Talking Rock Business Lawyers

Senior Attorney and Counselor at Law: (1986-2019)
W. Blake McCarty, Esq. dba The McCarty Law Practice
* Founded and operated successful law offices at the Equitable Building, Perimeter Center Terrace, and the Ravinia in Atlanta. Hired, trained, and managed personnel, vetted incoming engagements, developed case strategies, worked with expert witnesses, and handled all aspects of client engagements for over 1,000 clients.
* Provided AV-rated domestic and international tax, ERISA, entity governance, corporate-partnership-LLC business transaction planning, negotiating, regulatory compliance, and contract drafting, securities law, employment law compliance, and counsel to Boards, officers, directors,...

Named 2020 Volunteer of the Year by the Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta (PBPA) and one of Georgia’s Top Rated Lawyers in 2019 by ALM and Martindale Hubbell, Glenn M. Lyon is also a member of Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite and an AV-rated Preeminent business attorney specializing in providing legal services to small and medium-sized, privately-held businesses and start-up companies, including transactional services and commercial litigation. Glenn also handles corporate mergers and acquisitions of various small businesses, and also manages business contracts such as buy-sell agreements, franchise agreements, beta and licensing agreements, and employment/ independent contractor agreements. Glenn also...

Gerry Balboni is an experienced deal lawyer representing growth companies, investors, and buyers and sellers of growth companies. He has distinctive expertise in venture capital, private equity, acquisitions, and licensing and distribution of technology and software. Gerry brings a results-oriented approach to every engagement. He knows what works and what doesn't. Gerry graduated from the University of South Florida in 1975 with a B.A. in English, from the Graduate School of Business of Stetson University in 1977 with an MBA, and from the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama in 1984 with a J.D., cum laude....

With a unique focus on real estate and business law, Matt Horne is an attorney with valuable and varied legal practice experience. Having joined the firm in 2001, Matt is charged with representing clients in a variety of areas including debtor and creditor bankruptcy, wills and estate matters. His extensive background in all forms of litigation has Matt often in court handling business matters and domestic cases. As the head of our Newnan firm’s well-established real estate department, Matt and his closing team regularly handle residential and commercial real estate closings, representing buyers, sellers, lenders and developers.

Spence is a business attorney who specializes in the representation of small to mid-sized companies in complex disputes, litigation, and transactions. Whether he is helping a closely-held business bring in investors, or litigating contentious partnership breakups, his focus is pragmatic resolution of client issues. When voluntary resolution efforts don't work out, he has a long track record of winning cases for his client in court and arbitration across the U.S. In construction cases, Spence represents owners, contractors, and subcontractors at all phases of the construction process from negotiation of contracts to litigating defect disputes. He also represents clients in disputes...

Dustin Marlowe practices at Johnson Marlowe LLP in Athens, Georgia. Before starting Johnson Marlowe with his law partner, Spence Johnson, Dustin was a partner at Orr Brown Johnson LLP in Gainesville, Georgia, and also served two years as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable William C. O’Kelley, Senior United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Georgia. Through his service as a federal law clerk, Dustin developed an extensive understanding of federal practice and procedure and acquired an expertise in commercial litigation, including contract disputes, business torts, and collections, as well as catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death,...

Jason Ramsland is an attorney of counsel at Johnson Marlowe LLP. He focuses on business and corporate transactions and litigation, employment related matters, and business development.

Over the years Jason has helped clients both big and small, from large corporations with global footprints to the minimum-wage earning employee. He approaches legal disputes with problem-solving philosophy, seeking to help clients through their legal matters with a broad perspective.

Before joining Johnson Marlowe LLP, Jason was a partner with the firm Ball Eggleston in Lafayette, Indiana, where he litigated business disputes and employment related cases. He has taken on huge retailers like Target and...

As an Athens attorney at Blasingame, Burch, Garrard & Ashley, P.C., David Alan Dismuke assists clients with a broad range of legal matters, including tax law, corporate transactions, estate planning, estate administration, and trust administration. An attentive person, David always takes a great interest in the concerns of his clients. He strives to treat people in the way that he would like to be treated. Many of the issues that David handles can be incredibly complex, which is why he takes the time to explain everything in a way that is easy to understand. He believes that the more informed...

