Oliver Maner LLP

 Oliver Maner LLP

Savannah Trial and Transactional Attorneys

 Oliver Maner LLP

Oliver Maner LLP

Savannah Trial and Transactional Attorneys

Firm Overview

We have extremely qualified and experienced trial attorneys who represent clients in all types of civil litigation, including commercial litigation and personal injury litigation. The firm also has highly regarded and experienced attorneys who handle transactions, tax planning, and other complex matters for businesses and individuals.

A Reputation of Success and Integrity

Founded more than a century ago, Oliver Maner attorneys are known not only for providing superior, cost-effective legal services but also for their commitment to professionalism and ethics. Oliver Maner is an "A" rated firm, according to Martindale-Hubbell, a highly regarded organization that rates attorneys and law firms. Most of the partners of Oliver Maner have "A" ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, and many of our attorneys have been selected as "Best Lawyers" and "Super Lawyers" by other attorney rating organizations and publications.

We Are a Full-Service Law Firm

We are a full-service law firm, which allows us to better serve businesses and individuals. Our trial attorneys and transactional attorneys frequently work together to give clients the best possible results.

Main Office

Main Office
218 West State Street
Savannah, GA 31401

Phone

912-236-3311

Business

Savannah Business Law Attorneys

We handle a wide variety of transactions for local, regional, and national companies, as well as physicians, attorneys and other professionals.

Comprehensive Business Law Services

Our attorneys can handle virtually any legal matter for the firm's business clients, from assisting with business formation and strategizing at the birth of a business, to creating the contracts and conducting the transactions that keep a business viable, to selling or dissolving a business at the end of its lifecycle.

Some of the services we provide for business clients include:

-Creation of corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies (LLC)
-Corporate finance
-Retirement plans
-Employee benefits plans
-Contract creation, interpretation and negotiation
-Transactions, mergers and acquisitions
-Financial restructuring and workouts
-Non-compete agreements
-Buy-sell agreements
-Employment contracts
-Creditor representation and collection matters
-Commercial litigation

Our trial attorneys are well known for their success in handling business disputes, including "bet the company" litigation. We combine professional skill, the use of technology and an in-depth understanding of our clients' needs to provide superior cost-effective legal services for businesses.

 Oliver Maner LLP
William P. Franklin Jr.

William P. Franklin, Jr. is a Martindale Hubbell "AV" rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Franklin concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense, professional liability defense, and trial practice. He has defended a wide range of cases including products liability claims, premises liability claims, wrongful death and personal injury claims, and legal malpractice.

Mr. Franklin is a native of Buffalo, New York. He attended Hobart College and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Franklin attended the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1968.

Following his academic career, Mr. Franklin served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps from 1969 until 1973.

Mr. Franklin is the recipient of the 2014 Savannah Bar Association's Frank Cheatham Professionalism Award.

Mr. Franklin is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Savannah Bar Association, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.Mr. Franklin has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. He has been recipient of this honor for the past decade. In 2011, he was named Best Lawyers' Savannah Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year. Mr. Franklin has been named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine five of the past six years. Inclusion on this list is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia. He has also been named to the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers list six times.

Mr. Franklin is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

State University of New York, Buffalo School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
William P. Franklin Jr.

William P. Franklin, Jr. is a Martindale Hubbell "AV" rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Franklin concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense, professional liability defense, and trial practice. He has defended a wide range of cases including products liability claims, premises liability claims, wrongful death and personal injury claims, and legal malpractice.

Mr. Franklin is a native of Buffalo, New York. He attended Hobart College and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Franklin attended the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1968.

Following his academic career, Mr. Franklin served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps from 1969 until 1973.

Mr. Franklin is the recipient of the 2014 Savannah Bar Association's Frank Cheatham Professionalism Award.

Mr. Franklin is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Savannah Bar Association, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.Mr. Franklin has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. He has been recipient of this honor for the past decade. In 2011, he was named Best Lawyers' Savannah Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year. Mr. Franklin has been named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine five of the past six years. Inclusion on this list is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia. He has also been named to the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers list six times.

Mr. Franklin is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

State University of New York, Buffalo School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
David Herschel Dickey

David H. Dickey, a Fellow of the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel ("ACTEC"), is one of the few attorneys from the Savannah area repeatedly selected by his peers for inclusion in Georgia Trend Magazine's LEGAL ELITE since 2003. He has also been selected by his peers to be listed in Atlanta Magazine's, Georgia Super Lawyers from 2004-present. Mr. Dickey has been listed in Best Lawyers in America (1989-present) in two separate and distinct fields "Taxation" and "Trusts & Estates." He has also been listed in the Best of the U.S. in the fields of Taxation and Estate Planning. He holds the Accredited Estate Planner designation offered by the National Association of Estate Planning Councils.

Mr. Dickey, a native of Savannah, is a partner concentrating in the areas of: income, estate and gift-tax planning; wills, trusts and estates; probate; corporations; commercial law; syndications; and the representation of professional and closelyheld business and professional enterprises.

In 1974, Mr. Dickey received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude in business administration with dual majors in Accounting and in Finance from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi honorary society. While at AASU, he obtained his Georgia Real Estate Salesman's License. During his senior year, he was awarded the National Association of Accountants' "Outstanding Accounting Student Key." In 1977, he was graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he served as a Senior Editor on the Georgia Law Review. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity, spearheaded the fraternity's legal research program for practicing attorneys and represented the Law School in the Student Senate. While in Athens, he was employed as a real estate salesman for Bulldog Realty. In 1977, he was also awarded a Masters of Accountancy in Taxation degree from the University of Georgia Graduate Business School. From 1979-1981, he worked as a Senior Accountant on the Family Tax Planning Team at Arthur Andersen & Co. in Atlanta. Mr. Dickey was awarded his Certified Public Accountant designation in 1981, and soon thereafter joined Oliver Maner LLP where he became a partner in 1982.

Mr. Dickey is a former president and Chairman of the Board of the Savannah Estate Planning Council and has chaired a subcommittee of the American Bar Association's Taxation Section. He has served on ACTEC's Asset Protection Committee. Mr. Dickey has served on the Board of Directors of: the Savannah Theatre Company; the Historic Savannah Foundation; the American Cancer Society; the National Association of Accountants; the First City Club; Chatham Savannah Citizen's Advocacy; the Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation; the Candler Hospital Foundation; the St. Joseph's/Candler Foundation and the Billy Bond Memorial Scholarship Fund. He is a member of the Skidaway Island Rotary Club, the Society of Colonial Wars, the St. Andrew's Society of Savannah, the Landings Club, the Savannah Civil War Roundtable, and the Chatham Club, and has served the following organizations in the denoted capacities: the Sons of Confederate Veterans (Past Commander); the Military Order of the Stars & Bars (Past Commander); L'Alliance Francaise de Savannah (Past President); the Sons of the Revolution in the State of Georgia (Past President) and the Edward Telfair Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (Past President).

He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, formerly served on the Development Committee of the Savannah Foundation, and is a member of the University of Georgia's President's Club and its Heritage Society. He has served as the Chairman of the Attorney's Division of the United Way of the Coastal Empire and as Education Funds Crusade Chairman of the Chatham County Division of the American Cancer Society. Mr. Dickey is a frequent lecturer who has taught estate planning and tax courses for the Chartered Life Underwriter program, the Fiduciary Law Institute of the State of Georgia, the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia and the Coastal Georgia Continuing Education Center. He has been published in several periodicals including the Estate Planning Magazine. He was formerly a member of the American Association of Attorney / Certified Public Accountants, Inc., and has been listed in Who's Who in American Law. He has been listed in Martindale Hubbell's Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He has also served on the Small Business Council of America, Inc., a national organization representing the interests of privately-owned business and professional entities in connection with Federal Tax legislation.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
David Herschel Dickey

David H. Dickey, a Fellow of the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel ("ACTEC"), is one of the few attorneys from the Savannah area repeatedly selected by his peers for inclusion in Georgia Trend Magazine's LEGAL ELITE since 2003. He has also been selected by his peers to be listed in Atlanta Magazine's, Georgia Super Lawyers from 2004-present. Mr. Dickey has been listed in Best Lawyers in America (1989-present) in two separate and distinct fields "Taxation" and "Trusts & Estates." He has also been listed in the Best of the U.S. in the fields of Taxation and Estate Planning. He holds the Accredited Estate Planner designation offered by the National Association of Estate Planning Councils.

Mr. Dickey, a native of Savannah, is a partner concentrating in the areas of: income, estate and gift-tax planning; wills, trusts and estates; probate; corporations; commercial law; syndications; and the representation of professional and closelyheld business and professional enterprises.

In 1974, Mr. Dickey received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude in business administration with dual majors in Accounting and in Finance from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi honorary society. While at AASU, he obtained his Georgia Real Estate Salesman's License. During his senior year, he was awarded the National Association of Accountants' "Outstanding Accounting Student Key." In 1977, he was graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he served as a Senior Editor on the Georgia Law Review. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity, spearheaded the fraternity's legal research program for practicing attorneys and represented the Law School in the Student Senate. While in Athens, he was employed as a real estate salesman for Bulldog Realty. In 1977, he was also awarded a Masters of Accountancy in Taxation degree from the University of Georgia Graduate Business School. From 1979-1981, he worked as a Senior Accountant on the Family Tax Planning Team at Arthur Andersen & Co. in Atlanta. Mr. Dickey was awarded his Certified Public Accountant designation in 1981, and soon thereafter joined Oliver Maner LLP where he became a partner in 1982.

Mr. Dickey is a former president and Chairman of the Board of the Savannah Estate Planning Council and has chaired a subcommittee of the American Bar Association's Taxation Section. He has served on ACTEC's Asset Protection Committee. Mr. Dickey has served on the Board of Directors of: the Savannah Theatre Company; the Historic Savannah Foundation; the American Cancer Society; the National Association of Accountants; the First City Club; Chatham Savannah Citizen's Advocacy; the Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation; the Candler Hospital Foundation; the St. Joseph's/Candler Foundation and the Billy Bond Memorial Scholarship Fund. He is a member of the Skidaway Island Rotary Club, the Society of Colonial Wars, the St. Andrew's Society of Savannah, the Landings Club, the Savannah Civil War Roundtable, and the Chatham Club, and has served the following organizations in the denoted capacities: the Sons of Confederate Veterans (Past Commander); the Military Order of the Stars & Bars (Past Commander); L'Alliance Francaise de Savannah (Past President); the Sons of the Revolution in the State of Georgia (Past President) and the Edward Telfair Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (Past President).

He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, formerly served on the Development Committee of the Savannah Foundation, and is a member of the University of Georgia's President's Club and its Heritage Society. He has served as the Chairman of the Attorney's Division of the United Way of the Coastal Empire and as Education Funds Crusade Chairman of the Chatham County Division of the American Cancer Society. Mr. Dickey is a frequent lecturer who has taught estate planning and tax courses for the Chartered Life Underwriter program, the Fiduciary Law Institute of the State of Georgia, the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia and the Coastal Georgia Continuing Education Center. He has been published in several periodicals including the Estate Planning Magazine. He was formerly a member of the American Association of Attorney / Certified Public Accountants, Inc., and has been listed in Who's Who in American Law. He has been listed in Martindale Hubbell's Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He has also served on the Small Business Council of America, Inc., a national organization representing the interests of privately-owned business and professional entities in connection with Federal Tax legislation.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
I. Gregory Hodges

I. Gregory Hodges is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Hodges concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense and other complex civil litigation, insurance defense, and plaintiff's personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Mr. Hodges is a native of Statesboro, Georgia. He attended Georgia Southern University, and graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Hodges attended the University of Georgia School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1981.

Mr. Hodges is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Savannah Bar Association, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Mr. Hodges has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. He has been a recipient of this honor each year since 2003. Mr. Hodges has been named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine every year since 2006. Inclusion on this list is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia. He has also been named to the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers list four times.

Mr. Hodges is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern districts of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
I. Gregory Hodges

I. Gregory Hodges is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Hodges concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense and other complex civil litigation, insurance defense, and plaintiff's personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Mr. Hodges is a native of Statesboro, Georgia. He attended Georgia Southern University, and graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Hodges attended the University of Georgia School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1981.

Mr. Hodges is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Savannah Bar Association, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Mr. Hodges has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. He has been a recipient of this honor each year since 2003. Mr. Hodges has been named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine every year since 2006. Inclusion on this list is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia. He has also been named to the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers list four times.

Mr. Hodges is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern districts of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Robert W. Schivera

Robert W. Schivera is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Schivera concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, business law including merger and acquisition, business and professional corporations, probate and estate administration, taxation and tax dispute resolution.

Mr. Schivera is originally from Huntington, New York. He attended The Citadel on an Army R.O.T.C. scholarship and graduated in 1969 in the top five percent of his class.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Schivera attended the Wake Forest University School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1972. Mr. Schivera also attended New York University School of Law, where, in 1976, he received a Master of Laws degree in Taxation.

Mr. Schivera served four years with the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1972 to 1976. He was designated a senior trial lawyer and served as a military magistrate.

Mr. Schivera is a member of the State Bar of Georgia (Fiduciary Law, Health Care and Corporate sections), and the Savannah Estate Planning Council. Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Schivera is a member of the Skidaway Island Kiwanis Club, The Chatham Club, Kappa Alpha Order Coastal Georgia Alumni Chapter, and a member and past officer of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. He is also a member and Past President of the Savannah Quarterback Club, the Savannah Area Citadel Club, and the Italian Society of Savannah. He is also a Past President and member of the Board of Directors of The Citadel Alumni Association and a member of Gridiron Society.

Mr. Schivera has been named a 2014 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Trusts and Estates, and has been listed in that publication since 2005. For 2014, Mr. Schivera was named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine. Mr. Schivera has been included on the list since 2005, which listing is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia.

Mr. Schivera is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the North Carolina state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits.

Mr. Schivera is married to the former Nena C. Mathews of Savannah. They have 3 children, Matthew W. Schivera, Kristen E. Schivera and Bryan A. Schivera.

Education

Wake Forest University School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Robert W. Schivera

Robert W. Schivera is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Schivera concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, business law including merger and acquisition, business and professional corporations, probate and estate administration, taxation and tax dispute resolution.

Mr. Schivera is originally from Huntington, New York. He attended The Citadel on an Army R.O.T.C. scholarship and graduated in 1969 in the top five percent of his class.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Schivera attended the Wake Forest University School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1972. Mr. Schivera also attended New York University School of Law, where, in 1976, he received a Master of Laws degree in Taxation.

Mr. Schivera served four years with the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1972 to 1976. He was designated a senior trial lawyer and served as a military magistrate.

Mr. Schivera is a member of the State Bar of Georgia (Fiduciary Law, Health Care and Corporate sections), and the Savannah Estate Planning Council. Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Schivera is a member of the Skidaway Island Kiwanis Club, The Chatham Club, Kappa Alpha Order Coastal Georgia Alumni Chapter, and a member and past officer of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. He is also a member and Past President of the Savannah Quarterback Club, the Savannah Area Citadel Club, and the Italian Society of Savannah. He is also a Past President and member of the Board of Directors of The Citadel Alumni Association and a member of Gridiron Society.

Mr. Schivera has been named a 2014 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Trusts and Estates, and has been listed in that publication since 2005. For 2014, Mr. Schivera was named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine. Mr. Schivera has been included on the list since 2005, which listing is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia.

Mr. Schivera is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the North Carolina state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits.

Mr. Schivera is married to the former Nena C. Mathews of Savannah. They have 3 children, Matthew W. Schivera, Kristen E. Schivera and Bryan A. Schivera.

