Christopher Wood Law School: Mercer University School of Law Under Grad: Georgia Tech Fields of Interest: Corporate, Data Privacy, and Workers' Compensation Is there anyone who influenced you to become a lawyer? My family, specifically my wife Shannon, has been very influential from the idea stage on. They have always encouraged me that I would be a good fit for, and be able to excel in, the legal profession. What are some activities you do when you are not studying or working? I am married with a soon to be two year old girl and I try to spend as much time with them as possible. As for specifics I enjoy books, movies, and restoring a 1972 pickup truck that we ... Continue Reading
DEF Spotlight: 2020 Summer Associate Alexander Essex
Alexander Essex Law School: Georgia State University Undergrad: University of Georgia Field(s) of Interest: Workers Compensation, First Party Insurance, Corporate Law, and Commercial Law Is there anyone who influenced you to become a lawyer? There hasn’t been one specific individual who’s especially influenced my decision to become a lawyer, but I have had enormous support from many people along the way. I’ve appreciated encouragement from former teachers, professors, coaches, and my family in pursuit of my legal career. What are some activities you do when you are not studying or working? In my free time I enjoy golfing, fishing, and taking my motorcycle to open ... Continue Reading
DEF Spotlight: 2020 Summer Associate Joi Siler
Joi Siler Law School: University of Georgia- School of Law Undergrad: Baylor University Field(s) of Interest: Anything that gets me in a courtroom. In all honesty, I’m excited to use this summer as an opportunity to figure it out. Is there anyone who influenced you to become a lawyer? No one influenced me to be a lawyer, I think the reason I’m becoming a lawyer is the opposite. Growing up I didn’t really know that many lawyers, which made me want to be one. What are some activities you do when you are not studying or working? Somehow I have still managed to keep my love for reading during law school so I read a lot. I also really enjoy reupholstering chairs and ... Continue Reading
DEF Spotlight: 2020 Summer Associate Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly Law School: Wake Forest University School of Law Undergrad: Florida State University Field(s) of Interest: Litigation, specifically trial work. Anything related to business, insurance, and employment Is there anyone who influenced you to become a lawyer? My late grandfather was an influential part of my decision to pursue law. Also, Anabelle Dias, the criminal defense attorney I worked for in college was inspiration because she zealously defended all of her clients and actually cared about what happened to them. She always said she wanted referrals not repeat clients. What are some activities you do when you are not studying or working? I love watching ... Continue Reading
DEF Spotlight: 2020 Summer Associate Tyrra Walker
Tyrra Walker Law School: Georgia State University College of Law Undergrad: Spelman College Field(s) of Interest: Litigation Is there anyone who influenced you to become a lawyer? While at Spelman College, I attended an event on campus hosted by the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys ("GABWA"). After listening to many successful African-American, female lawyers and judges speak so candidly and passionately about the profession, any doubts that I previously had disappeared. I knew that this was the career for me. What are some activities you do when you are not studying or working? When I am not studying or working, I enjoy practicing hot yoga and ... Continue Reading
Innovative Virtual Summer Associate Program Highlighted in the Daily Report
Drew Eckl & Farnham was featured in an article published by the Daily Report on July 16th, highlighting the variations our firm made to our "normal" Summer Associate Program. Like other firms, due to COVID-19, our firm had to reconstruct our program to ensure that while it's remote, it remains productive and beneficial to our summer associates. Thanks to the ticketing system our IT department formulated, our partners are able to more efficiently assign projects and provide feedback to the committee. "Drew Eckl & Farnham’s summer program leaders, Taylor Poncz and Stephen Graham, said they lobbied to keep their program, despite the complications of making it virtual, because they ... Continue Reading
COVID-19 Forward Focused, What are the Legal Obligations of Returning to Your Workplace?
Attorneys Dan Kniffen and Neil Brunetz participated in a webinar with Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council to explore safety precautions that need to be considered prior to reopening businesses during COVID-19. Dan and Neil address health and safety considerations, test screenings and privacy concerns. ... Continue Reading
COVID-19 Forward Focused | What are the Legal Obligations of Returning to the Workplace?
Attorneys Dan Kniffen and Neil Brunetz participated in a webinar with Georgia Minority Supplier Development Counsil to explore safety precautions that need to be considered prior to reopening businesses during COVID-19. Dan and Neil address health and safety considerations, test screenings and privacy concerns. Watch the Webinar ... Continue Reading
COURT ISSUES FIRST RULING IN A COVID-19 RELATED FIRST PARTY PROPERTY CLAIM
On July 1, 2020, Michigan Circuit Court Judge Joyce Draganchuk issued what it appears to be to be the first U.S. court decision in an insured’s first party property lawsuit against an insurance carrier seeking business interruption coverage as a result of a governor’s shelter-in-place order. See Gavrilides Management Company v. Michigan Insurance Company. The insurer filed a motion for summary disposition asking the Michigan Court to rule as a matter of law that its policy did not provide coverage for business interruption losses caused by COVID-19 shelter-in-place order. Judge Draganchuk agreed with the insurer. The hearing on the motion is posted on You Tube. Michigan ... Continue Reading
Georgia Supreme Court Refrains from Finding Active Tortfeasor Limitation Unconstitutional
On June 29, 2020, the Georgia Supreme Court issued its Opinion in Reid v. Morris, a case challenging the constitutionality of the active tortfeasor limitation in Georgia’s punitive damages statute. Partner Elissa Haynes served as amicus counsel for the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, arguing remotely before the Georgia Supreme Court and co-authoring the brief with GDLA Vice President Marty Levinson. The case involved a direct appeal from state court following a motor vehicle collision between plaintiff and Morris, a drunk driver. Plaintiff also sued a second uninsured and unrepresented defendant, Stroud, for negligent entrustment. The record revealed that Stroud had no involvement ... Continue Reading