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
Primer on Non-Judicial Tax Sales for the Real Estate Investor
Most real estate investors have at least a passing familiarity with the concept of a “tax sale” or the acquisition of tax delinquent property subsequent to foreclosure. Although there are several ways to acquire tax delinquent properties, this primer relates to purchasing properties subject to non-judicial foreclosure. The process begins with a tax-delinquent property owner receiving notice of delinquency from the tax commissioner. The owner of the delinquent property then has 30 days from that notice in which to pay the taxes that are owed. If they fail to do so, the tax commissioner may issue a “writ of fieri facias”, which is Latin for “cause it to be done”, and is commonly ... Continue Reading
In Memoriam: Wray Eckl
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