Education

Wake Forest University School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Patrick T. O'Connor

Patrick T. O'Connor joined Oliver Maner LLP as a partner on January 1, 1990. His practice concentrates on business litigation, the defense of civil rights claims and the defense of legal malpractice and other professional negligence claims. Mr. O'Connor also represents plaintiffs in select personal injury and wrongful death cases. Mr. O'Connor is licensed to practice in all Georgia courts and numerous federal courts including the Georgia Supreme Court, the U. S. Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eleventh and Federal Circuits, and the United States Court of Federal Claims.

Mr. O'Connor is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America (in the categories of commercial litigation, legal malpractice law and alternative dispute resolution) for more than 10 years. He has been named one of the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers by Atlanta Magazine, has been listed in the Super Lawyers' Corporate Counsel Edition, and has received an "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell for many years. Mr. O'Connor has also been recognized as a member of the Georgia Legal Elite by Georgia Trend Magazine.

Mr. O'Connor is also a mediator and arbitrator, registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, and has served as a mediator or arbitrator in more than 900 cases, primarily involving personal injury, professional malpractice claims and commercial disputes. Mr. O'Connor is registered as an American Arbitration Association panel arbitrator. He is a founding member of the Georgia Academy of Mediators and Arbitrators.

From 1985 to 1995, Mr. O'Connor served as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Savannah-Chatham County Recorder's Court. From 1985 to 1989, he served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Savannah and continues to represent the City of Savannah. He has handled the defense of several hundred cases for municipalities, counties and their employees throughout Georgia. He presently represents numerous municipalities and counties on behalf of the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) and the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (ACCG-IRMA).

Mr. O'Connor has obtained favorable results for his clients in numerous reported appeals. Notable decisions include: We, The Taxpayers v. Board of Tax Assessors of Effingham County, 292 Ga. 31 (2012); Pollman v. Swan, 289 Ga. 767 (2011); King v. Toler, 296 Ga. App. 577 (2009); Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah v. Stevens, 278 Ga. 166 (2004); CSX Transportation, Inc. v. City of Garden City, 277 Ga. 248 (2003); Cameron v. Lang, 274 Ga. 122 (2001); City of Tybee Island v. Godinho, 270 Ga. 567 (1999); Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, P.C. v. Frame, 269 Ga. 844 (1998); Mayor & Aldermen of Savannah v. Radford, 261 Ga. 129 (1991); Banks v. Patton, 202 Ga. App. 168 (1991); Cyr v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 188 Ga. App. 261 (1988); Shuman v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 180 Ga. App. 427 (1986); and Sammor v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 176 Ga. App. 176 (1985).

Mr. O'Connor currently serves as the Secretary of the State Bar of Georgia. He has served as the 1995-96 President of the Savannah Bar Association and as President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Savannah Bar Association. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. O'Connor has served as member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia and the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia. He is a member of the Georgia ICLE Board of Trustees and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. O'Connor has served as the Chairman of the Southern District of Georgia Lawyers' Advisory Committee, is currently a member of the 11th Circuit Lawyer Qualifications Committee and has served as a member of the State Bar of Georgia Commission on Continuing Lawyer Competency. He has also been appointed by the Georgia Supreme Court to serve as a Mentor in The State Bar of Georgia's Transition Into Law Practice Program.

Mr. O'Connor currently serves on the Board of Directors of S Bank (a community bank based in Savannah with branches in Glennville, Reidsville and Hinesville) and its holding company, S BancShares, Inc.

After graduating from Statesboro High School in 1973, Mr. O'Connor received his B.A. degree from Auburn University in 1978. A journalism major, Mr. O'Connor wrote for several newspapers, including the Columbus Enquirer, The Birmingham News, The Auburn Plainsman and The Auburn Bulletin. He attended the University of Georgia Law School where he participated on the Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Team, served as Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Moot Court Board and coached Georgia's National Moot Court Team to the quarter-final round of the national competition in New York City. Mr. O'Connor received his J.D. degree from Georgia in 1981.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Patrick T. O'Connor

Patrick T. O'Connor joined Oliver Maner LLP as a partner on January 1, 1990. His practice concentrates on business litigation, the defense of civil rights claims and the defense of legal malpractice and other professional negligence claims. Mr. O'Connor also represents plaintiffs in select personal injury and wrongful death cases. Mr. O'Connor is licensed to practice in all Georgia courts and numerous federal courts including the Georgia Supreme Court, the U. S. Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eleventh and Federal Circuits, and the United States Court of Federal Claims.

Mr. O'Connor is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America (in the categories of commercial litigation, legal malpractice law and alternative dispute resolution) for more than 10 years. He has been named one of the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers by Atlanta Magazine, has been listed in the Super Lawyers' Corporate Counsel Edition, and has received an "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell for many years. Mr. O'Connor has also been recognized as a member of the Georgia Legal Elite by Georgia Trend Magazine.

Mr. O'Connor is also a mediator and arbitrator, registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, and has served as a mediator or arbitrator in more than 900 cases, primarily involving personal injury, professional malpractice claims and commercial disputes. Mr. O'Connor is registered as an American Arbitration Association panel arbitrator. He is a founding member of the Georgia Academy of Mediators and Arbitrators.

From 1985 to 1995, Mr. O'Connor served as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Savannah-Chatham County Recorder's Court. From 1985 to 1989, he served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Savannah and continues to represent the City of Savannah. He has handled the defense of several hundred cases for municipalities, counties and their employees throughout Georgia. He presently represents numerous municipalities and counties on behalf of the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) and the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (ACCG-IRMA).

Mr. O'Connor has obtained favorable results for his clients in numerous reported appeals. Notable decisions include: We, The Taxpayers v. Board of Tax Assessors of Effingham County, 292 Ga. 31 (2012); Pollman v. Swan, 289 Ga. 767 (2011); King v. Toler, 296 Ga. App. 577 (2009); Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah v. Stevens, 278 Ga. 166 (2004); CSX Transportation, Inc. v. City of Garden City, 277 Ga. 248 (2003); Cameron v. Lang, 274 Ga. 122 (2001); City of Tybee Island v. Godinho, 270 Ga. 567 (1999); Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, P.C. v. Frame, 269 Ga. 844 (1998); Mayor & Aldermen of Savannah v. Radford, 261 Ga. 129 (1991); Banks v. Patton, 202 Ga. App. 168 (1991); Cyr v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 188 Ga. App. 261 (1988); Shuman v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 180 Ga. App. 427 (1986); and Sammor v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 176 Ga. App. 176 (1985).

Mr. O'Connor currently serves as the Secretary of the State Bar of Georgia. He has served as the 1995-96 President of the Savannah Bar Association and as President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Savannah Bar Association. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. O'Connor has served as member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia and the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia. He is a member of the Georgia ICLE Board of Trustees and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. O'Connor has served as the Chairman of the Southern District of Georgia Lawyers' Advisory Committee, is currently a member of the 11th Circuit Lawyer Qualifications Committee and has served as a member of the State Bar of Georgia Commission on Continuing Lawyer Competency. He has also been appointed by the Georgia Supreme Court to serve as a Mentor in The State Bar of Georgia's Transition Into Law Practice Program.

Mr. O'Connor currently serves on the Board of Directors of S Bank (a community bank based in Savannah with branches in Glennville, Reidsville and Hinesville) and its holding company, S BancShares, Inc.

After graduating from Statesboro High School in 1973, Mr. O'Connor received his B.A. degree from Auburn University in 1978. A journalism major, Mr. O'Connor wrote for several newspapers, including the Columbus Enquirer, The Birmingham News, The Auburn Plainsman and The Auburn Bulletin. He attended the University of Georgia Law School where he participated on the Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Team, served as Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Moot Court Board and coached Georgia's National Moot Court Team to the quarter-final round of the national competition in New York City. Mr. O'Connor received his J.D. degree from Georgia in 1981.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
James P. Gerard

James P. Gerard is a Martindale and Hubbell "AV" rated partner in the Real Estate section of the firm. Mr. Gerard concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, commercial law (e.g., the areas of consumer protection, debtor/creditor relations, and secured lending), construction litigation, and municipal law. Mr. Gerard has also served as city attorney for Garden City, Georgia, since 1991, during which time he has also served as a consultant for a number of other municipalities in Southeast Georgia.

Mr. Gerard is a native of Ithaca, New York. He attended Duke University and graduated cum laude in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Gerard attended the University of Georgia School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1981.

Mr. Gerard has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Real Estate Law.

Mr. Gerard is a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

Mr. Gerard is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Federal Court of Claims

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
James P. Gerard

James P. Gerard is a Martindale and Hubbell "AV" rated partner in the Real Estate section of the firm. Mr. Gerard concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, commercial law (e.g., the areas of consumer protection, debtor/creditor relations, and secured lending), construction litigation, and municipal law. Mr. Gerard has also served as city attorney for Garden City, Georgia, since 1991, during which time he has also served as a consultant for a number of other municipalities in Southeast Georgia.

Mr. Gerard is a native of Ithaca, New York. He attended Duke University and graduated cum laude in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Gerard attended the University of Georgia School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1981.

Mr. Gerard has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Real Estate Law.

Mr. Gerard is a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

Mr. Gerard is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Federal Court of Claims

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Patricia Tanzer Paul

Patricia T. Paul is a partner with a practice emphasizing workers' compensation, employment, civil rights defense for public and private entities, and business and medical litigation.

Ms. Paul received her B.B.A. with General Honors in 1982 from the University of Georgia, with a major in International Business. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1985. After law school, from 1985 to 1988 she worked as the law clerk to The Honorable Perry Brannen, Jr., then-Administrative Judge (now Senior Judge) of the Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit, in Savannah. She became an associate attorney with Oliver Maner LLP in 1988, and a partner in 1993.

Ms. Paul is rated "AV" by Martindale Hubbell. She is listed in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of workers' compensation employers. She is named among Georgia Trend magazine's 2013 Legal Elite in labor and employment.

Ms. Paul is licensed to practice in all Georgia courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia, and the U. S. Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eleventh and Federal Circuits.

Ms. Paul is past-President of The Savannah Children's Theatre, Inc. and the Savannah Jaycees. Within the past few years she has twice been co-chair of the Attorney's Division of the local United Way Campaign. She is a graduate of the 1990-1992 class of Leadership Savannah.

She has obtained favorable results for clients in numerous decisions and appeals, including Liberty Nat'l Life Ins. Co. v. Coley, 201 Ga. App. 623 (1991); Tim's Crane & Rigging, Inc. v. Gibson, 278 Ga. 796 (2004); Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah v. Stevens, 278 Ga. 166 (2004); Doss v. City of Savannah, 290 Ga. App. 670 (2008); Marshall v Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, 366 Fed. App. 91 (2010); and Jackson v Deen, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 113458 (2013).

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Patricia Tanzer Paul

Patricia T. Paul is a partner with a practice emphasizing workers' compensation, employment, civil rights defense for public and private entities, and business and medical litigation.

Ms. Paul received her B.B.A. with General Honors in 1982 from the University of Georgia, with a major in International Business. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1985. After law school, from 1985 to 1988 she worked as the law clerk to The Honorable Perry Brannen, Jr., then-Administrative Judge (now Senior Judge) of the Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit, in Savannah. She became an associate attorney with Oliver Maner LLP in 1988, and a partner in 1993.

Ms. Paul is rated "AV" by Martindale Hubbell. She is listed in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of workers' compensation employers. She is named among Georgia Trend magazine's 2013 Legal Elite in labor and employment.

Ms. Paul is licensed to practice in all Georgia courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia, and the U. S. Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eleventh and Federal Circuits.

Ms. Paul is past-President of The Savannah Children's Theatre, Inc. and the Savannah Jaycees. Within the past few years she has twice been co-chair of the Attorney's Division of the local United Way Campaign. She is a graduate of the 1990-1992 class of Leadership Savannah.

She has obtained favorable results for clients in numerous decisions and appeals, including Liberty Nat'l Life Ins. Co. v. Coley, 201 Ga. App. 623 (1991); Tim's Crane & Rigging, Inc. v. Gibson, 278 Ga. 796 (2004); Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah v. Stevens, 278 Ga. 166 (2004); Doss v. City of Savannah, 290 Ga. App. 670 (2008); Marshall v Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, 366 Fed. App. 91 (2010); and Jackson v Deen, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 113458 (2013).

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Timothy D. Roberts

Tim Roberts is a "Martindale "AV" rated civil trial attorney who joined Oliver Maner LLP in 1994. Since 2009, he has been named in "The Best Lawyers in America" for commercial litigation. Mr. Roberts is recognized by Georgia Super Lawyers in the areas of business litigation and personal injury. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah class of 2000 and was recognized in 2005 as one of the "40 Business Leaders under 40" in the Savannah Business Report and Journal.

Mr. Robert's practice areas include commercial litigation, legal malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death, estate litigation, fiduciary litigation, and creditor representation. He also serves as outside general counsel for several local and regional businesses.

Mr. Roberts is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, National Association of Railroad Trial Lawyers, Savannah Bar Association, American Bar Association, and American Association of Justice. He served on the United Way of the Coastal Empire Campaign Committee for many years and is a former president of the Civitan Club of Savannah.

Mr. Roberts grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in 1988. He received his Juris Doctor from Mercer University in 1994. Prior to law school, Mr. Roberts was employed by the United States State Department in Washington, D.C. and Bank of America in Greensboro, North Carolina. During law school, he was employed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Timothy D. Roberts

Tim Roberts is a "Martindale "AV" rated civil trial attorney who joined Oliver Maner LLP in 1994. Since 2009, he has been named in "The Best Lawyers in America" for commercial litigation. Mr. Roberts is recognized by Georgia Super Lawyers in the areas of business litigation and personal injury. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah class of 2000 and was recognized in 2005 as one of the "40 Business Leaders under 40" in the Savannah Business Report and Journal.

Mr. Robert's practice areas include commercial litigation, legal malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death, estate litigation, fiduciary litigation, and creditor representation. He also serves as outside general counsel for several local and regional businesses.

Mr. Roberts is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, National Association of Railroad Trial Lawyers, Savannah Bar Association, American Bar Association, and American Association of Justice. He served on the United Way of the Coastal Empire Campaign Committee for many years and is a former president of the Civitan Club of Savannah.

Mr. Roberts grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in 1988. He received his Juris Doctor from Mercer University in 1994. Prior to law school, Mr. Roberts was employed by the United States State Department in Washington, D.C. and Bank of America in Greensboro, North Carolina. During law school, he was employed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Lee A. Summerford

Lee A. Summerford is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Summerford concentrates his practice in the areas of business law and estate planning. His business practice includes corporate, partnership and LLC formation, contract preparation and negotiation, sales and acquisitions, buy-sell agreements, and succession planning. His estate planning practice ranges from simple wills to complex tax-motivated estate planning, and he handles all aspects of probate, estate and trust administration. In addition, Mr. Summerford regularly deals with the Internal Revenue Service and State Department of Revenue on estate and income tax issues.

Mr. Summerford also handles a number of issues peculiar to physicians and medical practices including shareholder agreements, employment contracts, covenants not to compete, hospital privileges, and state and federal regulatory issues and compliance.

Mr. Summerford attended Mercer University, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science. While an undergraduate, Mr. Summerford was Grand Master (President) of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and was awarded the Kappa Sigma National Scholarship-Leadership Award. He also received the Georgia Baptist Heritage Scholarship and the Clifton Forrester Memorial Scholarship.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Summerford attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and received his Juris Doctor cum laude in 1996. While at Mercer, he served as Senior Managing Editor of the Mercer Law Review and was a member of the Brainerd Currie Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Mr. Summerford graduated in the top 2% of his class, and received American Jurisprudence Awards in Property, Torts, American Legal History, Civil Procedure II, and Secured Transactions (Article 9). He also was the recipient of the James C. Rehberg Academic Scholarship and was named the 1996 Tax Scholar by the Georgia Federal Tax Conference.

