how you SERVE 1st !

Website    LinkedIn     Twitter

Beth Garrett JD, CPA, CVA w/ Frazier & Deeter

As a Partner in the Divorce Litigation Support Practice at Frazier & Deeter, Beth Garrett primarily assists high net-worth individuals and corporate executives with divorce, tax and accounting issues. She helps with the division of financial and real estate assets through mediation and works with family practice attorneys through all financial aspects of divorce and child support matters.

Beth is frequently involved in cases to uncover hidden assets and income and assists with the preparation of reports to be used in settlement negotiations and at trial. She works with attorneys and clients to prepare business valuations, trace separate property, value complex retirement assets, and assist with budget preparation. She also prepares individual, partnership and fiduciary tax returns, specializing in divorce taxation.

Beth has testified in the metro Atlanta area and in other counties in Georgia in both bench and jury trials in divorce litigation matters. Beth has also spoken at continuing education seminars and authored several articles focusing on the tax laws surrounding divorce.

Beth is active in the community, serving as treasurer for the Dekalb Bar Association and frequently volunteering with several organizations, including the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program through the IRS.

Education

Juris Doctorate, Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, 2006.
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Furman University, Greenville, SC, 2003.

Professional and Civic Organizations

Georgia Bar Association, 2006 – present, Family Law Section
Atlanta Bar Association, 2007 – present, Family Law Section
Dekalb Bar Association, 2009 – present, Family Law Section
National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts 2013 – present
AICPA 2008- present
Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants, 2008 – present
Cumberland Law Review, Associate Article Editor, 2004 – 2006
Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, 2009- 2012
Visions Anew, Board of Directors, 2009
Published legal article – Civil Procedure – Habeas Corpus – Direct Custodian is the Only Proper Respondent in a Petition by Detainee for Writ of Habeas Corpus. Rumsfeld v. Padilla, 124 S. Ct. 2711 (2004), 35 Cumb. L. Rev. 705
Buckhead Church Member, Singles Leader, 2006 – present

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Randy Kessler, Emily Rowell, Joe Habachy, Johnna Lee, & Josey Crews

Joe S. Habachy, Habachy Law

Joe S. Habachy is an accomplished and well-respected Georgia trial lawyer.  He has been privately practicing Criminal Defense and Entertainment Law in and around Atlanta, Georgia for more than 15 years.  His principal office is in Atlanta, but he represents clients in State Courts in every part of Georgia and Federal Courts nationwide.  Joe has aggressively defended and won criminal cases in the metro areas of Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, Athens, Columbus, Rome, Gainesville, and numerous other counties in Georgia. He was born in Georgia, and has practiced law in Georgia his entire career.

Joe regularly represents celebrities, athletes, and other high profile clients on a variety of criminal matters. He is a regular panelist at continuing legal education seminars pertaining to the representation of high profile clients and is sensitive to the specific needs of clients in the public eye.

Joe has represented thousands of criminal defendants on diverse criminal matters ranging from D.U.I. to Drug Trafficking. He has successfully litigated innumerable cases. He regularly obtains Not Guilty Verdicts in State and Superior Court. He has extensive DUI experience and is certified in the administration of Field Sobriety tests and the Intoxilyzer 5000. He has successfully challenged numerous DUI arrests and roadside tests. Further, he has tried cases of all calibers, including homicide, rape, aggravated assault and Drug Trafficking. He has litigated innumerable search and seizure issues. Joe has also appealed various issues and set legal precedent in the State of Georgia.

Joe is also well-known in the field of Entertainment Law and has represented clountless celebrity clients on entertainment and criminal matters. He has successfully drafted, red-lined, and negotiated innumerable contracts for Musicians, Artists, Recording Companies, Music Publishers, Producers, Actors, Reality Shows, Reality Show Participants, Indie Film Producers/Directors, Television Shows, Radio and even Ringtone Artists. Contracts have included production agreements, management agreements, agency agreements, publishing agreements, various licenses, sampling agreements, site agreements, partnership agreements, and recording agreements. He also has extensive Trademark and Copyright experience. His Entertainment client list includes numerous well-known musicians and film/television personalities. He is a member of the Georgia Entertainment Bar and volunteers for the Georgia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts.

