Stephens County Lawyers

Lester Tate is a trial lawyer who served as the 48th President of the State Bar of Georgia. Since 1996, he has practiced as a shareholder in Akin & Tate, P.C., Georgia’s oldest continuing law firm. He has won numerous million dollar plus verdicts and settlements for his client and has been widely recognized as one of the state’s top lawyers by various publications, including Georgia Trend Magazine, which named him to its list of “Georgia’s Legal Elite,” and Atlanta Magazine, which has repeatedly named him as a “Super Lawyer.” He is currently the Vice Chairman...

I was an Atlanta Police Officer and Sergeant for 25 years. I returned to John Marshall Law School in 1991 and graduated and passed the Georgia Bar Exam in 1994. I have concentrated on Residential Real Estate Closings.

Gerry Balboni is an experienced deal lawyer representing growth companies, investors, and buyers and sellers of growth companies. He has distinctive expertise in venture capital, private equity, acquisitions, and licensing and distribution of technology and software. Gerry brings a results-oriented approach to every engagement. He knows what works and what doesn't. Gerry graduated from the University of South Florida in 1975 with a B.A. in English, from the Graduate School of Business of Stetson University in 1977 with an MBA, and from the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama in 1984 with a J.D., cum laude....

Jess Johnson is one of the best young lawyers in Georgia. He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” in criminal defense and civil litigation by Super Lawyers Magazine for the past several years. While only 2.5% of lawyers in Georgia under the age of 40 receive such an honor, Jess was first named to this list after only 3 years of practice.

Jess has been instrumental in our firm’s success in both trials and appeals. In his very first trial, Jess was awarded an Acquittal Award from the Federal Defender Program for helping our firm win a “not guilty” verdict...

In 2023, David was part of the trial team that obtained a $38.6 million verdict in a complex medical malpractice case. In 2022, he was lead counsel in two medical malpractice jury trials and obtained jury verdicts for his clients in each. In addition to trial work, David is routinely retained to represent clients in complex appellate matters with outstanding results. David has argued, and won, cases at the Georgia Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Georgia Court of Appeals. Before forming starting his own firm, David practiced for a decade at the premier medical malpractice...

The Brody Law Firm is a boutique criminal defense firm with a special focus on the defense of sex offense allegations. Bernard has been recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine, Atlanta Magazine’s Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, for his work in the courtroom and his tireless work ethic that has led to countless dismissals of cases prior to trial.

Bernard is a frequent speaker at Georgia trial lawyers seminars on topics involving Sex Offense Allegations, Computer Forensics, Appellate Advocacy and Federal Asset Forfeiture. He has handled a number of high profile...

David A. Stevens is an attorney at the Atlanta veterans disability legal office, McElreath & Stevens, LLC. He has been practicing law since 2002, and is a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Dekalb Bar Association, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. At the firm, Mr. Stevens is committed to helping veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. To find out about retaining the representation of Attorney Stevens, contact the firm today!

Jason L. Nohr is an experienced trial and appellate attorney with over twenty years of experience handling complex civil litigation in state and federal trial courts involving those who have suffered catastrophic injuries and wrongful death caused by the negligence of both corporations and individuals. Martindale-Hubbell has awarded Mr. Nohr with an AV rating, the highest peer review rating available. According to Martindale-Hubbell, an AV rating identifies a lawyer with very high to preeminent legal ability, and is a reflection of his expertise, experience, integrity and overall professional excellence. Mr. Nohr practices in the area of injury...

Andrew Beal earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. For over 25 years, Drew has represented individuals and businesses in state and federal courts all across the Southeast. He primarily focuses on commercial claims, such as shareholder disputes and those involving professional negligence. Drew began his own practice in order to provide high-quality, personalized business representation and litigation services to commercial clients. Ed is also proud to serve those who need help resolving workers’ compensation claims and insurance benefit disputes. He is AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the highest honors an attorney can receive.

Albert Wan is an attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in criminal defense and civil rights litigation. He is admitted to practice in Georgia and New York courts. To learn more about Mr. Wan and his law practice please visit his website at: http://www.albertwanlaw.com

Katie has spent her entire legal career advocating for her clients. She spent over 14 years as a public defender in Fulton County, representing individuals charged with felony crimes at the trial and appellate level. Most of her career at the public defender’s office was spent in the complex felony unit, representing people charged with the most serious crimes; murder, armed robbery, sex crimes and drug trafficking. More recently, Katie was a partner in a boutique law firm, trying cases and representing clients all over the Metro Atlanta area. Her many years in the courtroom have earned her a reputation...

Ashley McCartney, LLC is a law firm in Atlanta, GA focusing on family law, business and civil litigation.