Mr. Summerford is a member of the State Bar of Georgia (Fiduciary Law, Health Care and Corporate sections), the Savannah Bar Association and the American Health Lawyers Association.

Mr. Summerford has been included in "Best Lawyers in America" for Trusts and Estates from 2003 through 2013. In addition, Mr. Summerford was named a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine in the area of Closely Held Businesses from 2006 to 2011. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 or have been in practice less than 10 years. In 2001, he was recognized as one of the top "40 Business Leaders Under 40" in the Savannah Business Report and Journal.

Mr. Summerford is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Georgia Supreme Court, and the United States Tax Court.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Lee A. Summerford

Lee A. Summerford is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Summerford concentrates his practice in the areas of business law and estate planning. His business practice includes corporate, partnership and LLC formation, contract preparation and negotiation, sales and acquisitions, buy-sell agreements, and succession planning. His estate planning practice ranges from simple wills to complex tax-motivated estate planning, and he handles all aspects of probate, estate and trust administration. In addition, Mr. Summerford regularly deals with the Internal Revenue Service and State Department of Revenue on estate and income tax issues.

Mr. Summerford also handles a number of issues peculiar to physicians and medical practices including shareholder agreements, employment contracts, covenants not to compete, hospital privileges, and state and federal regulatory issues and compliance.

Mr. Summerford attended Mercer University, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science. While an undergraduate, Mr. Summerford was Grand Master (President) of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and was awarded the Kappa Sigma National Scholarship-Leadership Award. He also received the Georgia Baptist Heritage Scholarship and the Clifton Forrester Memorial Scholarship.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Summerford attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and received his Juris Doctor cum laude in 1996. While at Mercer, he served as Senior Managing Editor of the Mercer Law Review and was a member of the Brainerd Currie Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Mr. Summerford graduated in the top 2% of his class, and received American Jurisprudence Awards in Property, Torts, American Legal History, Civil Procedure II, and Secured Transactions (Article 9). He also was the recipient of the James C. Rehberg Academic Scholarship and was named the 1996 Tax Scholar by the Georgia Federal Tax Conference.

Mr. Summerford is a member of the State Bar of Georgia (Fiduciary Law, Health Care and Corporate sections), the Savannah Bar Association and the American Health Lawyers Association.

Mr. Summerford has been included in "Best Lawyers in America" for Trusts and Estates from 2003 through 2013. In addition, Mr. Summerford was named a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine in the area of Closely Held Businesses from 2006 to 2011. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 or have been in practice less than 10 years. In 2001, he was recognized as one of the top "40 Business Leaders Under 40" in the Savannah Business Report and Journal.

Mr. Summerford is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Georgia Supreme Court, and the United States Tax Court.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Christopher L. Ray

Chris Ray is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Ray concentrates his practice primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death. Mr. Ray has enjoyed tremendous success in his defense of physicians and hospitals in numerous medical malpractice cases.

In addition to his work as a trial lawyer, Mr. Ray also serves as a mediator. Through this aspect of his practice, Mr. Ray is able to assist other lawyers and their clients in crafting mutually agreeable and sensible solutions to their disputes. He is a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and is available throughout the state to assist parties in both private and court-ordered mediations.

Mr. Ray graduated cum laude in 1991 from Princeton University, where he received an A.B. degree in History.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Ray attended Fordham Law School where he received his J.D. in 1994. While at Fordham, Mr. Ray was a member of the National Moot Court Team and the Fordham International Law Journal. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Ray served four years on active duty in the U.S. Army as a Captain in the JAG Corps.

Mr. Ray has been named to Best Lawyers in America for 2013 in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs; and has been recognized as a Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyer in Atlanta Magazine. Also, he has been voted the Best Lawyer in Savannah by the readers of Savannah Magazine on two occasions.

Education

Fordham University School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Christopher L. Ray

Chris Ray is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Ray concentrates his practice primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death. Mr. Ray has enjoyed tremendous success in his defense of physicians and hospitals in numerous medical malpractice cases.

In addition to his work as a trial lawyer, Mr. Ray also serves as a mediator. Through this aspect of his practice, Mr. Ray is able to assist other lawyers and their clients in crafting mutually agreeable and sensible solutions to their disputes. He is a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and is available throughout the state to assist parties in both private and court-ordered mediations.

Mr. Ray graduated cum laude in 1991 from Princeton University, where he received an A.B. degree in History.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Ray attended Fordham Law School where he received his J.D. in 1994. While at Fordham, Mr. Ray was a member of the National Moot Court Team and the Fordham International Law Journal. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Ray served four years on active duty in the U.S. Army as a Captain in the JAG Corps.

Mr. Ray has been named to Best Lawyers in America for 2013 in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs; and has been recognized as a Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyer in Atlanta Magazine. Also, he has been voted the Best Lawyer in Savannah by the readers of Savannah Magazine on two occasions.

Education

Fordham University School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Douglas J. Giorgio III

Douglas J. Giorgio, III, is a partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Giorgio concentrates his practice in the areas corporate law, federal tax law, estate planning, and estate administration and probate.

Mr. Giorgio was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Savannah. He attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Philosophy. While at Notre Dame, Mr. Giorgio was a member of the University's golf team where he served as Captain his senior year. Upon graduation, Mr. Giorgio spent the following year in Florida participating in professional golf "mini-tours".

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Giorgio attended Georgia State University and earned a Master of Taxation and became a certified public accountant. He worked for Price Waterhouse in Savannah and, later, as a Senior Accountant and Manager for Cooper & Lybrand in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

In 1998, Mr. Giorgio entered law school at the University of South Carolina School of Law, and received his Juirs Doctor in 2001. While in law school, he was a member of the South Carolina Law Review.

Mr. Giorgio is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the State Bar of South Carolina, and the Savannah Bar Association. He is also a member of Savannah Estate Planning Council and a member of the Board of Directors for the Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Mr. Giorgia has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Trusts and Estates. In 2010, Mr. Giorgio was selected as a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years.

Mr. Giorgio is admitted to practice before the Georgia and South Carolina state courts.

Education

University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Douglas J. Giorgio III

Douglas J. Giorgio, III, is a partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Giorgio concentrates his practice in the areas corporate law, federal tax law, estate planning, and estate administration and probate.

Mr. Giorgio was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Savannah. He attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Philosophy. While at Notre Dame, Mr. Giorgio was a member of the University's golf team where he served as Captain his senior year. Upon graduation, Mr. Giorgio spent the following year in Florida participating in professional golf "mini-tours".

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Giorgio attended Georgia State University and earned a Master of Taxation and became a certified public accountant. He worked for Price Waterhouse in Savannah and, later, as a Senior Accountant and Manager for Cooper & Lybrand in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

In 1998, Mr. Giorgio entered law school at the University of South Carolina School of Law, and received his Juirs Doctor in 2001. While in law school, he was a member of the South Carolina Law Review.

Mr. Giorgio is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the State Bar of South Carolina, and the Savannah Bar Association. He is also a member of Savannah Estate Planning Council and a member of the Board of Directors for the Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Mr. Giorgia has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Trusts and Estates. In 2010, Mr. Giorgio was selected as a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years.

Mr. Giorgio is admitted to practice before the Georgia and South Carolina state courts.

Education

University of South Carolina School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Alison Sawyer Kennickell

Alison Kennickell is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the litigation section of the firm. Ms. Kennickell concentrates her practice in the areas of trial practice, primarily in the area of medical malpractice defense.

A native of Clemson, South Carolina, Ms. Kennickell graduated summa cum laude in 1998 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in American Studies. While attending the University of Tennessee, Ms. Kennickell was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Upon earning her undergraduate degree, Ms. Kennickell attended the University of Georgia School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor cum laude in 2002. While at Georgia, Ms. Kennickell was a member of the Georgia Moot Court Team, where she competed with and coached the ABA Moot Court Team.

Ms. Kennickell has been named to the 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Medical Malpractice Defendants. Also, Ms. Kennickell has been twice named a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years.

Ms. Kennickell is a member of the Georgia State Bar, the Savannah Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers. Outside of her law practice, Ms. Kennickell has been an instructor of law at Armstrong Atlantic State University's Continuing Education program. She has also been involved in various civic and volunteer organizations.

Ms. Kennickell is admitted to practice in all Georgia state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Alison Sawyer Kennickell

Alison Kennickell is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the litigation section of the firm. Ms. Kennickell concentrates her practice in the areas of trial practice, primarily in the area of medical malpractice defense.

A native of Clemson, South Carolina, Ms. Kennickell graduated summa cum laude in 1998 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in American Studies. While attending the University of Tennessee, Ms. Kennickell was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Upon earning her undergraduate degree, Ms. Kennickell attended the University of Georgia School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor cum laude in 2002. While at Georgia, Ms. Kennickell was a member of the Georgia Moot Court Team, where she competed with and coached the ABA Moot Court Team.

Ms. Kennickell has been named to the 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Medical Malpractice Defendants. Also, Ms. Kennickell has been twice named a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years.

Ms. Kennickell is a member of the Georgia State Bar, the Savannah Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers. Outside of her law practice, Ms. Kennickell has been an instructor of law at Armstrong Atlantic State University's Continuing Education program. She has also been involved in various civic and volunteer organizations.

Ms. Kennickell is admitted to practice in all Georgia state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Andrew M. Wilkes

Andrew M. Wilkes is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the litigation section of the firm. Mr. Wilkes concentrates his practice in the areas of trial practice including medical malpractice defense, domestic relations/divorce, plaintiff's personal injury/wrongful death, and business litigation.

A native of Hazlehurst, Georgia, Mr. Wilkes graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia in 1999, where he received his B.B.A. degree in Banking and Finance. While attending the University of Georgia, Mr. Wilkes was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the business honor society of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Mr. Wilkes attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University where he received his Juris Doctor cum laude in 2002. Mr. Wilkes was a member of the Mercer Law Review and served as Senior Managing Editor during the 2001-2002 academic term. He also participated in Rolling Readers Literacy Program and served as an academic mentor.

Mr. Wilkes has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine each year since 2006. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40. Mr. Wilkes has also been recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. In 2012 and 2013, Mr. Wilkes was recognized by Georgia Trend to be included among the State's Legal Elite in the area of Family Law.

Mr. Wilkes is admitted to practice before all Georgia state courts, including the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals. Mr. Wilkes is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh and Federal Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Wilkes has authored several publications addressing tort reform, including SB3: Three Years Later, and The Evolution of Georgia's Tort Reform Legislation; Five Years After S.B. 3, both of which were published in the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Journal. Mr. Wilkes has also lectured on various topics related to medical malpractice liability issues and family law.

Outside of his law practice, Mr. Wilkes has volunteered as an attorney-coach for the Georgia High School Mock Trial Association. He has also participated as the attorney advisor for Learning for Life's Law and Government Explorer Post, a program that provides hands-on guidance to high school students interested in pursuing careers in law or government. Mr. Wilkes is an active member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Andrew M. Wilkes

Andrew M. Wilkes is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the litigation section of the firm. Mr. Wilkes concentrates his practice in the areas of trial practice including medical malpractice defense, domestic relations/divorce, plaintiff's personal injury/wrongful death, and business litigation.

A native of Hazlehurst, Georgia, Mr. Wilkes graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia in 1999, where he received his B.B.A. degree in Banking and Finance. While attending the University of Georgia, Mr. Wilkes was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the business honor society of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Mr. Wilkes attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University where he received his Juris Doctor cum laude in 2002. Mr. Wilkes was a member of the Mercer Law Review and served as Senior Managing Editor during the 2001-2002 academic term. He also participated in Rolling Readers Literacy Program and served as an academic mentor.

Mr. Wilkes has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine each year since 2006. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40. Mr. Wilkes has also been recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. In 2012 and 2013, Mr. Wilkes was recognized by Georgia Trend to be included among the State's Legal Elite in the area of Family Law.

Mr. Wilkes is admitted to practice before all Georgia state courts, including the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals. Mr. Wilkes is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh and Federal Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Wilkes has authored several publications addressing tort reform, including SB3: Three Years Later, and The Evolution of Georgia's Tort Reform Legislation; Five Years After S.B. 3, both of which were published in the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Journal. Mr. Wilkes has also lectured on various topics related to medical malpractice liability issues and family law.

Outside of his law practice, Mr. Wilkes has volunteered as an attorney-coach for the Georgia High School Mock Trial Association. He has also participated as the attorney advisor for Learning for Life's Law and Government Explorer Post, a program that provides hands-on guidance to high school students interested in pursuing careers in law or government. Mr. Wilkes is an active member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
William J. Hunter

William (Bill) J. Hunter, partner, is a Martindale and Hubbell "AV" rated member of the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Hunter concentrates his practice in the areas of plaintiff's personal injury/wrongful death, business litigation, and medical malpractice defense.

Mr. Hunter grew up in Arkansas and attended Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1999. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Hunter attended the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he received his Juris Doctor magna cum laude in 2003. While in law school, Mr. Hunter was an active member of the Arkansas Law Review and served as the Note and Comment Editor from 2002-2003.

Mr. Hunter is a member of the Georgia State Bar and the Savannah Bar Association. He is the former Chairman of the Professional Malpractice Substantive Law Committee for the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Hunter has been active in First Tee Savannah, and served on both the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

For the past several years, including 2013, Mr. Hunter was named a Georgia Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years. In 2013, Mr. Hunter was named the "Lawyer of the Year" for Savannah in the area of Medical Malpractice Law. Lawyers being honored as "Lawyer of the Year" are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the exhaustive peer-review assessments conducted by Best Lawyers with thousands of leading lawyers each year. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity. Mr. Hunter is also listed in the 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. 2014, Mr. Hunter was selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

Mr. Hunter is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh and Federal Circuits.

Education

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Leflar Law Center
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
William J. Hunter

William (Bill) J. Hunter, partner, is a Martindale and Hubbell "AV" rated member of the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Hunter concentrates his practice in the areas of plaintiff's personal injury/wrongful death, business litigation, and medical malpractice defense.

Mr. Hunter grew up in Arkansas and attended Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1999. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Hunter attended the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he received his Juris Doctor magna cum laude in 2003. While in law school, Mr. Hunter was an active member of the Arkansas Law Review and served as the Note and Comment Editor from 2002-2003.

Mr. Hunter is a member of the Georgia State Bar and the Savannah Bar Association. He is the former Chairman of the Professional Malpractice Substantive Law Committee for the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Hunter has been active in First Tee Savannah, and served on both the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

For the past several years, including 2013, Mr. Hunter was named a Georgia Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years. In 2013, Mr. Hunter was named the "Lawyer of the Year" for Savannah in the area of Medical Malpractice Law. Lawyers being honored as "Lawyer of the Year" are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the exhaustive peer-review assessments conducted by Best Lawyers with thousands of leading lawyers each year. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity. Mr. Hunter is also listed in the 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. 2014, Mr. Hunter was selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

Mr. Hunter is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh and Federal Circuits.

Education

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Leflar Law Center J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Douglas E. Herman

Douglas E. Herman is a partner in the Litigation section of Oliver Maner LLP. Mr. Herman concentrates his practice in several areas of insurance defense, including professional liability, commercial general liability, property and premises, directors and officers, and association defense, commercial and contract litigation, real estate matters, banking, foreclosure, lien and creditors' rights matters, professional licensure law and administrative litigation. Prior to joining Oliver Maner LLP, Mr. Herman practiced in the areas of professional liability defense, insurance defense, school and municipal law, real estate, and employment law with firms in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Herman has been selected on multiple occasions by his peers for inclusion in U.S. News & World Report's Best Lawyers publication, in the areas of Real Estate Litigation and Commercial Litigation. He has also been recognized as a Rising Star by Georgia's Super Lawyers publication in the areas of professional malpractice and commercial litigation. Further, Mr. Herman has achieved a 5.0-Preeminent AV Peer Review rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Mr. Herman is admitted to practice before all Georgia and Pennsylvania state courts, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, and the United States Courts of Appeal for the Third and Eleventh Circuits.