Joe is often asked to speak at Continuing Education and Trial Practice seminars (both Criminal and Entertainment) to share his knowledge and experience with other lawyers in Georgia. Joe is a regular speaker on various Radio shows, a regular guest at Law School Seminars, and a regular visiting judge for national and international mock trial competitions.

Joe graduated cum laude from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia in only two years. After working as an IT consultant with Pricewaterhouse Coopers for two years, Joe returned to University of Georgia School of Law, where he served as Vice President of the Entertainment Law Association and competed nationally on UGA’s successful Mock Trial Team.

Joe is a member of the bar of the Supreme Court of Georgia and the Georgia Court of Appeals. He is also a member of several Federal Courts, most importantly, the Northern District of Georgia. Joe is currently the Vice President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL).

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Johnna Lee, Cohen, Cooper, Estep & Allen, LLC

Johnna A. Lee is an associate at the Atlanta, GA based law firm, Cohen, Cooper, Estep & Allen, LLC, where her practice focuses on transactional Entertainment Law and Criminal Defense. Her entertainment practice includes representation of recording artists, songwriters, recording companies, music publishers, on-camera meteorologists, models, and reality show participants. She also handles trademark and copyright matters. Johnna also represents clients facing criminal charges, many of whom are members of the entertainment industry.

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Randall Kessler, Kessler & Solomiany, LLC.

Founding partner of the 13 lawyer, Atlanta family law firm – KS Family Law.

Practiced family law for over 25 years.

Frequently represents high profile individuals, particularly Athletes and Entertainers.

Former Chair of the Family Law Sections of the American Bar Association, GA Bar and Atlanta Bar.

Authored Family Law books including:

Divorce: Protect Yourself, Your Kids and Your Future (www.divorceprotect.com).

Georgia Library of Family Law Forms.

Has taught the Domestic Relations course at John Marshall Law School in Atlanta since 2005.
Editor of NEXT Magazine, a magazine to help people survive divorce (see it online at www.nextdivorce.com).
Editor Emeritus of the Family Law Review, the official magazine of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of GA.
Media: Often quoted in the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, People Magazine, Newsweek, Sports Illustrated.
Guest commentator for CNN, HLN, NBC Today Show, ESPN, FoxBusiness.com and others.
LinkedIn “Influencer” with over 135,000 followers.

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Josey Crews, Josey Agency 

View his full bio here:

BIOGRAPHY

Website

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AT Hamby, T Simmons, Emily Rowell (Host), M Wilensky, M Rogers

Our Expert Guests Today Participate in a Round-table Discussion on the Topic: “Transitioning From a Large Firm to a Small/Solo Practice.”

Maya Simmons Rogers w/ Simmons Rogers, LLC.

Maya Simmons Rogers is the Managing Partner of Simmons Rogers, LLC. Mrs. Rogers attended Florida A&M University and interned with several Fortune 500 companies including Southern Company – Georgia Power, Procter & Gamble, and Ernst and Young during her tenure. After graduating from Florida A&M with both her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Mrs. Rogers moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan to attend law school. During law school, Mrs. Rogers was very active on campus and served in several elected and appointed leadership positions. While attending the University of Michigan Law School, Mrs. Rogers also had the opportunity to extern with the South African Human Rights Commission in Cape Town.

Following her externship, Mrs. Rogers went to work in the ERISA Litigation group at Alston & Bird, LLP. During her time at Alston & Bird, Mrs. Rogers gained extensive experience representing numerous Fortune 500 employers and defending large national insurance companies against claims for denied health, disability (short and long term), and life insurance benefits.

After leaving Alston & Bird, but prior to founding Simmons Rogers, LLC, Mrs. Rogers was able to gain extensive experience serving as outside general counsel to a number of businesses in varying stages from startups to mid-sized multi-million dollar companies. In this capacity, Mrs. Rogers had the opportunity to represent entrepreneurs and business executives in a wide variety of transactions and industries. From selecting the most appropriate business entity, negotiating the purchase of a new business, to contract review and negotiation, patent prosecution, and copyright and trademark registration and licensing. Mrs. Rogers has also had the opportunity to assist clients with developing various employment agreements, creating company policies and handbooks, hiring and terminating employees, and negotiating severance packages for employees and high level executives. Moreover, Mrs. Rogers has also represented her clients in numerous litigation matters, mediations, and arbitrations.

