Donald Wagner's alma mater, the University of Miami School of Law, recently featured him in an article highlighting his impressive career transition. Wagner (J.D. '12) has moved from a 20-year military career—including taking his LSAT in Afghanistan and serving as an Army judge advocate across multiple continents—to civilian practice as a senior associate at Drew Eckl & Farnham in Atlanta. His unique path showcases how military service and legal expertise can intersect in extraordinary ways. Visit the University of Miami School of Law website to read the full article about Donald Wagner's inspiring journey from journalism to infantry officer to accomplished legal professional. ... Continue Reading
Is Negligence Per Se Alone Evidence of Bad Faith?
In the context of O.C.G.A. § 13-6-11, “bad faith” refers to the conduct of the defendant out of which the cause of action arose. Brown v. Baker, 197 Ga. App. 466, 467 (1990). Georgia’s appellate courts explain that bad faith: [C]annot be prompted by an honest mistake as to one's rights or duties but must result from some interested or sinister motive. Bad faith is not simply bad judgment or negligence, but it imports a dishonest purpose or some moral obliquity, and implies conscious doing of wrong, and means breach of known duty through some motive of interest or ill will. Rapid Grp., Inc. v. Yellow Cab of Columbus, Inc., 253 Ga. App. 43, 49 (2001); see also Metro. Atlanta Rapid ... Continue Reading
Five New Attorneys Join Drew Eckl & Farnham
ATLANTA, GA – Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to announce the addition of five new attorneys—Donald Wagner, Cali Campbell, Thomas Brooks Whilden, Megan McGoldrick, and Jacob Williams. These experienced attorneys bring valuable expertise and proven litigation skills to strengthen the firm’s ability to deliver comprehensive legal services across Georgia and the Southeast. "We're thrilled to welcome Donald Wagner, Cali Campbell, Thomas Brooks Whilden, Megan McGoldrick, and Jacob Williams to the firm," said Joe Chancey, Managing Partner of Drew Eckl & Farnham. "We're honored that they've chosen us as the best place to advance their careers, and we look forward to their contributions ... Continue Reading
Please Join Us for a Celebration of Life in Honor of Wray and Mary Lynn Eckl
We invite you to join us in honoring the memory of Wray and Mary Lynn Eckl, sharing stories, and reflecting on the impact they had on our lives. This gathering will be a time of remembrance, connection, and celebration of a life well lived. Whether you knew the Eckls as colleagues, friends, or family, your presence will help create a meaningful tribute to two people who meant so much to so many. Sunday, November 9th, 2025 1:30 PM - 3:30 PMWoodruff Arts Center1280 Peachtree St NEAtlanta, GA 30309 ... Continue Reading
Christy Walsh Takes the Stage at 24th Annual Law Firm COO & CFO Forum
We're excited to share that our Chief Operating Officer, Christy Walsh, will be speaking at the Thomson Reuters 24th Annual Law Firm COO & CFO Forum in Washington, DC. The event runs October 22-23, 2025, and Christy will take the stage on October 23 at 1:00 PM. Christy will join fellow industry leaders to discuss practical strategies for balancing leadership effectiveness with employee wellness, building strong firm cultures, and retaining top talent across generations. The panel will tackle how relationship-building and wellness practices can strengthen teams and improve collaborative efficiency—ultimately leading to better client engagement and sustained success. For more ... Continue Reading
DEF Sponsors 2025 CHOA Pickleball Benefit
Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to be a Full Court Sponsor of the second annual REMAX Center Pickleball Tournament benefiting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta! This year's tournament will take place on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025, at the Pickle and Social in Buford, GA. For more information and to register, please visit CHOA's website. By registering for the tournament, you will also have an opportunity to ask friends and family for support in your efforts for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Secures Defense Verdict in Mattress Product Liability Case
Photo (left to right) Barbara A. Marschalk, Lisa Richardson Atlanta, GA – September 15, 2025 – After a weeklong trial and just one hour of deliberation, a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia returned a complete defense verdict in favor of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co. which supplied the innerspring component in a mattress manufactured by Southerland Inc., in a product liability case involving allegations of a defective mattress. Drew Eckl & Farnham LLP attorneys Barbara A. Marschalk and Lisa Richardson represented Hickory Springs. The plaintiffs, John and Veronica Whitehead, alleged that a strain-aging defect in a mattress innerspring caused ... Continue Reading
Walking the Minefield: Understanding Where Employment Law Risks Exist
Navigating workplace laws can feel like walking through a minefield. Employers must balance productivity and business needs with a wide array of legal obligations. Employment law risks can arise in the simplest of situations: hiring, firing, discipline, medical leave, or responding to an injury. Understanding where those risks exist is the first step in avoiding costly litigation. A Snapshot of Workplace Laws Some of the most common laws employers must keep in mind include: Each of these carries its own rules, requirements, and penalties if not followed correctly. At-Will Employment vs. Unlawful Termination In most states, employment is “at will,” meaning an employer can ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Associates Join JAM Sports Kickball League
At Drew Eckl & Farnham, we believe that connection, camaraderie, and community extend beyond the courtroom. That’s why we’re thrilled to cheer on several of our associates who’ve teamed up to form Team SoSoDEF and joined the JAM Sports Kickball League this fall! Team SoSoDEF features Phillip Blackmar, Brooks Whilden, Robert Glaze, Joseph Rios, Jack Summer, Hayley Wilson, and Melissa Koefod, who will be competing in the self-officiated league at Piedmont Park from September through October. In this unique format, players and team captains make their own calls on the field, emphasizing sportsmanship and fair play. We're proud of our associates for getting involved in the community ... Continue Reading
Mike Bagley and Thomas Cauthen Featured in Agritrust’s Ethics Virtual Webinar
We're pleased to announce that two of our partners will be participating in Agritrust's upcoming Ethics Virtual Webinar. Mike Bagley will serve as one of the moderators, while Thomas Cauthen will join the expert panel discussion. The virtual event runs on Wednesday September 10th from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and will explore fundamental questions about professional ethics in Workers' Compensation, beginning with why studying ethics matters and establishing clear definitions for ethical practice. Participants will learn practical approaches for resolving perceived ethical issues that arise in professional settings. The webinar will also provide an in-depth examination of key professional ... Continue Reading