Mr. Herman is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Savannah Bar Association. He is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and General Counsel to the Chatham County Republican Party. Mr. Herman is also a former counsel to the Savannah Area Board of Realtors and formerly practiced with a firm that was General Counsel to the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Herman is a member of the Board of Directors for the Savannah Area Junior Achievement, a member of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, and a past graduate of Leadership Savannah.

Mr. Herman has authored several scholarly articles selected for publication, including a Case note entitled Arkansas Educational Television Commission v. Forbes: A Circular Assault on Political Speech, 8 WIDENER J. PUB L. 471 (1999). He has also authored numerous articles for The Pennsylvania REALTOR, THE Defense Digest, the Philadelphia Legal Intelligencer, The Pennsylvania Law Weekly, The Savannah Board of Realtors Newsletter, and several insurance industry publications. Further, Mr. Herman has lectured to and provided seminars for insurance companies, attorneys and real estate professionals concerning litigation, insurance and real estate matters.

Mr. Herman was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1997 with Bachelors of Arts magna cum laude in Political Science and Rhetoric/Communications. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Herman was a member of the University's Honors College and was placed on The Dean's List.

Mr. Herman then attended the Widener University School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor cum laude in 2000. While at Widener, he was a member of the Senior Staff of the Widener Journal of Public Law, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and an academic scholarship recipient.

Prior to commencing his legal career, Mr. Herman worked as a legislative staffer, both in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and as a legislative liaison for a former Governor of Pennsylvania.

Education

Widener University School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Douglas E. Herman

Douglas E. Herman is a partner in the Litigation section of Oliver Maner LLP. Mr. Herman concentrates his practice in several areas of insurance defense, including professional liability, commercial general liability, property and premises, directors and officers, and association defense, commercial and contract litigation, real estate matters, banking, foreclosure, lien and creditors' rights matters, professional licensure law and administrative litigation. Prior to joining Oliver Maner LLP, Mr. Herman practiced in the areas of professional liability defense, insurance defense, school and municipal law, real estate, and employment law with firms in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Herman has been selected on multiple occasions by his peers for inclusion in U.S. News & World Report's Best Lawyers publication, in the areas of Real Estate Litigation and Commercial Litigation. He has also been recognized as a Rising Star by Georgia's Super Lawyers publication in the areas of professional malpractice and commercial litigation. Further, Mr. Herman has achieved a 5.0-Preeminent AV Peer Review rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Mr. Herman is admitted to practice before all Georgia and Pennsylvania state courts, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, and the United States Courts of Appeal for the Third and Eleventh Circuits.

Mr. Herman is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Savannah Bar Association. He is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and General Counsel to the Chatham County Republican Party. Mr. Herman is also a former counsel to the Savannah Area Board of Realtors and formerly practiced with a firm that was General Counsel to the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Herman is a member of the Board of Directors for the Savannah Area Junior Achievement, a member of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, and a past graduate of Leadership Savannah.

Mr. Herman has authored several scholarly articles selected for publication, including a Case note entitled Arkansas Educational Television Commission v. Forbes: A Circular Assault on Political Speech, 8 WIDENER J. PUB L. 471 (1999). He has also authored numerous articles for The Pennsylvania REALTOR, THE Defense Digest, the Philadelphia Legal Intelligencer, The Pennsylvania Law Weekly, The Savannah Board of Realtors Newsletter, and several insurance industry publications. Further, Mr. Herman has lectured to and provided seminars for insurance companies, attorneys and real estate professionals concerning litigation, insurance and real estate matters.

Mr. Herman was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1997 with Bachelors of Arts magna cum laude in Political Science and Rhetoric/Communications. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Herman was a member of the University's Honors College and was placed on The Dean's List.

Mr. Herman then attended the Widener University School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor cum laude in 2000. While at Widener, he was a member of the Senior Staff of the Widener Journal of Public Law, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and an academic scholarship recipient.

Prior to commencing his legal career, Mr. Herman worked as a legislative staffer, both in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and as a legislative liaison for a former Governor of Pennsylvania.

Education

Widener University School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Benjamin M. Perkins

Ben Perkins is a partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Perkins, who holds a preeminent AV peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, concentrates his practice in the areas of municipal and county liability, zoning and land use litigation, professional negligence, business and employment litigation, environmental litigation, products liability and personal injury. Prior to joining Oliver Maner LLP in 2006, Mr. Perkins worked with a civil litigation firm in Atlanta.

Mr. Perkins attended the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude in 2000 from the Honors Program with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in May 2004.

Mr. Perkins is an active member of the State Bars of Georgia and Florida. He has been recognized as a Georgia Rising Star since 2006 in the Georgia Super Lawyers edition of Atlanta Magazine. Mr. Perkins has prepared and presented seminars on the Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, Electronic Records and E-Discovery, Document Retention Policies and Procedures, Georgia Police Pursuit Law, Florida Jury Verdicts, Avoiding Bad Faith Claims, and State and Federal Open Records Law.

Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Perkins is a graduate of Leadership Savannah's Class of 2009, is a past president of the Savannah Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and is Chairman of the Board of Court Reporting of the Judicial Council of Georgia. He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association History and Archives Committee, serves on the Board for the Chatham County Domestic Relations Initiative, and is a member of the Out of State Practitioners' Division of the State Bar of Florida. Mr. Perkins is also a member of the Gridiron Secret Society.

Mr. Perkins is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the United States District Courts for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Georgia, and the Middle District of Florida, and all state courts of Florida.

Mr. Perkins has obtained favorable results for his clients in numerous reported cases. Notable reported decisions include Poole v. Northern Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church, 273 Ga. App. 536 (2005); Cypress Ins. Co v. Duncan, 281 Ga. App. 469 (2006); Steele v. City of Port Wentworth, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20637 (S.D. Ga. 2008); CNH Capital AM., LLC v. Southeastern Aggregate, Inc., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 91882 (S.D. Ga. 2009); Brown v City of Tybee Island, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27660 (S.D. Ga. 2010); Pollman v. Swan, 305 Ga. App. 369 (2010); Effingham County v. Rhodes, 307 Ga. App. 504 (2010); Freeman v. Eichholz, 308 Ga. App. 18 (2011); Pollman v. Swan, 289 Ga. 767 (2011); Pollman v. Swan, 314 Ga. App. 5 (2011); Anderson v. Tattnall County, 318 Ga. App. 877 (2012); We, the Taxpayers v. Bd. of Tax Assessors, 292 Ga. 31 (2012); Hardy v. GHM Rock & Sand, Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 123219 (S.D. Ga. 2012); Georgia-Pacific Consumer Prods., LP v Ratner, 323 Ga. App. 203 (2013); Davis v. Pope, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 106652 (S.D. Ga. July 30, 2013); City of Tybee Island v Live Oak Group, LLC, 324 Ga. App. 476 (2013); and Davis v. Effingham Cnty. Bd. of Comm'rs, 760 S.E.2d 9 (Ga. Ct. App. 2014), reconsideration denied (July 29, 2014).

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Benjamin M. Perkins

Ben Perkins is a partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Perkins, who holds a preeminent AV peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, concentrates his practice in the areas of municipal and county liability, zoning and land use litigation, professional negligence, business and employment litigation, environmental litigation, products liability and personal injury. Prior to joining Oliver Maner LLP in 2006, Mr. Perkins worked with a civil litigation firm in Atlanta.

Mr. Perkins attended the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude in 2000 from the Honors Program with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in May 2004.

Mr. Perkins is an active member of the State Bars of Georgia and Florida. He has been recognized as a Georgia Rising Star since 2006 in the Georgia Super Lawyers edition of Atlanta Magazine. Mr. Perkins has prepared and presented seminars on the Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, Electronic Records and E-Discovery, Document Retention Policies and Procedures, Georgia Police Pursuit Law, Florida Jury Verdicts, Avoiding Bad Faith Claims, and State and Federal Open Records Law.

Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Perkins is a graduate of Leadership Savannah's Class of 2009, is a past president of the Savannah Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and is Chairman of the Board of Court Reporting of the Judicial Council of Georgia. He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association History and Archives Committee, serves on the Board for the Chatham County Domestic Relations Initiative, and is a member of the Out of State Practitioners' Division of the State Bar of Florida. Mr. Perkins is also a member of the Gridiron Secret Society.

Mr. Perkins is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the United States District Courts for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Georgia, and the Middle District of Florida, and all state courts of Florida.

Mr. Perkins has obtained favorable results for his clients in numerous reported cases. Notable reported decisions include Poole v. Northern Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church, 273 Ga. App. 536 (2005); Cypress Ins. Co v. Duncan, 281 Ga. App. 469 (2006); Steele v. City of Port Wentworth, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20637 (S.D. Ga. 2008); CNH Capital AM., LLC v. Southeastern Aggregate, Inc., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 91882 (S.D. Ga. 2009); Brown v City of Tybee Island, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27660 (S.D. Ga. 2010); Pollman v. Swan, 305 Ga. App. 369 (2010); Effingham County v. Rhodes, 307 Ga. App. 504 (2010); Freeman v. Eichholz, 308 Ga. App. 18 (2011); Pollman v. Swan, 289 Ga. 767 (2011); Pollman v. Swan, 314 Ga. App. 5 (2011); Anderson v. Tattnall County, 318 Ga. App. 877 (2012); We, the Taxpayers v. Bd. of Tax Assessors, 292 Ga. 31 (2012); Hardy v. GHM Rock & Sand, Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 123219 (S.D. Ga. 2012); Georgia-Pacific Consumer Prods., LP v Ratner, 323 Ga. App. 203 (2013); Davis v. Pope, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 106652 (S.D. Ga. July 30, 2013); City of Tybee Island v Live Oak Group, LLC, 324 Ga. App. 476 (2013); and Davis v. Effingham Cnty. Bd. of Comm'rs, 760 S.E.2d 9 (Ga. Ct. App. 2014), reconsideration denied (July 29, 2014).

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Paul H. Threlkeld

Vidalia, Georgia native Paul Threlkeld is a trial lawyer who joined Oliver Maner LLP as a partner on January 1, 2013. Previously, Paul was a partner with the Law Offices of Andrew and Threlkeld, P.C. in Vidalia. From 2001 until October 2006, he practiced with Oliver Maner LLP's predecessor, Oliver Maner & Gray. Paul maintains a federal and state court trial practice in which he represents businesses, local governments, and government officials in all manner of civil disputes. He regularly represents individuals in serious personal injury cases. Paul maintains a preeminent AV rating for legal ability and ethics from Martindale Hubbell, the most respected legal rating agency in the country. Since 2006, Paul has been consistently been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine.

Paul is admitted to practice before all state trial and appellate courts in Georgia, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Georgia, and the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Paul also serves as a member of the Lawyer Advisory Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. He has chaired and spoken at numerous seminars for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Georgia Municipal Association. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, where he serves on the Communications Committee and as a trustee of the State Bar Client Security Fund. He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association, and he serves as a trustee for the Georgia Legal History Foundation.

Paul has obtained favorable results for clients in numerous appeals in all manner of cases, some of which include: Barber v. Holmes, 282 Ga. 768 (2007); Georgia Department of Transp. v. Strickland, 279 Ga. App. 753 (2006) cert. denied (Sept. 8, 2006); Morris v. Johnson 262 Ga. App. 182 (2003); City of Pooler v. Edenfield, 263 Ga. App. 278 (2003); CSX Transp., Inc. v. City of Garden City, 277 Ga. 248 (2003).

In addition to his private practice, Paul served as the Solicitor-General of Toombs County, Georgia from 2007 2013, where he served as the sole prosecutor in the State Court of Toombs County. Paul was appointed by then-Governor Perdue to fill an unexpired term in February, 2007. Paul was re-elected by the voters of Toombs County in 2008 and 2012.

Paul attended public schools in Vidalia and then attended the University of Georgia where he earned his ABJ, cum laude, in 1998. Paul earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2001. While at UGA, Paul was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and was elected to membership in Blue Key.

In addition to his law practice, Paul is active in civic affairs. He served as a trustee of both the Southeastern Technical College Foundation and the Altama Museum of Art & History. He is also a past president of the Vidalia Kiwanis Club. Paul and his wife are 2009 graduates of Leadership Georgia. In 2011 they served as Program Chairs, and Paul currently serves on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees.

Paul is married to the former Ansley Bell of Augusta, and they have three children: Hughes, Ella Bankes and Hampton.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Paul H. Threlkeld

Vidalia, Georgia native Paul Threlkeld is a trial lawyer who joined Oliver Maner LLP as a partner on January 1, 2013. Previously, Paul was a partner with the Law Offices of Andrew and Threlkeld, P.C. in Vidalia. From 2001 until October 2006, he practiced with Oliver Maner LLP's predecessor, Oliver Maner & Gray. Paul maintains a federal and state court trial practice in which he represents businesses, local governments, and government officials in all manner of civil disputes. He regularly represents individuals in serious personal injury cases. Paul maintains a preeminent AV rating for legal ability and ethics from Martindale Hubbell, the most respected legal rating agency in the country. Since 2006, Paul has been consistently been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine.

Paul is admitted to practice before all state trial and appellate courts in Georgia, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Georgia, and the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Paul also serves as a member of the Lawyer Advisory Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. He has chaired and spoken at numerous seminars for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Georgia Municipal Association. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, where he serves on the Communications Committee and as a trustee of the State Bar Client Security Fund. He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association, and he serves as a trustee for the Georgia Legal History Foundation.

Paul has obtained favorable results for clients in numerous appeals in all manner of cases, some of which include: Barber v. Holmes, 282 Ga. 768 (2007); Georgia Department of Transp. v. Strickland, 279 Ga. App. 753 (2006) cert. denied (Sept. 8, 2006); Morris v. Johnson 262 Ga. App. 182 (2003); City of Pooler v. Edenfield, 263 Ga. App. 278 (2003); CSX Transp., Inc. v. City of Garden City, 277 Ga. 248 (2003).

In addition to his private practice, Paul served as the Solicitor-General of Toombs County, Georgia from 2007 2013, where he served as the sole prosecutor in the State Court of Toombs County. Paul was appointed by then-Governor Perdue to fill an unexpired term in February, 2007. Paul was re-elected by the voters of Toombs County in 2008 and 2012.

Paul attended public schools in Vidalia and then attended the University of Georgia where he earned his ABJ, cum laude, in 1998. Paul earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2001. While at UGA, Paul was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and was elected to membership in Blue Key.

In addition to his law practice, Paul is active in civic affairs. He served as a trustee of both the Southeastern Technical College Foundation and the Altama Museum of Art & History. He is also a past president of the Vidalia Kiwanis Club. Paul and his wife are 2009 graduates of Leadership Georgia. In 2011 they served as Program Chairs, and Paul currently serves on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees.

Paul is married to the former Ansley Bell of Augusta, and they have three children: Hughes, Ella Bankes and Hampton.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


Firm Overview

We have extremely qualified and experienced trial attorneys who represent clients in all types of civil litigation, including commercial litigation and personal injury litigation. The firm also has highly regarded and experienced attorneys who handle transactions, tax planning, and other complex matters for businesses and individuals.

A Reputation of Success and Integrity

Founded more than a century ago, Oliver Maner attorneys are known not only for providing superior, cost-effective legal services but also for their commitment to professionalism and ethics. Oliver Maner is an "A" rated firm, according to Martindale-Hubbell, a highly regarded organization that rates attorneys and law firms. Most of the partners of Oliver Maner have "A" ratings from Martindale-Hubbell, and many of our attorneys have been selected as "Best Lawyers" and "Super Lawyers" by other attorney rating organizations and publications.

