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
Mike Bagley Appointed Chairperson of the State Bar of Georgia’s Standing Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Procedures
Partner Mike Bagley has been appointed the Chairperson of the State Bar of Georgia’s standing committee on Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. This standing committee advises the Executive Committee and Board of Governors with respect to all procedural and substantive disciplinary rules, policies and procedures. The committee drafts and/or is consulted about all Bar Rules which are later considered for adoption and implementation by the Board of Governors and Supreme Court. Mike Bagley has been practicing for more than 37 years in both First Party Insurance Matters and Workers’ Compensation defense. He has extensive experience in insurance coverage and in representing the health ... Continue Reading
DEF Named Most Innovative Law Firm for Path to Partnership Program
Drew Eckl & Farnham was selected by the Daily Report’s Georgia Legal Awards as an honoree for one of the Most Innovative Law Firms for our Path to Partnership program. We started this program in 2018 and each year it has proven to be exceptionally beneficial and successful. Read more about the Path to Partnership Program here Full list of honorees ... Continue Reading
DEF Ranked As One of the Largest U.S. Law Firms by NLJ 500
Drew Eckl & Farnham is proud to announce that we have been ranked as the 343 largest firm in the US on the National Law Journal 500. The NLJ 500 is a survey comprised of the largest U.S. based law firms. With over 115 attorneys, we are continuing to grow to exceed the needs of our clients. ... Continue Reading