EDUCATION
The University of Georgia School of Law
Juris Doctor Degree, May 1990
Honors/Activities: Regents’ Opportunity Scholarship Recipient. 1990 ATLA Mock Trial Team. Russell Moot Court Competition. Fall 1989 Mock Trial Semifinalist. Spring 1989 Mock Trial Competition. Mathematics Tutor. Community Service Award Recipient. Student Bar Association. American Bar Association/Law Student Division. Big Brother Society. Intramural Sports. Orientation Leader.
The University of Georgia
Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics, June 1987
Honors/Activities: Dean’s List. Mathematics Tutor. Phi Alpha Delta. Big Brother/Big Sister Society. Intramural Sports.
View Recent Significant Litigation & Settlements
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
COPELAND, HAUGABROOK AND WALKER
Attorneys At Law, Valdosta, Georgia
January 1992 – Present
Partner: Area of practice includes Civil Litigation, Criminal Law (Federal and State Courts throughout the Southeastern United States – Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas), Domestic Law, Medical Malpractice/Negligence Claims, Personal Injury Cases (e.g., automobile accidents, slip and fall claims), Probate Law, Workers’ Compensation and Wrongful Death Claims; and, negotiated thousands of civil cases (e.g., personal injury, workers’ compensation and wrongful death claims) and contractual matters worth significant sums for clients, including professional athletes and entertainers.
Entertainment Endeavors: Represent professional athletes and entertainers; and, negotiate deals and attend events surrounding the NFL Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Games.
Legal Associations
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
- American Trial Lawyers Association
- Valdosta Bar Association
COPELAND AND THOMAS
June 1990 – December 1991
Associate: Admitted to practice in the United States District Court of the Middle District of Georgia, Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals. Tried civil and criminal cases. Drafted and argued civil and criminal motions in Federal, State and Superior Courts. Negotiated hundreds of personal injury and workers’ compensation claims and other contractual matters.
LEGAL AID AND DEFENDER SOCIETY
May 1983 – August 1989
Law Clerk: Certified to practice in State and Superior Courts. Tried jury and non-jury cases. Conducted preliminary, bond and probation revocation hearings. Argued motions in State Court. Drafted motions, pleadings, memoranda, and discovery. Interviewed defendants and witnesses. Researched criminal issues. Served subpoenas. Observed numerous Municipal, State and Superior Court Trials. During the latter months of 1990, commenced trying felony cases.
AUSLEY, MCMULLEN, MCGHEE, CAROTHERS & PROCTOR
July 1989 – August 1989
Law Clerk: Worked closely with an associate to prepare a personal injury case for trial. Researched civil issues. Drafted memoranda. Observed and participated in depositions.
MYRA D. WRIGHT, Esquire
December 1988 – January 1989
Law Clerk: Assisted in residential real estate closings. Drafted wills and memoranda. Conducted title searches.
THE BURROUGHS FIRM
June – August 1988
Law Clerk: Coordinated all phases of an insurance claim including investigation, negotiation, and final settlement. Commenced foreclosure proceedings. Drafted all documents for the appointment of an administrator. Drafted civil complaints. Drafted employment contracts. Formed corporations. Interviewed clients. Draft memoranda. Researched civil issues. Researched public records. Assisted and participated in estate closings. Prepared real estate closing documents.
TOMMY COTTON, Esquire
June – August 1987
Attorney Assistant: Drafted divorce complaints and settlement agreements. Conducted title searches. Researched civil issues. Observed client interviews. Observed civil and criminal trials.
WRIGHT & WRIGHT
June – August 1986
Attorney Assistant: Prepared interrogatories for prospective jurors and observed numerous criminal trials. Researched public records. Observed and participated in client interviews.