We Are a Full-Service Law Firm

We are a full-service law firm, which allows us to better serve businesses and individuals. Our trial attorneys and transactional attorneys frequently work together to give clients the best possible results.

Main Office

Main Office
218 West State Street
Savannah, GA 31401

Phone

912-236-3311

Business

Savannah Business Law Attorneys

We handle a wide variety of transactions for local, regional, and national companies, as well as physicians, attorneys and other professionals.

Comprehensive Business Law Services

Our attorneys can handle virtually any legal matter for the firm's business clients, from assisting with business formation and strategizing at the birth of a business, to creating the contracts and conducting the transactions that keep a business viable, to selling or dissolving a business at the end of its lifecycle.

Some of the services we provide for business clients include:

-Creation of corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies (LLC)
-Corporate finance
-Retirement plans
-Employee benefits plans
-Contract creation, interpretation and negotiation
-Transactions, mergers and acquisitions
-Financial restructuring and workouts
-Non-compete agreements
-Buy-sell agreements
-Employment contracts
-Creditor representation and collection matters
-Commercial litigation

Our trial attorneys are well known for their success in handling business disputes, including "bet the company" litigation. We combine professional skill, the use of technology and an in-depth understanding of our clients' needs to provide superior cost-effective legal services for businesses.

 Oliver Maner LLP
William P. Franklin Jr.

William P. Franklin, Jr. is a Martindale Hubbell "AV" rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Franklin concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense, professional liability defense, and trial practice. He has defended a wide range of cases including products liability claims, premises liability claims, wrongful death and personal injury claims, and legal malpractice.

Mr. Franklin is a native of Buffalo, New York. He attended Hobart College and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Franklin attended the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1968.

Following his academic career, Mr. Franklin served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps from 1969 until 1973.

Mr. Franklin is the recipient of the 2014 Savannah Bar Association's Frank Cheatham Professionalism Award.

Mr. Franklin is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Savannah Bar Association, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.Mr. Franklin has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. He has been recipient of this honor for the past decade. In 2011, he was named Best Lawyers' Savannah Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year. Mr. Franklin has been named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine five of the past six years. Inclusion on this list is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia. He has also been named to the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers list six times.

Mr. Franklin is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

State University of New York, Buffalo School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
William P. Franklin Jr.

William P. Franklin, Jr. is a Martindale Hubbell "AV" rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Franklin concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense, professional liability defense, and trial practice. He has defended a wide range of cases including products liability claims, premises liability claims, wrongful death and personal injury claims, and legal malpractice.

Mr. Franklin is a native of Buffalo, New York. He attended Hobart College and graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Franklin attended the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1968.

Following his academic career, Mr. Franklin served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps from 1969 until 1973.

Mr. Franklin is the recipient of the 2014 Savannah Bar Association's Frank Cheatham Professionalism Award.

Mr. Franklin is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Savannah Bar Association, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.Mr. Franklin has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. He has been recipient of this honor for the past decade. In 2011, he was named Best Lawyers' Savannah Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year. Mr. Franklin has been named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine five of the past six years. Inclusion on this list is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia. He has also been named to the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers list six times.

Mr. Franklin is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

State University of New York, Buffalo School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
David Herschel Dickey

David H. Dickey, a Fellow of the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel ("ACTEC"), is one of the few attorneys from the Savannah area repeatedly selected by his peers for inclusion in Georgia Trend Magazine's LEGAL ELITE since 2003. He has also been selected by his peers to be listed in Atlanta Magazine's, Georgia Super Lawyers from 2004-present. Mr. Dickey has been listed in Best Lawyers in America (1989-present) in two separate and distinct fields "Taxation" and "Trusts & Estates." He has also been listed in the Best of the U.S. in the fields of Taxation and Estate Planning. He holds the Accredited Estate Planner designation offered by the National Association of Estate Planning Councils.

Mr. Dickey, a native of Savannah, is a partner concentrating in the areas of: income, estate and gift-tax planning; wills, trusts and estates; probate; corporations; commercial law; syndications; and the representation of professional and closelyheld business and professional enterprises.

In 1974, Mr. Dickey received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude in business administration with dual majors in Accounting and in Finance from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi honorary society. While at AASU, he obtained his Georgia Real Estate Salesman's License. During his senior year, he was awarded the National Association of Accountants' "Outstanding Accounting Student Key." In 1977, he was graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he served as a Senior Editor on the Georgia Law Review. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity, spearheaded the fraternity's legal research program for practicing attorneys and represented the Law School in the Student Senate. While in Athens, he was employed as a real estate salesman for Bulldog Realty. In 1977, he was also awarded a Masters of Accountancy in Taxation degree from the University of Georgia Graduate Business School. From 1979-1981, he worked as a Senior Accountant on the Family Tax Planning Team at Arthur Andersen & Co. in Atlanta. Mr. Dickey was awarded his Certified Public Accountant designation in 1981, and soon thereafter joined Oliver Maner LLP where he became a partner in 1982.

Mr. Dickey is a former president and Chairman of the Board of the Savannah Estate Planning Council and has chaired a subcommittee of the American Bar Association's Taxation Section. He has served on ACTEC's Asset Protection Committee. Mr. Dickey has served on the Board of Directors of: the Savannah Theatre Company; the Historic Savannah Foundation; the American Cancer Society; the National Association of Accountants; the First City Club; Chatham Savannah Citizen's Advocacy; the Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation; the Candler Hospital Foundation; the St. Joseph's/Candler Foundation and the Billy Bond Memorial Scholarship Fund. He is a member of the Skidaway Island Rotary Club, the Society of Colonial Wars, the St. Andrew's Society of Savannah, the Landings Club, the Savannah Civil War Roundtable, and the Chatham Club, and has served the following organizations in the denoted capacities: the Sons of Confederate Veterans (Past Commander); the Military Order of the Stars & Bars (Past Commander); L'Alliance Francaise de Savannah (Past President); the Sons of the Revolution in the State of Georgia (Past President) and the Edward Telfair Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (Past President).

He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, formerly served on the Development Committee of the Savannah Foundation, and is a member of the University of Georgia's President's Club and its Heritage Society. He has served as the Chairman of the Attorney's Division of the United Way of the Coastal Empire and as Education Funds Crusade Chairman of the Chatham County Division of the American Cancer Society. Mr. Dickey is a frequent lecturer who has taught estate planning and tax courses for the Chartered Life Underwriter program, the Fiduciary Law Institute of the State of Georgia, the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia and the Coastal Georgia Continuing Education Center. He has been published in several periodicals including the Estate Planning Magazine. He was formerly a member of the American Association of Attorney / Certified Public Accountants, Inc., and has been listed in Who's Who in American Law. He has been listed in Martindale Hubbell's Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He has also served on the Small Business Council of America, Inc., a national organization representing the interests of privately-owned business and professional entities in connection with Federal Tax legislation.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
David Herschel Dickey

David H. Dickey, a Fellow of the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel ("ACTEC"), is one of the few attorneys from the Savannah area repeatedly selected by his peers for inclusion in Georgia Trend Magazine's LEGAL ELITE since 2003. He has also been selected by his peers to be listed in Atlanta Magazine's, Georgia Super Lawyers from 2004-present. Mr. Dickey has been listed in Best Lawyers in America (1989-present) in two separate and distinct fields "Taxation" and "Trusts & Estates." He has also been listed in the Best of the U.S. in the fields of Taxation and Estate Planning. He holds the Accredited Estate Planner designation offered by the National Association of Estate Planning Councils.

Mr. Dickey, a native of Savannah, is a partner concentrating in the areas of: income, estate and gift-tax planning; wills, trusts and estates; probate; corporations; commercial law; syndications; and the representation of professional and closelyheld business and professional enterprises.

In 1974, Mr. Dickey received his undergraduate degree magna cum laude in business administration with dual majors in Accounting and in Finance from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi honorary society. While at AASU, he obtained his Georgia Real Estate Salesman's License. During his senior year, he was awarded the National Association of Accountants' "Outstanding Accounting Student Key." In 1977, he was graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he served as a Senior Editor on the Georgia Law Review. He was a member of Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity, spearheaded the fraternity's legal research program for practicing attorneys and represented the Law School in the Student Senate. While in Athens, he was employed as a real estate salesman for Bulldog Realty. In 1977, he was also awarded a Masters of Accountancy in Taxation degree from the University of Georgia Graduate Business School. From 1979-1981, he worked as a Senior Accountant on the Family Tax Planning Team at Arthur Andersen & Co. in Atlanta. Mr. Dickey was awarded his Certified Public Accountant designation in 1981, and soon thereafter joined Oliver Maner LLP where he became a partner in 1982.

Mr. Dickey is a former president and Chairman of the Board of the Savannah Estate Planning Council and has chaired a subcommittee of the American Bar Association's Taxation Section. He has served on ACTEC's Asset Protection Committee. Mr. Dickey has served on the Board of Directors of: the Savannah Theatre Company; the Historic Savannah Foundation; the American Cancer Society; the National Association of Accountants; the First City Club; Chatham Savannah Citizen's Advocacy; the Armstrong Atlantic State University Foundation; the Candler Hospital Foundation; the St. Joseph's/Candler Foundation and the Billy Bond Memorial Scholarship Fund. He is a member of the Skidaway Island Rotary Club, the Society of Colonial Wars, the St. Andrew's Society of Savannah, the Landings Club, the Savannah Civil War Roundtable, and the Chatham Club, and has served the following organizations in the denoted capacities: the Sons of Confederate Veterans (Past Commander); the Military Order of the Stars & Bars (Past Commander); L'Alliance Francaise de Savannah (Past President); the Sons of the Revolution in the State of Georgia (Past President) and the Edward Telfair Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (Past President).

He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, formerly served on the Development Committee of the Savannah Foundation, and is a member of the University of Georgia's President's Club and its Heritage Society. He has served as the Chairman of the Attorney's Division of the United Way of the Coastal Empire and as Education Funds Crusade Chairman of the Chatham County Division of the American Cancer Society. Mr. Dickey is a frequent lecturer who has taught estate planning and tax courses for the Chartered Life Underwriter program, the Fiduciary Law Institute of the State of Georgia, the Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia and the Coastal Georgia Continuing Education Center. He has been published in several periodicals including the Estate Planning Magazine. He was formerly a member of the American Association of Attorney / Certified Public Accountants, Inc., and has been listed in Who's Who in American Law. He has been listed in Martindale Hubbell's Register of Preeminent Lawyers. He has also served on the Small Business Council of America, Inc., a national organization representing the interests of privately-owned business and professional entities in connection with Federal Tax legislation.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
I. Gregory Hodges

I. Gregory Hodges is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Hodges concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense and other complex civil litigation, insurance defense, and plaintiff's personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Mr. Hodges is a native of Statesboro, Georgia. He attended Georgia Southern University, and graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Hodges attended the University of Georgia School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1981.

Mr. Hodges is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Savannah Bar Association, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Mr. Hodges has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. He has been a recipient of this honor each year since 2003. Mr. Hodges has been named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine every year since 2006. Inclusion on this list is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia. He has also been named to the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers list four times.

Mr. Hodges is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern districts of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
I. Gregory Hodges

I. Gregory Hodges is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Hodges concentrates his practice in the areas of medical malpractice defense and other complex civil litigation, insurance defense, and plaintiff's personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Mr. Hodges is a native of Statesboro, Georgia. He attended Georgia Southern University, and graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Hodges attended the University of Georgia School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1981.

Mr. Hodges is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Savannah Bar Association, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Mr. Hodges has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. He has been a recipient of this honor each year since 2003. Mr. Hodges has been named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine every year since 2006. Inclusion on this list is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia. He has also been named to the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers list four times.

Mr. Hodges is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern districts of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Robert W. Schivera

Robert W. Schivera is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Schivera concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, business law including merger and acquisition, business and professional corporations, probate and estate administration, taxation and tax dispute resolution.

Mr. Schivera is originally from Huntington, New York. He attended The Citadel on an Army R.O.T.C. scholarship and graduated in 1969 in the top five percent of his class.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Schivera attended the Wake Forest University School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1972. Mr. Schivera also attended New York University School of Law, where, in 1976, he received a Master of Laws degree in Taxation.

Mr. Schivera served four years with the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1972 to 1976. He was designated a senior trial lawyer and served as a military magistrate.

Mr. Schivera is a member of the State Bar of Georgia (Fiduciary Law, Health Care and Corporate sections), and the Savannah Estate Planning Council. Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Schivera is a member of the Skidaway Island Kiwanis Club, The Chatham Club, Kappa Alpha Order Coastal Georgia Alumni Chapter, and a member and past officer of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. He is also a member and Past President of the Savannah Quarterback Club, the Savannah Area Citadel Club, and the Italian Society of Savannah. He is also a Past President and member of the Board of Directors of The Citadel Alumni Association and a member of Gridiron Society.

Mr. Schivera has been named a 2014 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Trusts and Estates, and has been listed in that publication since 2005. For 2014, Mr. Schivera was named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine. Mr. Schivera has been included on the list since 2005, which listing is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia.

Mr. Schivera is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the North Carolina state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits.

Mr. Schivera is married to the former Nena C. Mathews of Savannah. They have 3 children, Matthew W. Schivera, Kristen E. Schivera and Bryan A. Schivera.

Education

Wake Forest University School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Robert W. Schivera

Robert W. Schivera is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Schivera concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, business law including merger and acquisition, business and professional corporations, probate and estate administration, taxation and tax dispute resolution.

Mr. Schivera is originally from Huntington, New York. He attended The Citadel on an Army R.O.T.C. scholarship and graduated in 1969 in the top five percent of his class.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Schivera attended the Wake Forest University School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 1972. Mr. Schivera also attended New York University School of Law, where, in 1976, he received a Master of Laws degree in Taxation.

Mr. Schivera served four years with the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1972 to 1976. He was designated a senior trial lawyer and served as a military magistrate.

Mr. Schivera is a member of the State Bar of Georgia (Fiduciary Law, Health Care and Corporate sections), and the Savannah Estate Planning Council. Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Schivera is a member of the Skidaway Island Kiwanis Club, The Chatham Club, Kappa Alpha Order Coastal Georgia Alumni Chapter, and a member and past officer of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. He is also a member and Past President of the Savannah Quarterback Club, the Savannah Area Citadel Club, and the Italian Society of Savannah. He is also a Past President and member of the Board of Directors of The Citadel Alumni Association and a member of Gridiron Society.

Mr. Schivera has been named a 2014 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Trusts and Estates, and has been listed in that publication since 2005. For 2014, Mr. Schivera was named as a Georgia Super Lawyer by Atlanta Magazine. Mr. Schivera has been included on the list since 2005, which listing is the product of a rigorous peer review process and is reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the State of Georgia.

Mr. Schivera is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the North Carolina state courts, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits.

Mr. Schivera is married to the former Nena C. Mathews of Savannah. They have 3 children, Matthew W. Schivera, Kristen E. Schivera and Bryan A. Schivera.

Education

Wake Forest University School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Patrick T. O'Connor

Patrick T. O'Connor joined Oliver Maner LLP as a partner on January 1, 1990. His practice concentrates on business litigation, the defense of civil rights claims and the defense of legal malpractice and other professional negligence claims. Mr. O'Connor also represents plaintiffs in select personal injury and wrongful death cases. Mr. O'Connor is licensed to practice in all Georgia courts and numerous federal courts including the Georgia Supreme Court, the U. S. Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eleventh and Federal Circuits, and the United States Court of Federal Claims.

Mr. O'Connor is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America (in the categories of commercial litigation, legal malpractice law and alternative dispute resolution) for more than 10 years. He has been named one of the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers by Atlanta Magazine, has been listed in the Super Lawyers' Corporate Counsel Edition, and has received an "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell for many years. Mr. O'Connor has also been recognized as a member of the Georgia Legal Elite by Georgia Trend Magazine.

