Franklin T. (“Flin”) Coleman, IV is Of Counsel in Drew Eckl & Farnham’s Albany office. His practice is currently focused in Premises Liability, but Flin also has extensive experience in Local Government Liability, particularly Employment Discrimination and Civil Rights Defense of local government entities.
In 2017, Flin was lead defense counsel in Jackson v. McCurry, et. al., obtaining summary judgment in favor of the defendants and later successfully arguing before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to affirm that judgment. This case is noted for establishing that a search of a student cell phone by school personnel on reasonable grounds does not violate the 4th amendment and further defining the ability of school official for controlling who is present on school grounds and when. Additionally, the case established more explicit guidance for the role superintendents may have in determining who may appear on the agenda to speak at a board meeting and for what reasons.
In 2021, Flin obtained summary judgment, later upheld by the Georgia Court of Appeals, in favor of the City in Hall v. City of Blakely, a case which gave further definition to the parameters of the ante litem statue for municipalities.
Prior to joining Drew Eckl & Farnham, in July of 2021, Flin practiced with Perry & Walters, LLP in Albany, GA, where he focused primarily on local government. Flin has previously served as City prosecutor for numerous Municipalities and started his career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Dougherty Judicial Circuit.