Ivan is the son of a U.S. Marine Major General, and grew up in an environment in which one’s word is sacred, and duty and honor are prized values. Ivan carries these values in to his practice and in to the courtroom and is frequently complimented by opposing counsel for his ability to press a vigorous position while being faithful to his core values of candor and trustworthiness.

Admitted to the Bars of West Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas Ivan received his Juris Doctor from the University Of Virginia School Of Law and his focus has been products liability and...

Nathan Heber is a highly awarded lawyer with an exceptional background in high-stakes litigation. As a Founding Partner of Heber Han PC, he represents average, everyday people in their fight for justice and fairness—a calling that often involves battling the largest corporations and governmental agencies. Nathan handles federal court appeals for those who have received unfavorable SSA ALJ decisions. He draws from his 11 years of experience as an attorney with SSA, including eight years in the Office of General Counsel, where he played a key role in the development and implementation of programs designed to increase the...

Brandon strives to be a great listener, counselor, and advocate, in that order. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University, magna cum laude, and then went on to graduate in the top half of his class at the University of Georgia School of Law.

Prior to graduation from law school Brandon excelled in his externship which landed him a job as an Assistant District Attorney for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. While at the DA’s office, Brandon grew comfortable in the courtroom, successfully obtaining winning jury verdicts in all but his very first trial.

After departing the DA’s office, Brandon spent...

Beverly Cohen has been representing clients in divorce and family law matters for over 20 years. She has a reputation for providing her clients with the highest level of representation in the most cost-effective manner. Beverly is dedicated to creating an environment of trust and confidence between her clients and herself. She prides herself on maintaining communication with her clients, promptly returning phone calls, responding to emails, and reasonable billing practices. Her knowledge, experience, and dedication to her clients has resulted in a high level of client satisfaction. At the time she began practicing law, Beverly...

Attorney Jeff Fouts’ family has been living in North Georgia since 1860. Jeff and his wife, Laura, have two children, Alex and Eden. Jeff is a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia (since 1993), the State Bar of Atlanta, and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and has attended the Investment Training Institute and has received financial planning training. He formerly held a license as a registered investment advisor to assist clients with financial planning. When not working on his clients’ behalf, Jeff...

Partner David Messer brings a dynamic courtroom presence and significant trial experience to the firm, which he joined in 2007. As a trial lawyer in Oklahoma for six years, David achieved both legally and socially significant appeals and courtroom victories. His current trial practice focuses on a full spectrum of business law, with an emphasis on all phases of business litigation and dispute resolution, including trials, appeals, mediation, and arbitration. David has been successful in oil and gas litigation, construction and engineering disputes, homeowners' association disputes, election disputes, and business disputes of all kinds, including high net-worth matters involving family-owned...

Received his B.A. from Southern Mississippi in 1991. Received his M.S. from The University of Kentucky in 1994. Received his J.D. from the University of Tennessee in 1997. Practiced Bankruptcy Law since 1998. Work as In-house Corporate Legal Counsel for 11 years with over 100 Jury and Bench trials. Served as lead counsel for cases ranging from small claims to multi-million dollar cases.

Cortney has 20 years of litigation experience, serving as lead counsel in over 120 patent-infringement litigations. He also represents clients in proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (e.g., IPR proceedings) and in appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. • S.M.R Innovations v. Apple (W.D. Tex.), Motorola (D. Del.), LG, and Samsung (E.D. Tex.): Lead counsel in cases involving patents for routing multimedia between electronic devices. • POWERbahn (N.D. Ga.): Represented technology innovator in asserting patents related to exercise equipment that better simulated real-life conditions. Claims resolved after district court denied Defendants’ motions for summary...

With a strong focus on the RIA space, I provide valuable counsel to RIAs of all sizes, from start-ups to firms managing billions of dollars in assets. As a Chief Compliance Officer and Securities Attorney, I understand the evolving challenges faced by RIAs and the importance of maintaining compliance. At My RIA Lawyer, we are dedicated solely to serving the RIA community, making us the go-to law firm for RIA compliance and legal matters. Our team of RIA compliance and legal nerds are ready to assist you in navigating the complex legal landscape of the RIA world. We provide tailored solutions...

Glenn graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law. He began practicing Workers’ Compensation law in 1999. He came an equity partner at a large insurance defense firm in 2005. In 2014, he, along with Jeff Snell, founded Bobe and Snell, LLC. Glenn has been an active member in the Georgia State Bar Association, Atlanta Bar Association, North Fulton Bar Association and the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Division. Glenn is licensed in the Georgia Supreme Court, Georgia Court of Appeals, Northern District of the U.S. Federal, as well as all Georgia Superior, State, and Magistrate Courts. Over...