Mr. O'Connor is also a mediator and arbitrator, registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, and has served as a mediator or arbitrator in more than 900 cases, primarily involving personal injury, professional malpractice claims and commercial disputes. Mr. O'Connor is registered as an American Arbitration Association panel arbitrator. He is a founding member of the Georgia Academy of Mediators and Arbitrators.

From 1985 to 1995, Mr. O'Connor served as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Savannah-Chatham County Recorder's Court. From 1985 to 1989, he served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Savannah and continues to represent the City of Savannah. He has handled the defense of several hundred cases for municipalities, counties and their employees throughout Georgia. He presently represents numerous municipalities and counties on behalf of the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) and the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (ACCG-IRMA).

Mr. O'Connor has obtained favorable results for his clients in numerous reported appeals. Notable decisions include: We, The Taxpayers v. Board of Tax Assessors of Effingham County, 292 Ga. 31 (2012); Pollman v. Swan, 289 Ga. 767 (2011); King v. Toler, 296 Ga. App. 577 (2009); Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah v. Stevens, 278 Ga. 166 (2004); CSX Transportation, Inc. v. City of Garden City, 277 Ga. 248 (2003); Cameron v. Lang, 274 Ga. 122 (2001); City of Tybee Island v. Godinho, 270 Ga. 567 (1999); Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, P.C. v. Frame, 269 Ga. 844 (1998); Mayor & Aldermen of Savannah v. Radford, 261 Ga. 129 (1991); Banks v. Patton, 202 Ga. App. 168 (1991); Cyr v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 188 Ga. App. 261 (1988); Shuman v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 180 Ga. App. 427 (1986); and Sammor v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 176 Ga. App. 176 (1985).

Mr. O'Connor currently serves as the Secretary of the State Bar of Georgia. He has served as the 1995-96 President of the Savannah Bar Association and as President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Savannah Bar Association. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. O'Connor has served as member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia and the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia. He is a member of the Georgia ICLE Board of Trustees and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. O'Connor has served as the Chairman of the Southern District of Georgia Lawyers' Advisory Committee, is currently a member of the 11th Circuit Lawyer Qualifications Committee and has served as a member of the State Bar of Georgia Commission on Continuing Lawyer Competency. He has also been appointed by the Georgia Supreme Court to serve as a Mentor in The State Bar of Georgia's Transition Into Law Practice Program.

Mr. O'Connor currently serves on the Board of Directors of S Bank (a community bank based in Savannah with branches in Glennville, Reidsville and Hinesville) and its holding company, S BancShares, Inc.

After graduating from Statesboro High School in 1973, Mr. O'Connor received his B.A. degree from Auburn University in 1978. A journalism major, Mr. O'Connor wrote for several newspapers, including the Columbus Enquirer, The Birmingham News, The Auburn Plainsman and The Auburn Bulletin. He attended the University of Georgia Law School where he participated on the Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Team, served as Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Moot Court Board and coached Georgia's National Moot Court Team to the quarter-final round of the national competition in New York City. Mr. O'Connor received his J.D. degree from Georgia in 1981.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Patrick T. O'Connor

Patrick T. O'Connor joined Oliver Maner LLP as a partner on January 1, 1990. His practice concentrates on business litigation, the defense of civil rights claims and the defense of legal malpractice and other professional negligence claims. Mr. O'Connor also represents plaintiffs in select personal injury and wrongful death cases. Mr. O'Connor is licensed to practice in all Georgia courts and numerous federal courts including the Georgia Supreme Court, the U. S. Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eleventh and Federal Circuits, and the United States Court of Federal Claims.

Mr. O'Connor is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America (in the categories of commercial litigation, legal malpractice law and alternative dispute resolution) for more than 10 years. He has been named one of the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers by Atlanta Magazine, has been listed in the Super Lawyers' Corporate Counsel Edition, and has received an "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell for many years. Mr. O'Connor has also been recognized as a member of the Georgia Legal Elite by Georgia Trend Magazine.

Mr. O'Connor is also a mediator and arbitrator, registered with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution, and has served as a mediator or arbitrator in more than 900 cases, primarily involving personal injury, professional malpractice claims and commercial disputes. Mr. O'Connor is registered as an American Arbitration Association panel arbitrator. He is a founding member of the Georgia Academy of Mediators and Arbitrators.

From 1985 to 1995, Mr. O'Connor served as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Savannah-Chatham County Recorder's Court. From 1985 to 1989, he served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Savannah and continues to represent the City of Savannah. He has handled the defense of several hundred cases for municipalities, counties and their employees throughout Georgia. He presently represents numerous municipalities and counties on behalf of the Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (GIRMA) and the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (ACCG-IRMA).

Mr. O'Connor has obtained favorable results for his clients in numerous reported appeals. Notable decisions include: We, The Taxpayers v. Board of Tax Assessors of Effingham County, 292 Ga. 31 (2012); Pollman v. Swan, 289 Ga. 767 (2011); King v. Toler, 296 Ga. App. 577 (2009); Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah v. Stevens, 278 Ga. 166 (2004); CSX Transportation, Inc. v. City of Garden City, 277 Ga. 248 (2003); Cameron v. Lang, 274 Ga. 122 (2001); City of Tybee Island v. Godinho, 270 Ga. 567 (1999); Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, P.C. v. Frame, 269 Ga. 844 (1998); Mayor & Aldermen of Savannah v. Radford, 261 Ga. 129 (1991); Banks v. Patton, 202 Ga. App. 168 (1991); Cyr v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 188 Ga. App. 261 (1988); Shuman v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 180 Ga. App. 427 (1986); and Sammor v. Mayor and Aldermen of Savannah, 176 Ga. App. 176 (1985).

Mr. O'Connor currently serves as the Secretary of the State Bar of Georgia. He has served as the 1995-96 President of the Savannah Bar Association and as President of the Young Lawyers Section of the Savannah Bar Association. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Georgia and the American Board of Trial Advocates. Mr. O'Connor has served as member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia and the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Georgia. He is a member of the Georgia ICLE Board of Trustees and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. O'Connor has served as the Chairman of the Southern District of Georgia Lawyers' Advisory Committee, is currently a member of the 11th Circuit Lawyer Qualifications Committee and has served as a member of the State Bar of Georgia Commission on Continuing Lawyer Competency. He has also been appointed by the Georgia Supreme Court to serve as a Mentor in The State Bar of Georgia's Transition Into Law Practice Program.

Mr. O'Connor currently serves on the Board of Directors of S Bank (a community bank based in Savannah with branches in Glennville, Reidsville and Hinesville) and its holding company, S BancShares, Inc.

After graduating from Statesboro High School in 1973, Mr. O'Connor received his B.A. degree from Auburn University in 1978. A journalism major, Mr. O'Connor wrote for several newspapers, including the Columbus Enquirer, The Birmingham News, The Auburn Plainsman and The Auburn Bulletin. He attended the University of Georgia Law School where he participated on the Georgia Intrastate Moot Court Team, served as Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Moot Court Board and coached Georgia's National Moot Court Team to the quarter-final round of the national competition in New York City. Mr. O'Connor received his J.D. degree from Georgia in 1981.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
James P. Gerard

James P. Gerard is a Martindale and Hubbell "AV" rated partner in the Real Estate section of the firm. Mr. Gerard concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, commercial law (e.g., the areas of consumer protection, debtor/creditor relations, and secured lending), construction litigation, and municipal law. Mr. Gerard has also served as city attorney for Garden City, Georgia, since 1991, during which time he has also served as a consultant for a number of other municipalities in Southeast Georgia.

Mr. Gerard is a native of Ithaca, New York. He attended Duke University and graduated cum laude in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Gerard attended the University of Georgia School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1981.

Mr. Gerard has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Real Estate Law.

Mr. Gerard is a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

Mr. Gerard is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Federal Court of Claims

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
James P. Gerard

James P. Gerard is a Martindale and Hubbell "AV" rated partner in the Real Estate section of the firm. Mr. Gerard concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, commercial law (e.g., the areas of consumer protection, debtor/creditor relations, and secured lending), construction litigation, and municipal law. Mr. Gerard has also served as city attorney for Garden City, Georgia, since 1991, during which time he has also served as a consultant for a number of other municipalities in Southeast Georgia.

Mr. Gerard is a native of Ithaca, New York. He attended Duke University and graduated cum laude in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Gerard attended the University of Georgia School of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1981.

Mr. Gerard has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Real Estate Law.

Mr. Gerard is a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

Mr. Gerard is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Federal Court of Claims

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Patricia Tanzer Paul

Patricia T. Paul is a partner with a practice emphasizing workers' compensation, employment, civil rights defense for public and private entities, and business and medical litigation.

Ms. Paul received her B.B.A. with General Honors in 1982 from the University of Georgia, with a major in International Business. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1985. After law school, from 1985 to 1988 she worked as the law clerk to The Honorable Perry Brannen, Jr., then-Administrative Judge (now Senior Judge) of the Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit, in Savannah. She became an associate attorney with Oliver Maner LLP in 1988, and a partner in 1993.

Ms. Paul is rated "AV" by Martindale Hubbell. She is listed in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of workers' compensation employers. She is named among Georgia Trend magazine's 2013 Legal Elite in labor and employment.

Ms. Paul is licensed to practice in all Georgia courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia, and the U. S. Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eleventh and Federal Circuits.

Ms. Paul is past-President of The Savannah Children's Theatre, Inc. and the Savannah Jaycees. Within the past few years she has twice been co-chair of the Attorney's Division of the local United Way Campaign. She is a graduate of the 1990-1992 class of Leadership Savannah.

She has obtained favorable results for clients in numerous decisions and appeals, including Liberty Nat'l Life Ins. Co. v. Coley, 201 Ga. App. 623 (1991); Tim's Crane & Rigging, Inc. v. Gibson, 278 Ga. 796 (2004); Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah v. Stevens, 278 Ga. 166 (2004); Doss v. City of Savannah, 290 Ga. App. 670 (2008); Marshall v Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, 366 Fed. App. 91 (2010); and Jackson v Deen, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 113458 (2013).

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Patricia Tanzer Paul

Patricia T. Paul is a partner with a practice emphasizing workers' compensation, employment, civil rights defense for public and private entities, and business and medical litigation.

Ms. Paul received her B.B.A. with General Honors in 1982 from the University of Georgia, with a major in International Business. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1985. After law school, from 1985 to 1988 she worked as the law clerk to The Honorable Perry Brannen, Jr., then-Administrative Judge (now Senior Judge) of the Superior Court of the Eastern Judicial Circuit, in Savannah. She became an associate attorney with Oliver Maner LLP in 1988, and a partner in 1993.

Ms. Paul is rated "AV" by Martindale Hubbell. She is listed in the 2013, 2014, and 2015 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of workers' compensation employers. She is named among Georgia Trend magazine's 2013 Legal Elite in labor and employment.

Ms. Paul is licensed to practice in all Georgia courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia, and the U. S. Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eleventh and Federal Circuits.

Ms. Paul is past-President of The Savannah Children's Theatre, Inc. and the Savannah Jaycees. Within the past few years she has twice been co-chair of the Attorney's Division of the local United Way Campaign. She is a graduate of the 1990-1992 class of Leadership Savannah.

She has obtained favorable results for clients in numerous decisions and appeals, including Liberty Nat'l Life Ins. Co. v. Coley, 201 Ga. App. 623 (1991); Tim's Crane & Rigging, Inc. v. Gibson, 278 Ga. 796 (2004); Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah v. Stevens, 278 Ga. 166 (2004); Doss v. City of Savannah, 290 Ga. App. 670 (2008); Marshall v Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, 366 Fed. App. 91 (2010); and Jackson v Deen, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 113458 (2013).

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Timothy D. Roberts

Tim Roberts is a "Martindale "AV" rated civil trial attorney who joined Oliver Maner LLP in 1994. Since 2009, he has been named in "The Best Lawyers in America" for commercial litigation. Mr. Roberts is recognized by Georgia Super Lawyers in the areas of business litigation and personal injury. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah class of 2000 and was recognized in 2005 as one of the "40 Business Leaders under 40" in the Savannah Business Report and Journal.

Mr. Robert's practice areas include commercial litigation, legal malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death, estate litigation, fiduciary litigation, and creditor representation. He also serves as outside general counsel for several local and regional businesses.

Mr. Roberts is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, National Association of Railroad Trial Lawyers, Savannah Bar Association, American Bar Association, and American Association of Justice. He served on the United Way of the Coastal Empire Campaign Committee for many years and is a former president of the Civitan Club of Savannah.

Mr. Roberts grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in 1988. He received his Juris Doctor from Mercer University in 1994. Prior to law school, Mr. Roberts was employed by the United States State Department in Washington, D.C. and Bank of America in Greensboro, North Carolina. During law school, he was employed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Timothy D. Roberts

Tim Roberts is a "Martindale "AV" rated civil trial attorney who joined Oliver Maner LLP in 1994. Since 2009, he has been named in "The Best Lawyers in America" for commercial litigation. Mr. Roberts is recognized by Georgia Super Lawyers in the areas of business litigation and personal injury. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah class of 2000 and was recognized in 2005 as one of the "40 Business Leaders under 40" in the Savannah Business Report and Journal.

Mr. Robert's practice areas include commercial litigation, legal malpractice, personal injury, wrongful death, estate litigation, fiduciary litigation, and creditor representation. He also serves as outside general counsel for several local and regional businesses.

Mr. Roberts is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, National Association of Railroad Trial Lawyers, Savannah Bar Association, American Bar Association, and American Association of Justice. He served on the United Way of the Coastal Empire Campaign Committee for many years and is a former president of the Civitan Club of Savannah.

Mr. Roberts grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in 1988. He received his Juris Doctor from Mercer University in 1994. Prior to law school, Mr. Roberts was employed by the United States State Department in Washington, D.C. and Bank of America in Greensboro, North Carolina. During law school, he was employed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Lee A. Summerford

Lee A. Summerford is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Summerford concentrates his practice in the areas of business law and estate planning. His business practice includes corporate, partnership and LLC formation, contract preparation and negotiation, sales and acquisitions, buy-sell agreements, and succession planning. His estate planning practice ranges from simple wills to complex tax-motivated estate planning, and he handles all aspects of probate, estate and trust administration. In addition, Mr. Summerford regularly deals with the Internal Revenue Service and State Department of Revenue on estate and income tax issues.

Mr. Summerford also handles a number of issues peculiar to physicians and medical practices including shareholder agreements, employment contracts, covenants not to compete, hospital privileges, and state and federal regulatory issues and compliance.

Mr. Summerford attended Mercer University, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science. While an undergraduate, Mr. Summerford was Grand Master (President) of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and was awarded the Kappa Sigma National Scholarship-Leadership Award. He also received the Georgia Baptist Heritage Scholarship and the Clifton Forrester Memorial Scholarship.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Summerford attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and received his Juris Doctor cum laude in 1996. While at Mercer, he served as Senior Managing Editor of the Mercer Law Review and was a member of the Brainerd Currie Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Mr. Summerford graduated in the top 2% of his class, and received American Jurisprudence Awards in Property, Torts, American Legal History, Civil Procedure II, and Secured Transactions (Article 9). He also was the recipient of the James C. Rehberg Academic Scholarship and was named the 1996 Tax Scholar by the Georgia Federal Tax Conference.

Mr. Summerford is a member of the State Bar of Georgia (Fiduciary Law, Health Care and Corporate sections), the Savannah Bar Association and the American Health Lawyers Association.

Mr. Summerford has been included in "Best Lawyers in America" for Trusts and Estates from 2003 through 2013. In addition, Mr. Summerford was named a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine in the area of Closely Held Businesses from 2006 to 2011. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 or have been in practice less than 10 years. In 2001, he was recognized as one of the top "40 Business Leaders Under 40" in the Savannah Business Report and Journal.

