Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are rapidly becoming one of the most significant environmental regulatory challenges facing businesses today. Used historically in products ranging from nonstick cookware to fire-fighting foam and industrial coatings, PFAS persist in the environment and have drawn increased scrutiny from regulators at both the federal and state levels. A Rapidly Evolving Regulatory Landscape In recent years, regulators have accelerated efforts to address PFAS contamination. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated certain PFAS compounds as hazardous substances under federal law and has introduced ... Continue Reading
DEF Partners Deliver Key Presentations at 2026 Judicial CLE Event
Two of our firm’s partners, Barbara A. Marschalk and Matthew A. Nanninga, were honored to present at the 2026 State Court Judges’ Spring Conference, a premier annual continuing legal education (CLE) event held last week for members of Georgia’s judiciary. Barbara A. Marschalk delivered a comprehensive case law update, highlighting significant appellate decisions from the past year. Her presentation provided judges with critical insights into evolving legal precedents and their practical implications for trial courts across the state. Matthew A. Nanninga presented on Georgia’s recent tort reform as it relates to negligent security cases, offering an in-depth analysis of the recent ... Continue Reading
Practical Use of AI: Don’t be a Cautionary Tale
In today’s world, the injection of artificial intelligence (AI) is painfully prevalent in everyday life. From social media to simple Google searches, an individual is likely to run into information that has been produced by a seemingly sentient machine in the clouds. When used correctly, AI can prove to be an incredibly valuable resource for any business venture. However, failure to responsibly rely on AI-generated information tends to result in the user’s own peril, especially when it comes to matters of the law. Courts and judges are increasingly cracking down on the misuse of AI and the replacement of human work with that of artificial intelligence. Take the ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham to Relocate Atlanta Headquarters to Midtown in Upcoming Move
Drew Eckl & Farnham has announced plans to relocate its Atlanta headquarters from Downtown to Midtown, returning to the area where the firm was founded more than 40 years ago. By the end of the year, the firm plans to occupy a rare, single‑floor 40,124‑square‑foot space at 1375 Peachtree under a 16‑year lease, consolidating its Atlanta office onto one level and adopting a more efficient, uniform office layout. The planned move represents a return to the firm’s roots while positioning it competitively within Atlanta’s evolving legal market. [Read the full article from Law.com here.] ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Welcomes Four New Attorneys
ATLANTA, GA – Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to announce the addition of four attorneys to its Atlanta office—Andrew Howard, Kipling Biggs, Bryce McCarter, and Robert Watts. Each brings valuable litigation experience that further enhances the firm’s defense capabilities across Georgia and the Southeast. “We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew, Kipling, Bryce, and Robert to Drew Eckl & Farnham,” said Joe Chancey, Managing Partner. “They are skilled attorneys and we look forward to their positive contributions to the culture, reputation, and future of our firm.” These additions reflect Drew Eckl & Farnham’s ongoing investment in legal talent and its dedication to providing ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Ranked No. 15 on the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s List of Biggest Law Firms in Metro Atlanta
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