Professional History:
> 2005-present: Owner, Bockhop Intellectual Property Law, LLC
> 2002-2005: Partner, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP
> 2000-2002: Founding Partner, Bockhop & Reich, LLP
> 1994-2000: Associate, Needle & Rosenberg, PC
> 1988-1991: IBM - Design Engineer (Designed arithmetic logic circuits used in CPU of AS/400 computer)
> 1980-1985: U.S. Naval Officer - Electrical Officer USS Nicholson (DD 982)
Education:
> J.D., University of Georgia School of Law, 1994
> M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Iowa, 1988 Research and Thesis: Switching Properties of Non-Linear Optical Interface; Eta Kappa Nu Electrical Engineering Honors Society
> B.S., General Science, The University of Iowa, 1980
> US Navy Gas...

A dedicated attorney based in Georgia, specializing in intellectual property, business law, real estate, and estate planning. I graduated from Barry University School of Law in 2016 and have been able to garner diverse experiences including conducting unemployment hearings for State governments and working as a trademark attorney. I now own my own law firm, ACM Law Group, where we work to help IP, real estate, and business in various areas.

Darren is a personal injury lawyer. His clients are victims of serious injury. He takes great pride in doing his job well, and his work ethic has paid off for his clients.

Darren has been recognized as one of the top injury lawyers in Georgia and named a Super Lawyers Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Atlanta Magazine. Only 2.5% of all lawyers in Georgia are selected as Rising Stars. Darren has also been recognized as one of Georgia’s Legal Elite by Georgia Trend Magazine; as one of the Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers;...

Bonnie Rich has nearly 30 years of experience in a variety of taxation, estate planning, and business law matters. She has represented individuals, business owners, and local governments and has served as in house counsel for a major financial services corporation. From 2008 until 2018 she taught law students valuable skills in litigation, client counseling, and professional and ethical responsibility by supervising and mentoring those students as they represented clients through a clinical taxation course at the Georgia State University College of Law. Bonnie was a member of the Georgia General Assembly during the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 legislative...

Our clients are innovative 7 and 8 figure companies with national and global reach. They create brands, license software, and distribute content to Fortune 500 enterprises, governmental agencies and strategic partners. The diverse industries we serve include technology, food and beverages, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, consulting and professional services.

We align with middle market business leaders who value agile, responsive legal collaboration, and profit-focused guidance. Many clients are founders, families and friends who've grown their privately held businesses through savvy acumen and faithful perseverance. We commit to your success, and build longstanding relationships as trusted advisors.

Matthew Van Dyke has a service-driven practice with a specific focus of adding value and maximizing efficiencies for the Client. Mr. Van Dyke believes that it takes a cooperative effort in order to accomplish the Client’s goals.

For his business clients, Mr. Van Dyke will work with you to add value to your organization while being efficient and minimizing the risks for litigation. However, if litigation does arise, Mr. Van Dyke will represent your interests zealously, both in the courtroom and in the boardroom. For clients who have been charged with a crime, Matthew will work with you and for you...

Philip Stewart is a Partner with Oberman Law Firm in Cumming, Georgia. His extensive experience includes both the acquisition and sale of various companies throughout the country working with strategic, private equity, and venture capital groups as well as representing his clients with other corporate matters. He received his BA in History with a minor in Spanish from Brigham Young University, then graduated magna cum laude from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University where he received the Faculty Award for Outstanding Achievement in Legal Writing and was a member of the mock trial team and Dean’s List. Philip...

I began my legal career with the Atlanta insurance defense law firm of Chambers, Mabry, McClelland & Brooks (now Mabry McClelland). I focused my trial practice exclusively on personal injury matters, including wrongful death cases, automobile accidents, truck accidents, and other cases involving catastrophic injuries. I am currently a partner at Hasty Pope, LLP. Visit us at www.hastypope.com.

Cortney M. Stuart's legal background began with the Superior Court of Athens, Georgia, where she interned while studying as an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, from which she graduated with Bachelors in Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Political Science. She later graduated from the Florida Coastal School of Law, cum laude, receiving her Juris Doctor in May of 2011, subsequently sitting for the Georgia and Tennessee Bars in July of 2011, and being admitted to both in November of 2011. In 2012, she began her career as an associate at the Law Offices of Edwin Marger, LLC. Under Edwin Marger's...

Amanda Gaddis Speights represents clients in divorce or family law matters, criminal matters, appeals, and other civil litigation. In family law matters, Amanda has guided and counseled clients in settling uncontested divorces, fought for clients' rights in contested divorces and child custody or child support proceedings, and ensured that clients resolved their family disputes with the best resolution possible for their family given the situation. In addition to her work on family law cases, Amanda has represented clients arrested for various crimes, including DUI, felony and misdemeanor drug offenses, theft crimes, assault or battery charges. Amanda is very...