Additionally, Mrs. Rogers had the opportunity to assist her business clients and others with more personal matters. Mrs. Rogers has helped entrepreneurs and other clients plan for the end of life as well as possible incapacitation. Mrs. Rogers has also helped her clients navigate life-changing events ranging from adoption, pre-nuptial agreements, to child support, divorce, and tragic accidents.

While practicing law is time consuming, Mrs. Rogers has always found time to give back. She has served on the executive board of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, a bar association of more than 600 judges, lawyers, and law students; participated with Everybody Wins Power Lunch Reading Program, Project SALUTE, Georgia Appleseed’s Heir Property Project, and completed countless hours of pro bono legal services throughout her career. Mrs. Rogers served on the Board of Directors for the Refugee Women’s Network for four years and was also the Board Treasurer. She currently teaches Business Law and Ethics courses at a national university in the metro-Atlanta area.

Mrs. Rogers is a native of Albany, Georgia who relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to practice law. Mrs. Rogers believes deeply that practicing law is a way for her to help people and to help make the world a better place.

Contact Information:
Direct Dial: 404-445-8260
Fax: 404-445-8226
mrogers@simmonsrogerslaw.com

Education:
J.D., University of Michigan Law School

M.B.A., Florida A&M University,summa cum laude

B.S. Business Administration with concentration in Accounting, Florida A&M University, summa cum laude

Admitted to Practice:
Georgia

• 11th Circuit Court of Appeals 
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
• Georgia Supreme Court
• Georgia Court of Appeals
• All Georgia Trial Courts 

Professional Memberships:
Georgia State Bar

Georgia Association Black Women Attorneys – 2011 Membership Chair

Community Involvement: 
New Leaders Council

Refugee Women’s Network – Board Member and Board Treasurer – 2010-2014

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Michael S. Wilensky, Partner w/ Slater & Wilensky, LLC

With over 40 years of combined legal experience, Michael Wilensky of Slater & Wilensky using thier knowledge, skill and work ethic have helped thousands of injury victims and injury victim’s family’s obtain settlements and verdicts. Michael Wilensky is recognized as an experienced and committed advocate and litigator by insurance companies, defense attorneys, and judges. He has been continuously recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine as a Georgia Legal Elite.

Email: mwilensky@ga-legalteam.com

Practice Areas

• Wrongful Death Claims
• Injuries to Children
• Personal & Serious Injury
• Serious Auto Collisions
• Motorcycle Collisions
• Tractor-Trailer Collisions
• Boat Collisions
• Bicycle/Pedestrian v. Car Collisions
• Slip & Fall / Premises Wrongful Death
• Medical Negligence
• Nursing Home Negligence
• Wrongful Prescriptions

Education

• University of Maryland School of Law, J.D.
• University of Georgia, B.A.

Admissions

• Georgia State Courts
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
• Pro Hac Vice Admission in Florida

Awards

• Legal Elite, Georgia Trend Magazine, 2013, 2014

Pro Bono Work

• Georgia Legal Services

Professional Memberships/Activities

• State Bar of Georgia
• Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
• Georgia Trial Lawyers Association Legislative Committee
• American Association for Justice
• Georgia Personal Injury Attorney Group
• Atlanta Bar Association
• Anti-Defamation League Glass Leadership Institute
• Physicians’ Care Clinic Past Board Member (www.physicianscareclinic.org)

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Tiffany M. Simmons, Simmons Law

Tiffany M. Simmons is an attorney and media personality dedicated to being a relentless advocate for her community. She is managing partner at Simmons Law, a law firm in Atlanta, Georgia, which focuses on criminal defense, business law, and entertainment. She represents celebrities, businesses, and the everyday citizen. Most recently, she successfully secured acquittals in the trial (and multiple re-trials) of Lula Smart and the Quitman 12, a group of minority political activists unfairly accused of voter fraud in the Brooks County, Georgia election in late 2013. Tiffany was also a part of the litigation team for a case that appeared on CNBCs American Greed, a weekly, true crime television documentary series. Simmons has been honored with the Client Distinction Award in both 2013 and 2014 from Martindale-Hubbell for being in the top one percent of her profession.