Mr. Summerford is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Georgia Supreme Court, and the United States Tax Court.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Lee A. Summerford

Lee A. Summerford is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Summerford concentrates his practice in the areas of business law and estate planning. His business practice includes corporate, partnership and LLC formation, contract preparation and negotiation, sales and acquisitions, buy-sell agreements, and succession planning. His estate planning practice ranges from simple wills to complex tax-motivated estate planning, and he handles all aspects of probate, estate and trust administration. In addition, Mr. Summerford regularly deals with the Internal Revenue Service and State Department of Revenue on estate and income tax issues.

Mr. Summerford also handles a number of issues peculiar to physicians and medical practices including shareholder agreements, employment contracts, covenants not to compete, hospital privileges, and state and federal regulatory issues and compliance.

Mr. Summerford attended Mercer University, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science. While an undergraduate, Mr. Summerford was Grand Master (President) of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and was awarded the Kappa Sigma National Scholarship-Leadership Award. He also received the Georgia Baptist Heritage Scholarship and the Clifton Forrester Memorial Scholarship.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Summerford attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and received his Juris Doctor cum laude in 1996. While at Mercer, he served as Senior Managing Editor of the Mercer Law Review and was a member of the Brainerd Currie Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Mr. Summerford graduated in the top 2% of his class, and received American Jurisprudence Awards in Property, Torts, American Legal History, Civil Procedure II, and Secured Transactions (Article 9). He also was the recipient of the James C. Rehberg Academic Scholarship and was named the 1996 Tax Scholar by the Georgia Federal Tax Conference.

Mr. Summerford is a member of the State Bar of Georgia (Fiduciary Law, Health Care and Corporate sections), the Savannah Bar Association and the American Health Lawyers Association.

Mr. Summerford has been included in "Best Lawyers in America" for Trusts and Estates from 2003 through 2013. In addition, Mr. Summerford was named a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine in the area of Closely Held Businesses from 2006 to 2011. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 or have been in practice less than 10 years. In 2001, he was recognized as one of the top "40 Business Leaders Under 40" in the Savannah Business Report and Journal.

Mr. Summerford is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the Georgia Supreme Court, and the United States Tax Court.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Christopher L. Ray

Chris Ray is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Ray concentrates his practice primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death. Mr. Ray has enjoyed tremendous success in his defense of physicians and hospitals in numerous medical malpractice cases.

In addition to his work as a trial lawyer, Mr. Ray also serves as a mediator. Through this aspect of his practice, Mr. Ray is able to assist other lawyers and their clients in crafting mutually agreeable and sensible solutions to their disputes. He is a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and is available throughout the state to assist parties in both private and court-ordered mediations.

Mr. Ray graduated cum laude in 1991 from Princeton University, where he received an A.B. degree in History.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Ray attended Fordham Law School where he received his J.D. in 1994. While at Fordham, Mr. Ray was a member of the National Moot Court Team and the Fordham International Law Journal. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Ray served four years on active duty in the U.S. Army as a Captain in the JAG Corps.

Mr. Ray has been named to Best Lawyers in America for 2013 in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs; and has been recognized as a Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyer in Atlanta Magazine. Also, he has been voted the Best Lawyer in Savannah by the readers of Savannah Magazine on two occasions.

Education

Fordham University School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Christopher L. Ray

Chris Ray is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Ray concentrates his practice primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death. Mr. Ray has enjoyed tremendous success in his defense of physicians and hospitals in numerous medical malpractice cases.

In addition to his work as a trial lawyer, Mr. Ray also serves as a mediator. Through this aspect of his practice, Mr. Ray is able to assist other lawyers and their clients in crafting mutually agreeable and sensible solutions to their disputes. He is a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution and is available throughout the state to assist parties in both private and court-ordered mediations.

Mr. Ray graduated cum laude in 1991 from Princeton University, where he received an A.B. degree in History.

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Ray attended Fordham Law School where he received his J.D. in 1994. While at Fordham, Mr. Ray was a member of the National Moot Court Team and the Fordham International Law Journal. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Ray served four years on active duty in the U.S. Army as a Captain in the JAG Corps.

Mr. Ray has been named to Best Lawyers in America for 2013 in the categories of Medical Malpractice Law Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs; and has been recognized as a Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyer in Atlanta Magazine. Also, he has been voted the Best Lawyer in Savannah by the readers of Savannah Magazine on two occasions.

Education

Fordham University School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Douglas J. Giorgio III

Douglas J. Giorgio, III, is a partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Giorgio concentrates his practice in the areas corporate law, federal tax law, estate planning, and estate administration and probate.

Mr. Giorgio was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Savannah. He attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Philosophy. While at Notre Dame, Mr. Giorgio was a member of the University's golf team where he served as Captain his senior year. Upon graduation, Mr. Giorgio spent the following year in Florida participating in professional golf "mini-tours".

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Giorgio attended Georgia State University and earned a Master of Taxation and became a certified public accountant. He worked for Price Waterhouse in Savannah and, later, as a Senior Accountant and Manager for Cooper & Lybrand in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

In 1998, Mr. Giorgio entered law school at the University of South Carolina School of Law, and received his Juirs Doctor in 2001. While in law school, he was a member of the South Carolina Law Review.

Mr. Giorgio is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the State Bar of South Carolina, and the Savannah Bar Association. He is also a member of Savannah Estate Planning Council and a member of the Board of Directors for the Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Mr. Giorgia has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Trusts and Estates. In 2010, Mr. Giorgio was selected as a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years.

Mr. Giorgio is admitted to practice before the Georgia and South Carolina state courts.

Education

University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Douglas J. Giorgio III

Douglas J. Giorgio, III, is a partner in the Tax and Corporate section of the firm. Mr. Giorgio concentrates his practice in the areas corporate law, federal tax law, estate planning, and estate administration and probate.

Mr. Giorgio was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Savannah. He attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Philosophy. While at Notre Dame, Mr. Giorgio was a member of the University's golf team where he served as Captain his senior year. Upon graduation, Mr. Giorgio spent the following year in Florida participating in professional golf "mini-tours".

Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Giorgio attended Georgia State University and earned a Master of Taxation and became a certified public accountant. He worked for Price Waterhouse in Savannah and, later, as a Senior Accountant and Manager for Cooper & Lybrand in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

In 1998, Mr. Giorgio entered law school at the University of South Carolina School of Law, and received his Juirs Doctor in 2001. While in law school, he was a member of the South Carolina Law Review.

Mr. Giorgio is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the State Bar of South Carolina, and the Savannah Bar Association. He is also a member of Savannah Estate Planning Council and a member of the Board of Directors for the Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Mr. Giorgia has been named a 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Trusts and Estates. In 2010, Mr. Giorgio was selected as a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years.

Mr. Giorgio is admitted to practice before the Georgia and South Carolina state courts.

Education

University of South Carolina School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Alison Sawyer Kennickell

Alison Kennickell is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the litigation section of the firm. Ms. Kennickell concentrates her practice in the areas of trial practice, primarily in the area of medical malpractice defense.

A native of Clemson, South Carolina, Ms. Kennickell graduated summa cum laude in 1998 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in American Studies. While attending the University of Tennessee, Ms. Kennickell was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Upon earning her undergraduate degree, Ms. Kennickell attended the University of Georgia School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor cum laude in 2002. While at Georgia, Ms. Kennickell was a member of the Georgia Moot Court Team, where she competed with and coached the ABA Moot Court Team.

Ms. Kennickell has been named to the 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Medical Malpractice Defendants. Also, Ms. Kennickell has been twice named a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years.

Ms. Kennickell is a member of the Georgia State Bar, the Savannah Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers. Outside of her law practice, Ms. Kennickell has been an instructor of law at Armstrong Atlantic State University's Continuing Education program. She has also been involved in various civic and volunteer organizations.

Ms. Kennickell is admitted to practice in all Georgia state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Alison Sawyer Kennickell

Alison Kennickell is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the litigation section of the firm. Ms. Kennickell concentrates her practice in the areas of trial practice, primarily in the area of medical malpractice defense.

A native of Clemson, South Carolina, Ms. Kennickell graduated summa cum laude in 1998 from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she received a B.A. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in American Studies. While attending the University of Tennessee, Ms. Kennickell was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Upon earning her undergraduate degree, Ms. Kennickell attended the University of Georgia School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor cum laude in 2002. While at Georgia, Ms. Kennickell was a member of the Georgia Moot Court Team, where she competed with and coached the ABA Moot Court Team.

Ms. Kennickell has been named to the 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Medical Malpractice Defendants. Also, Ms. Kennickell has been twice named a Georgia "Rising Star" by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years.

Ms. Kennickell is a member of the Georgia State Bar, the Savannah Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers. Outside of her law practice, Ms. Kennickell has been an instructor of law at Armstrong Atlantic State University's Continuing Education program. She has also been involved in various civic and volunteer organizations.

Ms. Kennickell is admitted to practice in all Georgia state courts, the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Andrew M. Wilkes

Andrew M. Wilkes is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the litigation section of the firm. Mr. Wilkes concentrates his practice in the areas of trial practice including medical malpractice defense, domestic relations/divorce, plaintiff's personal injury/wrongful death, and business litigation.

A native of Hazlehurst, Georgia, Mr. Wilkes graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia in 1999, where he received his B.B.A. degree in Banking and Finance. While attending the University of Georgia, Mr. Wilkes was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the business honor society of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Mr. Wilkes attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University where he received his Juris Doctor cum laude in 2002. Mr. Wilkes was a member of the Mercer Law Review and served as Senior Managing Editor during the 2001-2002 academic term. He also participated in Rolling Readers Literacy Program and served as an academic mentor.

Mr. Wilkes has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine each year since 2006. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40. Mr. Wilkes has also been recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. In 2012 and 2013, Mr. Wilkes was recognized by Georgia Trend to be included among the State's Legal Elite in the area of Family Law.

Mr. Wilkes is admitted to practice before all Georgia state courts, including the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals. Mr. Wilkes is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh and Federal Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Wilkes has authored several publications addressing tort reform, including SB3: Three Years Later, and The Evolution of Georgia's Tort Reform Legislation; Five Years After S.B. 3, both of which were published in the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Journal. Mr. Wilkes has also lectured on various topics related to medical malpractice liability issues and family law.

Outside of his law practice, Mr. Wilkes has volunteered as an attorney-coach for the Georgia High School Mock Trial Association. He has also participated as the attorney advisor for Learning for Life's Law and Government Explorer Post, a program that provides hands-on guidance to high school students interested in pursuing careers in law or government. Mr. Wilkes is an active member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Andrew M. Wilkes

Andrew M. Wilkes is a Martindale Hubbell AV rated partner in the litigation section of the firm. Mr. Wilkes concentrates his practice in the areas of trial practice including medical malpractice defense, domestic relations/divorce, plaintiff's personal injury/wrongful death, and business litigation.

A native of Hazlehurst, Georgia, Mr. Wilkes graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia in 1999, where he received his B.B.A. degree in Banking and Finance. While attending the University of Georgia, Mr. Wilkes was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the business honor society of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Mr. Wilkes attended the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University where he received his Juris Doctor cum laude in 2002. Mr. Wilkes was a member of the Mercer Law Review and served as Senior Managing Editor during the 2001-2002 academic term. He also participated in Rolling Readers Literacy Program and served as an academic mentor.

Mr. Wilkes has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine each year since 2006. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40. Mr. Wilkes has also been recognized by "Best Lawyers in America" in the category of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. In 2012 and 2013, Mr. Wilkes was recognized by Georgia Trend to be included among the State's Legal Elite in the area of Family Law.

Mr. Wilkes is admitted to practice before all Georgia state courts, including the Georgia Supreme Court and the Georgia Court of Appeals. Mr. Wilkes is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh and Federal Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Wilkes has authored several publications addressing tort reform, including SB3: Three Years Later, and The Evolution of Georgia's Tort Reform Legislation; Five Years After S.B. 3, both of which were published in the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Journal. Mr. Wilkes has also lectured on various topics related to medical malpractice liability issues and family law.

Outside of his law practice, Mr. Wilkes has volunteered as an attorney-coach for the Georgia High School Mock Trial Association. He has also participated as the attorney advisor for Learning for Life's Law and Government Explorer Post, a program that provides hands-on guidance to high school students interested in pursuing careers in law or government. Mr. Wilkes is an active member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.

Education

Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
William J. Hunter

William (Bill) J. Hunter, partner, is a Martindale and Hubbell "AV" rated member of the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Hunter concentrates his practice in the areas of plaintiff's personal injury/wrongful death, business litigation, and medical malpractice defense.

Mr. Hunter grew up in Arkansas and attended Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1999. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Hunter attended the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he received his Juris Doctor magna cum laude in 2003. While in law school, Mr. Hunter was an active member of the Arkansas Law Review and served as the Note and Comment Editor from 2002-2003.

Mr. Hunter is a member of the Georgia State Bar and the Savannah Bar Association. He is the former Chairman of the Professional Malpractice Substantive Law Committee for the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Hunter has been active in First Tee Savannah, and served on both the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

For the past several years, including 2013, Mr. Hunter was named a Georgia Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years. In 2013, Mr. Hunter was named the "Lawyer of the Year" for Savannah in the area of Medical Malpractice Law. Lawyers being honored as "Lawyer of the Year" are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the exhaustive peer-review assessments conducted by Best Lawyers with thousands of leading lawyers each year. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity. Mr. Hunter is also listed in the 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. 2014, Mr. Hunter was selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

Mr. Hunter is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh and Federal Circuits.

Education

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Leflar Law Center
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
William J. Hunter

William (Bill) J. Hunter, partner, is a Martindale and Hubbell "AV" rated member of the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Hunter concentrates his practice in the areas of plaintiff's personal injury/wrongful death, business litigation, and medical malpractice defense.

Mr. Hunter grew up in Arkansas and attended Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1999. Upon earning his undergraduate degree, Mr. Hunter attended the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he received his Juris Doctor magna cum laude in 2003. While in law school, Mr. Hunter was an active member of the Arkansas Law Review and served as the Note and Comment Editor from 2002-2003.

Mr. Hunter is a member of the Georgia State Bar and the Savannah Bar Association. He is the former Chairman of the Professional Malpractice Substantive Law Committee for the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Hunter has been active in First Tee Savannah, and served on both the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

For the past several years, including 2013, Mr. Hunter was named a Georgia Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine. The Rising Star program seeks to identify the top 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Georgia who are under 40 and have been in practice less than 10 years. In 2013, Mr. Hunter was named the "Lawyer of the Year" for Savannah in the area of Medical Malpractice Law. Lawyers being honored as "Lawyer of the Year" are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the exhaustive peer-review assessments conducted by Best Lawyers with thousands of leading lawyers each year. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, their professionalism, and their integrity. Mr. Hunter is also listed in the 2013 "Best Lawyers in America" in the categories of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. 2014, Mr. Hunter was selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

Mr. Hunter is admitted to practice before the Georgia state courts, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh and Federal Circuits.

Education

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Leflar Law Center J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Douglas E. Herman

Douglas E. Herman is a partner in the Litigation section of Oliver Maner LLP. Mr. Herman concentrates his practice in several areas of insurance defense, including professional liability, commercial general liability, property and premises, directors and officers, and association defense, commercial and contract litigation, real estate matters, banking, foreclosure, lien and creditors' rights matters, professional licensure law and administrative litigation. Prior to joining Oliver Maner LLP, Mr. Herman practiced in the areas of professional liability defense, insurance defense, school and municipal law, real estate, and employment law with firms in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Herman has been selected on multiple occasions by his peers for inclusion in U.S. News & World Report's Best Lawyers publication, in the areas of Real Estate Litigation and Commercial Litigation. He has also been recognized as a Rising Star by Georgia's Super Lawyers publication in the areas of professional malpractice and commercial litigation. Further, Mr. Herman has achieved a 5.0-Preeminent AV Peer Review rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Mr. Herman is admitted to practice before all Georgia and Pennsylvania state courts, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, and the United States Courts of Appeal for the Third and Eleventh Circuits.