Philip S. Coe is a trial lawyer and counselor with more than 30 years of litigation experience. Mr. Coe's practice over the years has been wide-ranging, but with major focus on family law, including contested divorce, custody and support modification actions. Although he remains first and foremost a trial lawyer, Mr. Coe is also a registered Mediator and Arbitrator and Neutral Case Evaluator. Most recently, Mr. Coe has become a passionate advocate for and practitioner of Collaborative Divorce Practice.

Jess Johnson is one of the best young lawyers in Georgia. He has been recognized as a “Rising Star” in criminal defense and civil litigation by Super Lawyers Magazine for the past several years. While only 2.5% of lawyers in Georgia under the age of 40 receive such an honor, Jess was first named to this list after only 3 years of practice.

Jess has been instrumental in our firm’s success in both trials and appeals. In his very first trial, Jess was awarded an Acquittal Award from the Federal Defender Program for helping our firm win a “not guilty” verdict...

Our clients are innovative 7 and 8 figure companies with national and global reach. They create brands, license software, and distribute content to Fortune 500 enterprises, governmental agencies and strategic partners. The diverse industries we serve include technology, food and beverages, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, consulting and professional services.

We align with middle market business leaders who value agile, responsive legal collaboration, and profit-focused guidance. Many clients are founders, families and friends who've grown their privately held businesses through savvy acumen and faithful perseverance. We commit to your success, and build longstanding relationships as trusted advisors.

I have represented individuals and businesses as plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal courts as well as various arbitration forums in such diverse areas of law as banking and finance, labor and employment, professional liability, restrictive covenants, sale of goods, securities, trade secrets and trusts and estates. I focus my practice, however, on franchise and distribution litigation. I have represented clients in various industries, including food and beverage, preschool and daycare and tax consulting services, from the pre-complaint stage through discovery into trial.

Growing up in a multicultural household, I was shaped by my Japanese, Chinese, and African American heritage, which instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and respect. Atlanta is my first home, but my time abroad also shaped my worldview and continues to influence how I approach my work and relationships. I earned my Bachelor’s in Japanese Language and Literature at the University of Georgia and my Juris Doctorate at the University of Alabama School of Law. While in law school, I discovered my passion for service, working in Family and Elder Law Clinics, clerking for a federal judge,...

As an Associate Attorney with Williams Teusink based in Decatur, GA, Caela Abrams focuses her practice on real estate transactions, real estate litigation, and business law. Caela's expertise includes representing buyers and sellers in commercial real estate transactions, complex real estate litigation, and corporate formation. After receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Ethics from Emory University in Atlanta, Caela earned her Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law and graduated with a Certificate in Environmental Law and Land Use. Among her accomplishments, Caela was a 2018-19 Urban Fellow with the College of...

Andrew Beal earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. For over 25 years, Drew has represented individuals and businesses in state and federal courts all across the Southeast. He primarily focuses on commercial claims, such as shareholder disputes and those involving professional negligence. Drew began his own practice in order to provide high-quality, personalized business representation and litigation services to commercial clients. Ed is also proud to serve those who need help resolving workers’ compensation claims and insurance benefit disputes. He is AV® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the highest honors an attorney can receive.

Ashley McCartney, LLC is a law firm in Atlanta, GA focusing on family law, business and civil litigation.

Chris Fairchild is an Associate at Johnson Marlowe, LLP. His practice focuses on construction, real property, and business litigation matters as well as serious personal injury cases.

Chris’ construction practice focuses on representing owners, developers, and general contractors in litigation involving construction defect actions, payment disputes, and lien foreclosures. He is also experienced representing residential builders and homeowners in matters involving breaches of warranty, construction defect, and fraudulent business practices.

Prior to joining Johnson Marlowe, LLP, Chris worked at a boutique business and real estate firm, as well as at a large insurance defense firm in Atlanta, GA, allowing him to gain...

Attorney Misty A. Oaks, Founding Partner and Principal Member of The Oaks Firm, stepped out on faith when she started her own legal practice in 2009. What started as just a dull roar turned into roaring thunder, when considering the number of satisfied clients and the rapid growth of The Firm. She oversees every aspect of The Firm’s operations, while her main areas of practice are: Home & Auto Loan Modifications, Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy, Foreclosure Defense, and Civil Litigation. Attorney Oaks graduated magna cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law in Durham, North...