A distinguished leader in the community, Simmons has served on the board of several organizations with a mission to provide greater access to healthcare and provide resources for the welfare and education of children. In July 2014, Tiffany instituted the “Simmons Law Memorial Scholarship”, an academic scholarship in honor of her grandparents, for the benefit of Michigan high school seniors.   Simmons’ likable personality and passionate advocacy has landed her on TV, radio, and in print. She has appeared on media programs, including CNN’s HLN After Dark, as well as talk and radio shows. Simmons is a published author writing for the American Bar Association and  other publications. She is also a
speaker, pushing her series, “More Than Just A Pretty Face”, to empower women – young and old – to be freed from labels and perspectives that keep them from realizing their dreams.  She appeared on Atlanta Legal Experts Radio last year.  You can view her interview here: Tiffany Simmons

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Anne Tyler Hamby w/ Hamby Benefits Law, LLC

Prior to forming Hamby Benefits Law, LLC, Anne Tyler Hamby (“Anne Tyler”) practiced employee benefits law with Alston & Bird LLP and King & Spalding LLP, two of Atlanta’s largest law firms. She earned a Master of Laws in Taxation, with distinction, from Georgetown University Law Center and her Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law. Anne Tyler earned a Master of Science in International Development from the University of Bath. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics, magna cum laude, from Birmingham-Southern College.

Representative Case/Client

• Multinational telecommunications company with Atlanta subsidiary
  Led negotiation of a reduction of more than 80 percent of the original 401(k) retirement plan penalty assessment by the Department of Labor.
• Staffing company, Atlanta, GA and Alpharetta, GA
  Prepared templates, policies and procedures for determination of full-time employee and variable hour employee status under the Affordable Care Act (to assist with defense in the event of a DOL audit).
• Community bank, Manchester, GA
  Advised on Code Section 409A issues related to a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP), which prevented a compliance error that would have cost the client more than $100,000.
• Multinational company with San Diego, CA subsidiary
  Reviewed purchase agreement and advised parent company of its ERISA obligations with respect to provision of long-term disability benefits to a legacy employee of a recently acquired subsidiary.
• Closely held concrete company, Alpharetta, GA
  Drafted Section 162 executive bonus plan agreements; prepared DOL top hat plan filing.
• Vision clinic with offices throughout Atlanta
  Advised on design and legal requirements for cash-out option alternative under its Section 125 cafeteria plan.
• Marketing company in Roswell, GA
  Prepared and filed IRS 401(k) plan correction for plan loan errors.

Anne Tyler was the featured speaker at a fiduciary training seminar in November 2014.  She was the moderator for “Fiduciary Bootcamp: Department of Labor Update” at the Southern Employee Benefits Conference in September 2014 with speaker Robert Lewis, Regional Counsel for ERISA  and Employee Benefits at the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Solicitor. She also spoke to a group of small business owners on “Retirement Plans: Washington Update” in September 2014. Anne Tyler spoke to the Community Bankers Association of Georgia on same sex spousal benefits and compliance issues in August 2014. Anne Tyler spoke to the Kettering Executive Network (KEN) Banking, Finance & Investment Group in June 2014 on employee benefit plan legal compliance issues. Anne Tyler spoke to the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce CEO Roundtable in April 2014 on health care reform legal updates.  She spoke to the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance in March 2014 on employee benefits legal updates. In February 2014, Anne Tyler spoke to the Cetera Financial Advisors on retirement plan legal updates.  Anne Tyler spoke to a group of employee benefits consultants and brokers in December 2013 on health care reform and risk mitigation.

Anne Tyler regularly speaks at employer “Lunch and Learns” on various employee benefit topics. Please contact Anne Tyler if you are interested in a speaker to discuss an employee benefits or executive compensation issue.

In her spare time, Anne Tyler enjoys running and biking.  She completed her first marathon in 2010 and completed her first triathlon in fall 2013.