Mr. Herman is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Savannah Bar Association. He is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and General Counsel to the Chatham County Republican Party. Mr. Herman is also a former counsel to the Savannah Area Board of Realtors and formerly practiced with a firm that was General Counsel to the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Herman is a member of the Board of Directors for the Savannah Area Junior Achievement, a member of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, and a past graduate of Leadership Savannah.

Mr. Herman has authored several scholarly articles selected for publication, including a Case note entitled Arkansas Educational Television Commission v. Forbes: A Circular Assault on Political Speech, 8 WIDENER J. PUB L. 471 (1999). He has also authored numerous articles for The Pennsylvania REALTOR, THE Defense Digest, the Philadelphia Legal Intelligencer, The Pennsylvania Law Weekly, The Savannah Board of Realtors Newsletter, and several insurance industry publications. Further, Mr. Herman has lectured to and provided seminars for insurance companies, attorneys and real estate professionals concerning litigation, insurance and real estate matters.

Mr. Herman was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1997 with Bachelors of Arts magna cum laude in Political Science and Rhetoric/Communications. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Herman was a member of the University's Honors College and was placed on The Dean's List.

Mr. Herman then attended the Widener University School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor cum laude in 2000. While at Widener, he was a member of the Senior Staff of the Widener Journal of Public Law, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and an academic scholarship recipient.

Prior to commencing his legal career, Mr. Herman worked as a legislative staffer, both in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and as a legislative liaison for a former Governor of Pennsylvania.

Education

Widener University School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Douglas E. Herman

Douglas E. Herman is a partner in the Litigation section of Oliver Maner LLP. Mr. Herman concentrates his practice in several areas of insurance defense, including professional liability, commercial general liability, property and premises, directors and officers, and association defense, commercial and contract litigation, real estate matters, banking, foreclosure, lien and creditors' rights matters, professional licensure law and administrative litigation. Prior to joining Oliver Maner LLP, Mr. Herman practiced in the areas of professional liability defense, insurance defense, school and municipal law, real estate, and employment law with firms in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Herman has been selected on multiple occasions by his peers for inclusion in U.S. News & World Report's Best Lawyers publication, in the areas of Real Estate Litigation and Commercial Litigation. He has also been recognized as a Rising Star by Georgia's Super Lawyers publication in the areas of professional malpractice and commercial litigation. Further, Mr. Herman has achieved a 5.0-Preeminent AV Peer Review rating from Martindale Hubbell.

Mr. Herman is admitted to practice before all Georgia and Pennsylvania state courts, the United States District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania, and the United States Courts of Appeal for the Third and Eleventh Circuits.

Mr. Herman is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Savannah Bar Association. He is also a member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, and General Counsel to the Chatham County Republican Party. Mr. Herman is also a former counsel to the Savannah Area Board of Realtors and formerly practiced with a firm that was General Counsel to the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. Outside of his law practice, Mr. Herman is a member of the Board of Directors for the Savannah Area Junior Achievement, a member of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, and a past graduate of Leadership Savannah.

Mr. Herman has authored several scholarly articles selected for publication, including a Case note entitled Arkansas Educational Television Commission v. Forbes: A Circular Assault on Political Speech, 8 WIDENER J. PUB L. 471 (1999). He has also authored numerous articles for The Pennsylvania REALTOR, THE Defense Digest, the Philadelphia Legal Intelligencer, The Pennsylvania Law Weekly, The Savannah Board of Realtors Newsletter, and several insurance industry publications. Further, Mr. Herman has lectured to and provided seminars for insurance companies, attorneys and real estate professionals concerning litigation, insurance and real estate matters.

Mr. Herman was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1997 with Bachelors of Arts magna cum laude in Political Science and Rhetoric/Communications. While at the University of Pittsburgh, Mr. Herman was a member of the University's Honors College and was placed on The Dean's List.

Mr. Herman then attended the Widener University School of Law, where he received a Juris Doctor cum laude in 2000. While at Widener, he was a member of the Senior Staff of the Widener Journal of Public Law, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and an academic scholarship recipient.

Prior to commencing his legal career, Mr. Herman worked as a legislative staffer, both in Washington, D.C. and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and as a legislative liaison for a former Governor of Pennsylvania.

Education

Widener University School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Benjamin M. Perkins

Ben Perkins is a partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Perkins, who holds a preeminent AV peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, concentrates his practice in the areas of municipal and county liability, zoning and land use litigation, professional negligence, business and employment litigation, environmental litigation, products liability and personal injury. Prior to joining Oliver Maner LLP in 2006, Mr. Perkins worked with a civil litigation firm in Atlanta.

Mr. Perkins attended the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude in 2000 from the Honors Program with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in May 2004.

Mr. Perkins is an active member of the State Bars of Georgia and Florida. He has been recognized as a Georgia Rising Star since 2006 in the Georgia Super Lawyers edition of Atlanta Magazine. Mr. Perkins has prepared and presented seminars on the Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, Electronic Records and E-Discovery, Document Retention Policies and Procedures, Georgia Police Pursuit Law, Florida Jury Verdicts, Avoiding Bad Faith Claims, and State and Federal Open Records Law.

Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Perkins is a graduate of Leadership Savannah's Class of 2009, is a past president of the Savannah Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and is Chairman of the Board of Court Reporting of the Judicial Council of Georgia. He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association History and Archives Committee, serves on the Board for the Chatham County Domestic Relations Initiative, and is a member of the Out of State Practitioners' Division of the State Bar of Florida. Mr. Perkins is also a member of the Gridiron Secret Society.

Mr. Perkins is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the United States District Courts for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Georgia, and the Middle District of Florida, and all state courts of Florida.

Mr. Perkins has obtained favorable results for his clients in numerous reported cases. Notable reported decisions include Poole v. Northern Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church, 273 Ga. App. 536 (2005); Cypress Ins. Co v. Duncan, 281 Ga. App. 469 (2006); Steele v. City of Port Wentworth, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20637 (S.D. Ga. 2008); CNH Capital AM., LLC v. Southeastern Aggregate, Inc., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 91882 (S.D. Ga. 2009); Brown v City of Tybee Island, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27660 (S.D. Ga. 2010); Pollman v. Swan, 305 Ga. App. 369 (2010); Effingham County v. Rhodes, 307 Ga. App. 504 (2010); Freeman v. Eichholz, 308 Ga. App. 18 (2011); Pollman v. Swan, 289 Ga. 767 (2011); Pollman v. Swan, 314 Ga. App. 5 (2011); Anderson v. Tattnall County, 318 Ga. App. 877 (2012); We, the Taxpayers v. Bd. of Tax Assessors, 292 Ga. 31 (2012); Hardy v. GHM Rock & Sand, Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 123219 (S.D. Ga. 2012); Georgia-Pacific Consumer Prods., LP v Ratner, 323 Ga. App. 203 (2013); Davis v. Pope, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 106652 (S.D. Ga. July 30, 2013); City of Tybee Island v Live Oak Group, LLC, 324 Ga. App. 476 (2013); and Davis v. Effingham Cnty. Bd. of Comm'rs, 760 S.E.2d 9 (Ga. Ct. App. 2014), reconsideration denied (July 29, 2014).

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Benjamin M. Perkins

Ben Perkins is a partner in the Litigation section of the firm. Mr. Perkins, who holds a preeminent AV peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, concentrates his practice in the areas of municipal and county liability, zoning and land use litigation, professional negligence, business and employment litigation, environmental litigation, products liability and personal injury. Prior to joining Oliver Maner LLP in 2006, Mr. Perkins worked with a civil litigation firm in Atlanta.

Mr. Perkins attended the University of Georgia, graduating magna cum laude in 2000 from the Honors Program with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in May 2004.

Mr. Perkins is an active member of the State Bars of Georgia and Florida. He has been recognized as a Georgia Rising Star since 2006 in the Georgia Super Lawyers edition of Atlanta Magazine. Mr. Perkins has prepared and presented seminars on the Voting Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, Electronic Records and E-Discovery, Document Retention Policies and Procedures, Georgia Police Pursuit Law, Florida Jury Verdicts, Avoiding Bad Faith Claims, and State and Federal Open Records Law.

Outside of his legal practice, Mr. Perkins is a graduate of Leadership Savannah's Class of 2009, is a past president of the Savannah Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and is Chairman of the Board of Court Reporting of the Judicial Council of Georgia. He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association History and Archives Committee, serves on the Board for the Chatham County Domestic Relations Initiative, and is a member of the Out of State Practitioners' Division of the State Bar of Florida. Mr. Perkins is also a member of the Gridiron Secret Society.

Mr. Perkins is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Georgia Supreme Court, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the United States District Courts for the Southern, Middle and Northern Districts of Georgia, and the Middle District of Florida, and all state courts of Florida.

Mr. Perkins has obtained favorable results for his clients in numerous reported cases. Notable reported decisions include Poole v. Northern Georgia Conference of the Methodist Church, 273 Ga. App. 536 (2005); Cypress Ins. Co v. Duncan, 281 Ga. App. 469 (2006); Steele v. City of Port Wentworth, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20637 (S.D. Ga. 2008); CNH Capital AM., LLC v. Southeastern Aggregate, Inc., 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 91882 (S.D. Ga. 2009); Brown v City of Tybee Island, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27660 (S.D. Ga. 2010); Pollman v. Swan, 305 Ga. App. 369 (2010); Effingham County v. Rhodes, 307 Ga. App. 504 (2010); Freeman v. Eichholz, 308 Ga. App. 18 (2011); Pollman v. Swan, 289 Ga. 767 (2011); Pollman v. Swan, 314 Ga. App. 5 (2011); Anderson v. Tattnall County, 318 Ga. App. 877 (2012); We, the Taxpayers v. Bd. of Tax Assessors, 292 Ga. 31 (2012); Hardy v. GHM Rock & Sand, Inc., 2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 123219 (S.D. Ga. 2012); Georgia-Pacific Consumer Prods., LP v Ratner, 323 Ga. App. 203 (2013); Davis v. Pope, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 106652 (S.D. Ga. July 30, 2013); City of Tybee Island v Live Oak Group, LLC, 324 Ga. App. 476 (2013); and Davis v. Effingham Cnty. Bd. of Comm'rs, 760 S.E.2d 9 (Ga. Ct. App. 2014), reconsideration denied (July 29, 2014).

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


 Oliver Maner LLP
Paul H. Threlkeld

Vidalia, Georgia native Paul Threlkeld is a trial lawyer who joined Oliver Maner LLP as a partner on January 1, 2013. Previously, Paul was a partner with the Law Offices of Andrew and Threlkeld, P.C. in Vidalia. From 2001 until October 2006, he practiced with Oliver Maner LLP's predecessor, Oliver Maner & Gray. Paul maintains a federal and state court trial practice in which he represents businesses, local governments, and government officials in all manner of civil disputes. He regularly represents individuals in serious personal injury cases. Paul maintains a preeminent AV rating for legal ability and ethics from Martindale Hubbell, the most respected legal rating agency in the country. Since 2006, Paul has been consistently been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine.

Paul is admitted to practice before all state trial and appellate courts in Georgia, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Georgia, and the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Paul also serves as a member of the Lawyer Advisory Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. He has chaired and spoken at numerous seminars for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Georgia Municipal Association. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, where he serves on the Communications Committee and as a trustee of the State Bar Client Security Fund. He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association, and he serves as a trustee for the Georgia Legal History Foundation.

Paul has obtained favorable results for clients in numerous appeals in all manner of cases, some of which include: Barber v. Holmes, 282 Ga. 768 (2007); Georgia Department of Transp. v. Strickland, 279 Ga. App. 753 (2006) cert. denied (Sept. 8, 2006); Morris v. Johnson 262 Ga. App. 182 (2003); City of Pooler v. Edenfield, 263 Ga. App. 278 (2003); CSX Transp., Inc. v. City of Garden City, 277 Ga. 248 (2003).

In addition to his private practice, Paul served as the Solicitor-General of Toombs County, Georgia from 2007 2013, where he served as the sole prosecutor in the State Court of Toombs County. Paul was appointed by then-Governor Perdue to fill an unexpired term in February, 2007. Paul was re-elected by the voters of Toombs County in 2008 and 2012.

Paul attended public schools in Vidalia and then attended the University of Georgia where he earned his ABJ, cum laude, in 1998. Paul earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2001. While at UGA, Paul was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and was elected to membership in Blue Key.

In addition to his law practice, Paul is active in civic affairs. He served as a trustee of both the Southeastern Technical College Foundation and the Altama Museum of Art & History. He is also a past president of the Vidalia Kiwanis Club. Paul and his wife are 2009 graduates of Leadership Georgia. In 2011 they served as Program Chairs, and Paul currently serves on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees.

Paul is married to the former Ansley Bell of Augusta, and they have three children: Hughes, Ella Bankes and Hampton.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law
J.D.,

 Oliver Maner LLP
Paul H. Threlkeld

Vidalia, Georgia native Paul Threlkeld is a trial lawyer who joined Oliver Maner LLP as a partner on January 1, 2013. Previously, Paul was a partner with the Law Offices of Andrew and Threlkeld, P.C. in Vidalia. From 2001 until October 2006, he practiced with Oliver Maner LLP's predecessor, Oliver Maner & Gray. Paul maintains a federal and state court trial practice in which he represents businesses, local governments, and government officials in all manner of civil disputes. He regularly represents individuals in serious personal injury cases. Paul maintains a preeminent AV rating for legal ability and ethics from Martindale Hubbell, the most respected legal rating agency in the country. Since 2006, Paul has been consistently been named a Super Lawyer Rising Star by Atlanta Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine.

Paul is admitted to practice before all state trial and appellate courts in Georgia, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Georgia, and the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Paul also serves as a member of the Lawyer Advisory Committee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. He has chaired and spoken at numerous seminars for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Georgia Municipal Association. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, where he serves on the Communications Committee and as a trustee of the State Bar Client Security Fund. He is a member of the Savannah Bar Association, and he serves as a trustee for the Georgia Legal History Foundation.

Paul has obtained favorable results for clients in numerous appeals in all manner of cases, some of which include: Barber v. Holmes, 282 Ga. 768 (2007); Georgia Department of Transp. v. Strickland, 279 Ga. App. 753 (2006) cert. denied (Sept. 8, 2006); Morris v. Johnson 262 Ga. App. 182 (2003); City of Pooler v. Edenfield, 263 Ga. App. 278 (2003); CSX Transp., Inc. v. City of Garden City, 277 Ga. 248 (2003).

In addition to his private practice, Paul served as the Solicitor-General of Toombs County, Georgia from 2007 2013, where he served as the sole prosecutor in the State Court of Toombs County. Paul was appointed by then-Governor Perdue to fill an unexpired term in February, 2007. Paul was re-elected by the voters of Toombs County in 2008 and 2012.

Paul attended public schools in Vidalia and then attended the University of Georgia where he earned his ABJ, cum laude, in 1998. Paul earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2001. While at UGA, Paul was a member of Kappa Alpha Order and the Interfraternity Council (IFC), and was elected to membership in Blue Key.

In addition to his law practice, Paul is active in civic affairs. He served as a trustee of both the Southeastern Technical College Foundation and the Altama Museum of Art & History. He is also a past president of the Vidalia Kiwanis Club. Paul and his wife are 2009 graduates of Leadership Georgia. In 2011 they served as Program Chairs, and Paul currently serves on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees.

Paul is married to the former Ansley Bell of Augusta, and they have three children: Hughes, Ella Bankes and Hampton.

Education

University of Georgia School of Law J.D.,


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