On October 19, 2020, the Supreme Court of Georgia issued an Opinion in Johns et al. v. Suzuki Motor Of America, Inc. et al which held that Georgia’s apportionment statute – O.C.G.A.§ 51-12-33(a) – applies to a strict products liability claim under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11. In Johns, the plaintiff was seriously injured when the front brake on his Suzuki motorcycle failed suddenly. He later sued the designer and manufacturer of the motorcycle, Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and its wholly-owned subsidiary and American distributor, Suzuki Motor of America Inc. (SMAI), asserting a strict products liability claim based on a design defect, as well as two negligence claims for breach of a continuing ... Continue Reading
Partner Melody Kiella will be participating in “Navigating Uncertainty Together: Practical Strategies for Cultivating Resilience in 2020 & Beyond”
Partner Melody Kiella will be participating in “Navigating Uncertainty Together: Practical Strategies for Cultivating Resilience in 2020 & Beyond” with Stacey Dougan. This session is part of the DRI Virtual Annual Conference and is available to watch at your convenience beginning October 21st at 4pm. Watch here ... Continue Reading
DEF Workers Compensation Calculators
Our firm has provided WC calculators for your convenience. These calculators allow you to estimate your premium by calculating values including present value, Georgia PDD, average weekly wage. These calculators are for informational and educational purposes only. The use of these calculators is not considered legal advice and does not serve to establish an attorney/client relationship. Workers Compensation Calculators ... Continue Reading
In Memoriam: Clayton Farnham
Clayton H. Farnham, one of the founding name partners of Drew, Eckl & Farnham, passed away on October 17, 2020. Mr. Farnham was known for his energy, wit and deep passion for life. His breadth of knowledge was extraordinary and his story telling was legendary. Anyone who had the privilege of spending time with Clayton walked away better informed and greatly entertained. In addition to the wonderful force of his personality, he left us a great legacy when he helped create our law firm and we honor his traits of integrity, energy, and compassion in our culture to this day. Mr. Farnham’s practice was focused on the representation of property and mortgage insurers in ... Continue Reading
Drew Eckl & Farnham Leading the Way by Participating in the Inaugural Midsize Mansfield Rule Certification
Updated May 2, 2022: We are happy to announce Drew Eckl & Farnham received Midsize Mansfield Plus Certification. Midsize Mansfield Certification "Plus" status indicates that, in addition to meeting or exceeding the consideration requirements, the firms have successfully achieved 30 percent diverse representation in current leadership roles, formal client pitches, and staffing on key matters. We completed a rigorous 18-month collaboration with Diversity Lab - beginning in September 2020 - with built-in measurement, transparency, and accountability. Through our trailblazing participation in this inaugural Midsize Certification cohort, we have demonstrated a passionate commitment to ... Continue Reading
NEW COVID-19 RULING: FIRST GEORGIA RULING ON BUSINESS INCOME LOSS RELATED TO COVID-19
On October 6, 2020, a Georgia Federal Court issued the state’s first ruling addressing insureds’ business interruption claims related to COVID-19. Judge Thomas W. Thrash with the Northern District granted Allied Insurance Company’s motion to dismiss and denied plaintiffs’ motion to certify questions of law to the Georgia Supreme Court. The case is Henry’s Louisiana Grill, Inc. v. Allied Insurance Company of America, 1:20-cv-02939 (N.D. Ga. 10/6/20). Plaintiffs, Henry’s Louisiana Grill and Henry’s Uptown, are a restaurant and private party space, who ceased operations following the Executive Order declaring a “Public Health State of Emergency” issued by Georgia Governor Brian ... Continue Reading
LISTEN NOW: What Happens During and After an Arrest? Discussions with Criminal Lawyer Sara Becker
In this episode, host Christy Walsh will discuss what to do during and after an arrest with attorney Sara Becker. It is best to be prepared. Listen to this episode to know what your rights are, what you should and should not do, and find out if you can prevent detainment after the process has started. Listen Now ... Continue Reading
Jeff Ward Quoted in Plaintiffs and Defense Bars Unite for Courthouse Mask Fundraiser by the Daily Report
Plaintiffs and Defense Bars Unite for Courthouse Mask Fundraiser discusses how Georgia Defense Lawyers Association and Georgia Trial Lawyers Association have partnered together for a fundraiser to ease the process of reopening the courts. President of GDLA, Jeff Ward explained that Funds raised through Mask Up for Justice! will be allocated towards providing masks and other PPE of those who will be using the courthouse, including jurors, courthouse employees and lawyers. “We’re trying to get us back to normal, whatever that looks like in the time of COVID and get the courts safely reopened.” Full Article ... Continue Reading
Daily Report Highlights DEF Diversity Efforts in “How a Midsize Firm is Systematically Mapping Diversity Efforts Across the Talent Pipeline”
In "How a Midsize Firm is Systematically Mapping Diversity Efforts Across the Talent Pipeline", the Daily Report highlights how Drew Eckl & Farnham has accelerated the push to expand racial and gender diversity at Drew Eckl & Farnham. DEF has existing and recently launched initiatives that are designed to measurably increase the fraction of attorneys of color and women who achieve leadership roles and ultimately become an equity partner. "The 115-lawyer firm in January embarked on a comprehensive statistical review of its gender and racial diversity at all phases of the associate-to-equity partner talent pipeline and set five-year improvement targets." Read the full ... Continue Reading
LISTEN NOW: Drew Eckl & Farnham’s Podcast Episode on Depositions in Georgia in the Age of COVID-19
It's hard to imagine anything in today's world that has not been impacted by COVID-19. The legal profession is, of course, no exception. Lawyers must be prepared each day to respond and adjust to the shifting sets of challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. The goal for each attorney should be to provide excellent legal services while ensuring that everyone involved stays healthy and safe. SO WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT DEPOSITIONS DURING THIS TIME? Listen the Episode Now Do you have a topic you'd like to hear about? Click the link below and fill out the form to let us know. Submit Topic Suggestions ... Continue Reading