Professional Associations and Memberships 

• Georgia State Bar, Employee Benefits Section
• Farrah Law Society, Board of Trustees
• Worldwide Employee Benefits, Atlanta Chapter, Steering Committee
• OnBoard, Membership Committee
• Southern Employee Benefits Conference
• Society for Human Resource Management, Atlanta Chapter
• Living Tree Charities, Board of Directors
• Georgia Association for Women Lawyers
• Association for Corporate Growth

Practice Areas Include:

• Retirement Plans (Qualified and Non-Qualified)
• Health and Welfare Benefits
• Executive Compensation

Alumni News

• “Alumni News,” Connection, King & Spalding Alumni Newsletter, Fall 2014

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Emily Rowell (Host), Jeff Melcher, Walt Murray, & Shean Williams

Walt Murray w/ Horizon Background Screening

Walt Murray, Vice President of Horizon Background Screening, has been involved in background checks investigations for more than 10 years.  His expertise ranges from pre-employment screening (including criminal and civil background checks, drug screening, motor vehicle and credit history, to surveillance and other field investigations. Walt has worked as an executive in two other companies, and has had to hire and dismiss employees, and so he has handled employment issues from both the on-boarding process side, and from the employer side.

Walt is a graduate of Kennesaw State University, and has lived in the Atlanta area since 1978.  Walt is active in his church and he and his wife have served as foster parents, and adopted two children from foster care.

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Jeff Melcher w/ Gordon Rees Scully Monsukhani, LLP

Jeff Melcher is a partner in the firm’s Atlanta, Raleigh and Birmingham offices, and serves as the managing partner for the Birmingham office. Mr. Melcher specializes in commercial and insurance litigation.  He has more than 25 years of litigation experience, which includes varied representation of civil trucking and transportation clients, and matters involving D&O and commercial litigation claims, insurance coverage/bad faith matters, business disputes, general liability, commercial liability, professional malpractice, real estate, premises and casualty, appellate, and domestic litigation. He has tried numerous civil cases in state and federal courts, and is admitted in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

Mr. Melcher also has an extensive background in employment law litigation. He has successfully defended employers in a wide range of employment claims, including restrictive covenant litigation and negotiating employment contracts.

Admissions

Georgia
North Carolina
Tennessee
Alabama
U.S. District Court, Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Middle, Western and Eastern Districts of North Carolina
U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Alabama
Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit

Memberships

Defense Research Institute (DRI)
American Bar Association
Atlanta Bar Association
Lawyers Club of Atlanta
Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA)
Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
Claims & Litigation Management Alliance

Community Involvement

Atlanta Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program

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Shean Williams w/ The Cochran Firm

Shean Decarlos Williams is a Partner and trial Attorney in the Atlanta office of the Cochran Firm – Cochran, Cherry, Givens, Smith, Sistrunk, & Sams.  Mr. Williams pursued an academic and football career at Miami University in Ohio, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance in 1993.  He obtained his Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law in 1996.  Mr. Williams is currently licensed to practice law in the federal courts, as well as the trial and appellate courts of the State of Georgia.

Shean Williams has been a member of the State Bar of Georgia since 1996.  He is also a member of such professional organizations as the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America), the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, Gate City Bar Association, National Bar Association, and the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America (formerly the Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America).

During his legal career, Mr. Williams has been committed to fighting for injured people and their families in areas of Trucking Litigation, Premise Liability, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Litigation, Products Liability, and Business Litigation.  His tenacity and work-ethic are key factors in his ability to get full value settlements and jury verdicts for his clients in even the most complex cases.  Mr. Williams is proud to have obtained many multi-million dollar verdicts and settlement for his injured clients.  Specifically, Mr. Williams was one of the lead attorneys that obtained a $20 million dollar wrongful death verdict in Clayton County, Georgia and a 17.5 million dollar verdict in Fulton County, Georgia.

In addition to his legal career, Mr. Williams is firmly committed to helping build a strong community, donating time and money to many diverse civic groups, including: New Mercies Christian Church, Project Destiny, Inc., Green Pastures Christian Church, The Winning Circle, and Star Struck Foundation.

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S Scriber, E Foulkes, A Jordan, A Knight, A Marks, J Rosen, & E Rowell

Joseph H. Rosen w/ Immigration Law Group

Attorney Joseph H. Rosen is a 1982 Cum Laude graduate of Delaware School of Law. He is admitted to practice in California and Georgia. Prior to founding the Joseph H. Rosen Immigration Law Group, Joe Rosen served more than 30 years with the U.S. government. For 20 of those years Joe was an FBI Special Agent and a U.S. Customs Special Agent. Joe Rosen is a past President of the North Fulton Bar Association, an Adjunct Professor of Law at John Marshall Law School, a former contract legal instructor with the U.S. government, and a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Mr. Rosen specializes in representing U.S. citizens who are marrying foreign nationals, foreign nationals employed in the U.S. or opening businesses in the U.S., foreign national athletes coaching or playing in the U.S., and legal permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship.  Today, he discusses President Obama’s proposals on Immigration Reform and how they help small businesses in the U.S.

