We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Wray Eckl, a founding partner of our firm. Mr. Eckl was a uniquely gifted attorney whose commitment to the practice of law was unwavering. He was passionate about his work every single day and dedicated himself tirelessly to the pursuit of excellence. In 1983, alongside Charles Drew and Clayton Farnham, Mr. Eckl co-founded Drew Eckl & Farnham. He poured his energy into building the firm, and he took great pride in its growth and success. Over the course of his distinguished career, Mr. Eckl centered his practice on civil tort litigation for both self-insureds and insureds. He practiced extensively throughout the state of Georgia and ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Earns 2024–2025 Mansfield Certified Plus Status: Celebrating Our Commitment to Inclusive Leadership
Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to have achieved Mansfield Certification Plus for 2024–2025, reflecting our steadfast commitment to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity. Looking ahead, we’re also pleased to confirm our renewed commitment to the 2025–2026 certification cycle, joining over 275 peer firms dedicated to a fairer, more transparent path to leadership in the law. Mansfield’s data-driven certification process ensures that all qualified talent has a fair and equal opportunity to advance into leadership roles. We have committed to making our advancement processes more transparent and to expanding talent pools for hiring and promotions. We also appreciate that a US ... Continue Reading
DEF Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers in America © and Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch ©
Please join us in congratulating the 31 Drew Eckl & Farnham attorneys who were named as 2026 Best Lawyers in America©, and the 10 who were named 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America©. 2026 Best Lawyers in America © John E. Adkisson, III Workers' Compensation Law - Employers James P. Anderson Workers' Compensation Law - Employers H. Michael Bagley Insurance Law, Workers' Compensation Law - Employers John C. Bruffey, Jr. Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Neil Brunetz Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendents Joseph C. Chancey Litigation - Real Estate Sandra S. Cho Workers' Compensation Law - Employers Dean Dellinger Workers' Compensation Law - ... Continue Reading
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Names DEF A Winner of the Metro Atlanta Top Workplaces 2025 Award
Drew Eckl & Farnham has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by Atlanta Top Workplaces 2025. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few. “Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud ... Continue Reading
Ann McElroy to Speak at NBI’s “Workers’ Compensation From Start to Finish” Webinar
Join us for “Workers’ Compensation From Start to Finish,” featuring attorney M. Ann McElroy, who will lead the session on “Key Elements of a Workers’ Compensation Case” on September 8, 2025 from 10:00 AM–11:00 AM and "Wage-Loss Benefits: What Every Workers' Comp Attorney Needs to Know" from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Whether you're a legal professional, claims administrator, or employer, this CLE webinar is a must-attend to navigate the complexities of workers’ comp—from defining what a covered injury looks like to understanding employee‑employer definitions and case fundamentals. Why you should attend: Save the date and register today! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly ... Continue Reading
Four New Attorneys Join Drew Eckl & Farnham
ATLANTA, GA – Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to announce the addition of four new attorneys—George Duncan, Hayley Wilson, Melissa Koefod, and Serreen Meki. 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 are pleased to welcome George, Hayley, Melissa, and Serreen to Drew Eckl & Farnham. Their strong backgrounds and legal experience will be valuable assets as we continue to serve our clients and grow our practice."— Joe Chancey, Managing Partner New Attorney Bios: These additions reflect Drew Eckl & Farnham's ongoing investment ... Continue Reading
Insurance Journal Features DEF Georgia Workers’ Comp Update
DEF's July 10th insight on Georgia's 2025 workers' compensation rule changes caught the attention of Insurance Journal, who shared our analysis with their audience. The piece, "What You Need to Know About the 2025 Georgia Workers' Compensation Rule Changes," breaks down the key regulatory updates affecting businesses and insurers in the state. Insurance Journal's coverage helps extend the reach of this important information to industry professionals who need to stay current on these developments. Read the full article here ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Gives Back: A Day of Service at PAWS Atlanta
At Drew Eckl & Farnham, we believe in making a positive impact in our community beyond the courtroom. Recently, our team, including our summer associates, had the privilege of volunteering at PAWS Atlanta, one of the few no-kill shelters in Georgia and a vital animal welfare organization in our city. Our team rolled up their sleeves to tackle several important projects that directly support PAWS Atlanta's mission. We moved large deliveries of cat litter and shelter pet food, sorted newspaper for kennel and litterbox lining, tidied up storage areas, and assembled new cat carriers for transporting animals to foster homes. Beyond the physical work, our team members spent quality time ... Continue Reading
What You Need to Know About the 2025 Georgia Workers’ Compensation Rule Changes
The Legislature made no statutory changes to the Workers Compensation Act in 2025. However, effective July 1, 2025, the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) has introduced several important updates to its rules. These changes include clarifications, organizational edits, and substantive revisions aimed at improving consistency and transparency in the workers' compensation process. Below is a quick overview of the most notable amendments: Attorney Fees on Medical Expenses (Rules 15(e) and 108(b)(8)) Under the new rules, attorneys may request fees on medical expenses in limited circumstances, even when income benefits are no longer being paid.To do this, ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Expands Its Team with Five New Attorneys
ATLANTA, GA – Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to announce the addition of five new attorneys—Rashad Johnson, M. Ann McElroy, Lexie Carmon, James Gates and Rashad Simon—as the firm continues its strategic growth across key practice areas. These talented attorneys bring diverse perspectives and strong litigation experience to support the firm’s mission of delivering exceptional legal services across Georgia and the Southeast. “We’re excited to welcome Rashad, Ann, James, Rashad, and Lexie to the firm,” said Joe Chancey, Managing Partner of Drew Eckl & Farnham. “We’re gratified that they’ve decided that we’re the best place to advance their careers and we look forward to their ... Continue Reading