Warren has practiced law with his firm, D. Warren Auld, P.C., Attorney at Law from 1987 to the present. The firm’s office is located in Gwinnett County in Snellville, Georgia.

For three decades Warren has engaged in a general practice encompassing domestic, criminal, business representation and civil litigation. He has accepted appointments and served as a Guardian ad Litem in Juvenile and Superior Court. He has served as Special Master for the Georgia Supreme Court and has been voted the "Best Lawyer to Get you Out of Trouble" in Gwinnett County.

Education
GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW | Juris...

Chadd Reynolds has extensive experience advising corporate clients in business, real estate, and construction related matters. His primary practice focuses on representing subcontractors, contractors, and owners in a variety of disputes involving contract, construction defect, nonpayment, delay, and lien and bond claims. He also represents businesses in contract disputes and pursues and defends fraud, negligent misrepresentation, tortious interference, racketeering, and trademark claims on behalf of his clients. Chadd is a current board member of the Atlanta Bar Association's Construction Law Section and is also a member of the Atlanta Bar Association's Litigation Section and the Georgia Bar Association's Construction Law...

Paul Morochnik has been practicing law in Georgia since 1993. He predominantly has a litigation practice - focusing on banking, business and real estate litigation. Paul was a partner in two small firms for 12 years and 15 years, respectively. He brings practical and logical solutions to complex legal issues. He prides himself on being a partner with his clients to offer them common sense advice that makes sense for their unique situation. His long tenured paralegals and clients are a testament to the relationships he has formed over the years.

Hello, my name is Drake Corbin. I attended Dartmouth College for my undergraduate degree in History and subsequently attended the University of Georgia School of Law. I graduated from law school and was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2020. As a Jackson County native, I am thrilled to be back home and helping people in our community. My mission is to translate your goals into the legal instruments necessary to achieve those goals. I am especially interested in helping my clients with their transactional needs because I understand the challenges of properly organizing a small business and planning for...

Cody Goff is Senior Counsel at Johnson Marlowe, LLP and focuses on representing business clients handling complex environmental and construction matters. Cody specializes in environmental law, representing commercial property buyers, sellers, and lenders in transactions involving environmentally impacted property.

David is a luminary in representing small business owners. He has been counseling and assisting small business owners for over 20 years. He has found that his clients truly appreciate the time and effort he puts into every aspect of their business. Over his professional career, David has gained extensive experience, knowledge and expertise in every aspect of the functioning of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, trade associations and joint ventures. David primarily focuses on business law and personal injury matters. David’s commitment to the C-Store industry has earned him national recognition and respect among his peers in the legal...

As a Georgia business lawyer and franchise lawyer with 15 years experience, I provide expert guidance to help businesses minimize risk and maximize success. My professional success is built on understanding business needs, delivering practical solutions, and providing great value to my clients. With work experience at an elite international law firm, as an in-house lawyer, and as an entrepreneur, I know how to deliver high quality legal solutions quickly and efficiently. As an expert in franchise law, I advise numerous franchise clients and regularly speak on franchise law topics. As a business attorney, I provide solutions in areas such as entity...

Ashley has been practicing law for over 20 years in Georgia. She is a graduate of Woodward Academy and Tulane University in New Orleans as well as GA State College of Law and also has an LLM from the University of Alabama. Ashley began her career clerking for Superior Court Judges as a staff attorney and then began private practice, focusing on Family Law, Real Estate, Probate, Estate Planning, Business Law, General Litigation, Bankruptcy, and criminal law. Ashley was appointed to the bench as a Probate Judge and later became a Fulton County Magistrate Court Judge and...

Throughout his 20+ year career, Mr. Battleson has worked in deal teams as an attorney, investment banker and principal involved in operating businesses, development projects, and existing assets with a value in excess of $2.2 billion; and, as a commercial litigation attorney representing small and medium size businesses, as well as defending national insurance companies, multinational self-insured companies, and the State of Georgia in matters with potential liability in excess of $100 million.

Mark graduated from Emory University School of Law in 1995, while also working for the United States Attorney’s Office as a third-year practice clerk. Following law school,...