Contact Joe Rosen at joe@jhrosenlaw.com

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Stephen Scriber w/ Scriber Law

Stephen Scriber, a graduate of Duke University School of Law, is an experienced wills, trusts, and estate planning practitioner based in Midtown. He believes in serving his client’s needs with commitment, integrity, and honesty while minimizing costs and stress. In addition to running a growing practice, he has numerous involvements with charitable and nonprofit organizations in Atlanta, serving on the board of theAtlanta Peachtree Lions Club and the Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia. He is also a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, Gate City Bar Association, and the Duke Club of Atlanta.

In addition to his work, Stephen has numerous involvements with charitable and nonprofit organizations in Atlanta. Stephen is an active runner, having completed several half-marathons and marathons, and is slowly picking up rock climbing. He lives in Midtown with his two dogs and a cat.

Education

Duke University School of Law
Juris Doctor, May 2011

• B.S. Womble Scholar (2008-2011)
• Alaska Law Review, Casenote Editor (2009-2011);
• Duke Forum for Law & Social Change, Internal Managing Editor (2009-2011);
• Duke OUTLaw (LGBT Alliance), President (2009-2010)

University of Mississippi

• Master of Arts cum laude, May 2008

Amherst College

• Bachelor of Arts cum laude, May 2006

Admissions

• State Bar of Georgia

Memberships

• Atlanta Peachtree Lions Club (Board Member)
• Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia (Board Member)
• CHRIS Kids (Outreach Committee)
• Atlanta Habitat for Humanity
• Atlanta Bar Association
• Gate City Bar Association
• National LGBT Bar Association
• Duke Club of Atlanta
• Amherst Alumni Association
• City Club of Buckhead

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Emma I. Foulkes, CFP® w/ Commonwealth Business & Retirement Services 

Since 2001, I have been a trusted financial professional for my clients seeking to empower and educate them on retirement, investments, and financial planning. As a natural born leader, and Army Veteran, I’ve always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and it lead me to establish my own business – Commonwealth Business & Retirement Services (CBRS) in 2011. Being a business owner myself, I understand the unique challenges others face as they navigate the difficult financial concepts presented to them. I celebrate the distinctive qualities each of my clients have – be it gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc. and I help them find solutions that fit their unique lives.

I believe strongly in the advocacy of minorities, and make it a priority to serve my clients and community by participating in a variety of boards and associations that promote education, equality, and human rights. I serve as the Advocacy Chair of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), the Vice President of the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC), and a member of the Federal Club of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Commonwealth Business & Retirement Services and Cambridge are not affiliated

CFP® and Certified Financial Planner™ are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. These marks are awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Emma Foulkes offers securities in the following states: Georgia, Texas, Florida, California, Illinois, New Jersey & Oregon
Emma Foulkes is also insurance licensed in the following states:Georgia & Illinois

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Andrea M. Knight w/ Senterfitt & Knight, LLC

Since 2003, I have focused my practice exclusively on family law in Atlanta, including Dekalb, Cobb and Fulton County divorces, custody litigation, child support litigation, modification of child support, and metro Atlanta uncontested divorces. Prior to my work in family law, I practiced tax law at Alston & Bird, one of Atlanta’s top firms, where I represented corporations and individuals in tax matters. I find this tax and business background helpful in representing our clients. For 2009 and 2011, I was thrilled when Super Lawyers designated me as a Rising Star among divorce and family law attorneys in Georgia.

I enjoy the practice of family law. I am happiest when I can find a creative solution for settlement that satisfies the needs and concerns of two opposing parties. I also enjoy writing briefs, memos, and some of our more substantive letters.

I prefer to divide my time between the opposite ends of the spectrum, with most of my clients going through an uncontested divorce, settlement negotiations, and collaborative practice, and the rest of my cases in litigation.

