In a unanimous 14 page decision issued on July 10, 2023, the Appellate Division of the State Board of Worker's Compensation held that the COVID-19 virus cannot constitute a compensable injury, as opposed to an Occupational Disease, unless it results naturally and unavoidably from an “identifiable physical occurrence,” such as a needle stick. Bonds v Atlanta Public Schools, ICMS Reference No. 21544083. Drew, Eckl & Farnham presented a brief and oral argument in the appeal on behalf of the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Association and the Group Funds Association, as Amicus Curiae. In the three years since the COVID pandemic, thousands of COVID claims have been filed under ... Continue Reading
Summer Highlight: Meet Bree’ara Murphy
What/Who inspired you to become a lawyer? I am inspired by the prospect of being the first attorney in my family, and I am encouraged by my mentors across professions who believe in my abilities. I love to learn, and see joining the legal field as an opportunity to fuel my passion for lifelong discovery and service to others. What are some activities you enjoy doing when you are not studying or working? I enjoy cooking and trying new restaurants, travelling, anything related to music, spending time in nature, and spending time with my family! If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be and why? I have always thought it would be awesome to be able to fly! ... Continue Reading
Summer Highlight: Meet Cody Turner
1.What/who inspired you to become a lawyer? I've always wanted to be a person that makes a real difference in people's lives and in the world. I think lawyers have a lot of opportunities to do that throughout their careers. 2.What are some activities you enjoy doing when you are not studying or working? I've played tennis since high school and played in college, so I still love to play it when I have the free time. I'm also trying to pick up golf, but it's harder than it looks. 3.What event/experience are you most looking forward this summer? I am looking forward to getting more hands-on legal experience. I don't have any lawyers in my family or really know any other than the ... Continue Reading
Summer Highlight: Meet Joseph Rios
1.What/who inspired you to become a lawyer? Both of my parents are immigrants, so I distinctly remember going to one of their consultations with an immigration law attorney when I was a young child. At some point during the consultation, the attorney asked if I would like to help her "draft" some documents so I would not get bored, which I did, albeit with too many typos to count. Ever since that moment, I knew that I wanted to be an attorney. 2.What are some activities you enjoy doing when you are not studying or working? I enjoy hiking and spending time with my fiancée and our three pets. 3.What event/experience are you most looking forward this summer? I'm a huge Braves ... Continue Reading
Summer Highlight: Meet Benjamin Brewton
1.What/who inspired you to become a lawyer? The American ideal of jurisprudence 2.What are some activities you enjoy doing when you are not studying or working? Anything outdoors, particularly fishing and land management. 3.What event/experience are you most looking forward this summer? I am looking forward to sitting in on some mediations and learning about that process. 4.If you were an item in a happy meal, what would you be and why? I believe I would be the 2001 Snoopy #4 Boy Scout Edition Snoopy complete with flashlight because I am doglike in my loyalty and I enjoy the outdoors. ... Continue Reading
Barbara Marschalk wins election for the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Board
Congratulations to Barbara Marschalk on her election to Georgia Defense Lawyers Association (GDLA) Board! This is a significant achievement and Barbara's hard work on the GDLA Legislative Action Committee, coupled with her outstanding reputation as a lawyer, played a crucial role in securing her victory. She will be on the Board effective June 2023. If you’d like to read more about Barbara Marschalk, click below to read her full bio: ... Continue Reading
Barbara A. Marschalk speaks at the 2023 State Court Judges’ Spring Conference
Barbara A. Marschalk co-presented the Civil Case Law Update to Georgia trial judges who attended the annual State Court Judges’ Spring Conference in Athens, GA on May 19, 2023. During this presentation, Ms. Marschalk identified and discussed key appellate decisions from both the Georgia Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court that impact the trial judges who preside over a wide variety of civil cases. ... Continue Reading
DEF recognized as the 2023 Top Work Places in Atlanta
Drew Eckl & Farnham is honored to be recognized as one of the 2023 Top Work Places by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. This is the second time that the firm has been recognized as one of Atlanta’s top workplaces. The firm is nominated for this award via a survey by our employees and it recognizes our unwavering dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to achieve their full potential. Click the link below to read the full article: ... Continue Reading