Drew Eckl & Farnham continues to be recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle for its success as an Atlanta law firm. We have been ranked No. 15 on Atlanta Business Chronicle’s List of Biggest Law Firms in Metro Atlanta for 2026. Some of the Firm's key practice areas were highlighted including workers' compensation defense, general liability defense, commercial transportation defense, corporate and transactional law, and insurance coverage. To view a complete list of practice areas for the firm, visit our Practice Areas page. ... Continue Reading
How to Handle the Pro Se Plaintiff: Practical Guidance for Claims Professionals
Much like in life, the business of insurance defense is about the cards we are dealt with. The more experience you have, the easier it is to know the good cards, the bad cards and how to play them. But what happens when you are dealt with a “wildcard”? This is what it can feel like when matched against a self-represented, or pro se, litigant. Whether as a claims adjuster or an insurance defense attorney, we often take for granted that the process from the initial claim through litigation will follow a standard procedure. But the introduction of someone who is unfamiliar with ... Continue Reading
A Practical Guide to the Panel of Physicians
The panel of physicians can be a pivotal aspect to any workers’ compensation claim. With a proper panel, the employer can limit which physicians an injured employee can designate as their Authorized Treating Physician. While this may seem insignificant, whether the panel is valid can greatly affect the potential exposure in a claim. If there is no panel posted on the date of injury, or if the panel posted is invalid for any reason, the injured employee can control the medical care throughout the life of the claim. This means that the injured employee can pursue care from a provider who might be known to assign prolonged work restrictions or prescribe extensive but ultimately ... Continue Reading
Three New Attorneys Join Drew Eckl & Farnham
ATLANTA, GA – Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to announce the addition of three new attorneys—Grace Chung, Marion Martin, and Joe Spivey. 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 excited to welcome Grace Chung, Marion Martin, and Joe Spivey to Drew Eckl & Farnham," said Joe Chancey, Managing Partner of Drew Eckl & Farnham. "Each of these attorneys brings a unique combination of experience, dedication, and client focus that aligns perfectly with our firm's values. We're confident they'll make immediate contributions to our ... Continue Reading
Congratulations to Our New Partners for 2026
ATLANTA, GA – Drew Eckl & Farnham is pleased to announce the promotion of Megan Mathews Noble and Honey Shaw to Partner, effective January 1, 2026. These promotions recognize their exceptional client service, legal expertise, and dedication to the firm's continued success. "We are thrilled to promote Megan and Honey to Partner," said Joe Chancey, Managing Partner of Drew Eckl & Farnham. "Their election recognizes their dedication, hard work, and commitment to the values that define our firm. We thank these attorneys for being important parts of our success." These promotions reflect Drew Eckl & Farnham's commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence, and its ... Continue Reading
Join Partner Brian Johnson for a Retail & Hospitality Webinar Hosted by The Harmonie Group
Partner Brian Johnson will host the upcoming Harmonie Group Retail & Hospitality Webinar, titled “From Claims to the Courtroom: Defense Strategies for Emerging Risks in Retail & Hospitality Litigation” on December 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET (12:00 PM CT). Brian Johnson will serve as a co-host and guide attendees through an afternoon of valuable insights and interactive discussion, featuring three comprehensive presentations followed by a live roundtable session where participants can submit questions and engage directly with industry experts. This webinar features three comprehensive topic presentations, followed by a live roundtable discussion where you’ll have the opportunity to ... Continue Reading
Miami Law Highlights Alumnus Donald Wagner’s Journey from Army Judge Advocate to Atlanta Firm
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