I always have a select group of of contested cases, both because I enjoy litigation and because I feel it is crucial to drafting the best settlement agreements.  The small number of cases in litigation mean a comparatively higher level of attention. My cases in litigation have focused on custody and parenting time, particularly those involving mental health and substance abuse allegations. I have also litigated child support and parenting time deviations and for divorce litigation cases, I have litigated the division of marital estates and the distinction between marital and nonmarital property.

My experience litigating divorce, custody, and child support informs the terms of these settlement agreements. I am a fast drafter, and often draft agreements while I am meeting with clients. I am an advocate of the use of plain English in settlement agreements, and abhor legalese.  When your case concludes, you and your former spouse will be left with the daily task of living by the agreement. Most often, neither of you will have an attorney at your kitchen table to help you sort through an agreement full of “heretofores”, “wherebys”, and compound modifiers.

I received my law degree from the University of Texas School of Law (J.D. 2001, with honors), and my undergraduate degree from Georgia Tech (B.S. 1997, with honors) (admitted to Georgia bar in 2001). I am a member of the Charles Longstreet Weltner Family Law American Inn of Court, the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Family Law section.

I reside in intown Atlanta with my husband and our two children, where I serve as troop leader for my child’s scouting troop.

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Annie M. Jordan w/ Senterfitt & Knight, LLC

Annie Jordan joined Senterfitt and Knight after graduating from Georgia State University School of Law in 2013. Annie first developed her passion for family law from her mother, who is a family law specialist in Southern California.

While in law school, Annie focused on family law, litigation and alternative dispute resolution. In addition, she interned in the Fulton County Family Division for the Honorable Judge Wendy Shoob.  There she gained comprehensive training in family law litigation, as well as considerable insight into how family law cases are viewed from a Judge’s perspective. By the same token, she gained practical experience in handling complex financial disputes while working at the Philip C. Cook Tax Clinic where she served low income taxpayers. She also received a CALI Award for Advanced Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Since being admitted to the Georgia Bar, Annie has been active in the legal community.  She serves the on the Family Law committee for the Young Lawyers Division of the Georgia Bar, and is active in the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers.

In addition to her work at Senterfitt & Knight, Annie does pro bono work through the Safe Families Office of the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation and the DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. She also serves as a Guardian ad Litem in the Dekalb juvenile court.

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Aaron Marks w/ Marks Law Group

Aaron Marks, founder of the Marks Law Group, is a personal injury attorney specializing in representing those who have been injured and killed through the negligent operation of non-emergency medical transportation. Non-Emergency Medical Transport is any transportation to and from medical treatment by a third party. Many people take non-emergency medical transportation to dialysis, to their doctor, and to and from a group home. These vans are so prevalent you’ve probably passed one going to work today.

Experience:
Aaron Marks has handled catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases throughout Metro Atlanta against:

• Cities
• Municipalities
• National Retailers
• Police Departments
• Hospitals
• Nursing Homes
• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Companies
• Physicians
• Insurance Companies

Cases and Claims:

• $240,000 for disputed negligence against non-emergency medical transportation company
• $600,000 for disputed slip and fall against national retailer
• $200,000 for automobile accident resulting in crushed heal
• $175,000 for family in disputed auto accident
• $150,000 for man assaulted by employee at national retailer
• $300,000 for disputed car accident resulting in cervical fusion

Organizations and Associations:

• State Bar of Georgia
• Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
• DeKalb Bar Association
• Atlanta Bar Association
• American Association for Justice

Publications:

• Georgia Biking Accidents 101: Why Biking Accidents are Different
• Five Things to Know if You Are Injured at Wal-Mart
• Georgia Trucking Accidents 101: Why Trucking Accidents are Different
• Georgia Drunk Driving Accidents 101: Why Drunk Driving Accidents are Different
• Who Is Driving the Van? A Look at Non-Emergency Medical Transport Accidents

Since graduating from Georgia State University College of Law Aaron has pursued his interest in public service by serving on the Oakhurst Community Garden’s Board of Directors, College Heights Learning Center’s Nutrition Committee and becoming an active member of the City of Decatur. Aaron is not just another lawyer – he’s a passionate advocate for his client. Aaron routinely visits clients at home and at the hospital, negotiates with doctors, treatment centers and insurance companies, and makes sure the client is at the center of every decision. Aaron became an attorney because he wanted to help people. In his law practice Aaron helps injured people become whole again and regain their previous lives.

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