John Stephen Jenkins, Sr
Constitutional Lawyer
Steve Jenkins has been practicing law for just over 50 years. He started practice in the Atlanta area prior to moving his family to Elberton in 1978. He has practiced in all areas of the law, as both an attorney and judge, so has a comprehensive understanding of the law across most legal areas.
As a Georgia-based local Real estate closing, personal injury, criminal defense and litigation Law Firm, Dyal Jenkins provides you with total representation across the legal spectrum. From Real estate closings to contract drafting, Personal Injury to Criminal Defense, the team at Dyal Jenkins will help you understand the legal dynamics of your particular situation and will work with you to craft the best possible path to success.
Phyllis Gingrey Collins
Constitutional Lawyer
Growing up I realized I had an innate desire to help people in need, and this desire led me to law school. Following law school, I worked as a prosecutor and quickly realized I can maximize the difference I can make in people lives through representing the accused. Phyllis Law was born out of my desire and a crucial need for juvenile and young adult representation. Sometimes people are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, and there are also times when people make mistakes and need help correcting them. My approach is to try to understand the whole person; not just the crime they were charged with. Our firm mission is to broker second chances for our clients. Through working together, my team protects bright futures, ensuring that one mistake does not define the rest of your life. The path to the future varies depending on the facts and circumstances, but the end result is the same – a better future.
A Georgia native, Phyllis grew up in Cobb County and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Marietta High School. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Microbiology from Georgia Tech, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Michigan State University, College of Law in 2004. She began her legal career as a prosecutor in the Cobb County Judicial Circuit prosecuting criminal misdemeanors. Phyllis founded PhyllisLaw in 2006 and has remained the sole owner and operator. The firm mission is to broker second chances for people in crisis.
Phyllis serves as Chief Judge of the Municipal Court of Smyrna. She is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, Cobb County Bar Association, and Georgia Tech Bar Association. She is also a member of the United State Supreme Court Historical Society, as well as the United States Congressional Club. She was named Best Bankruptcy Attorney by Marietta Daily Journal for the last 2 years
Phyllis is actively involved in her local community as well. She has served on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cobb Community Board and has served as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Marietta, the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, and Honorary Commanders. She has been inducted into the Marietta High School Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2014, Phyllis was named a Woman of Achievement by liveSAFE Resources.
Brandon Hornsby
Constitutional Lawyer
Known as a “fearless advocate” and “champion of the underdog,” Atlanta lawyer Brandon Hornsby has extensive experience representing the victims of serious personal injury, civil rights violations, and whistleblowers.
More than anything else, Hornsby is known for getting results.
Some of his career highlights include:
- Serving as lead counsel in over 100 jury trials
- Certification as a Multi-Million Dollar Advocate based on his achievement of multiple multi-million dollar personal injury recoveries for his clients
- Securing the largest medical malpractice verdict in the history of Fayette County, Georgia
- Exonerating former University of Georgia Dean John Soloski who was falsely accused of sexual harassment by his university in Athens, Georgia
- Representing sheriff’s deputy Cynthia Hall, who was brutally attacked and left with a brain injury during the 2005 Atlanta Courthouse Shootings in Atlanta, Georgia
- Representing John and the late Patsy Ramsey, who were falsely accused of murdering their daughter, JonBenét Ramsey in Bolder, Colorado
- Representing the late Richard Jewell, the Olympic security guard who was wrongfully accused of planting a pipe bomb during the 1996 Centennial Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia
At the outset of his career, Hornsby served as a state and federal prosecutor. Hornsby quickly developed a reputation for excellence in the courtroom, particularly his examination of witnesses and his moving opening and closing arguments.
During his public service, in which Hornsby handled many of Atlanta’s highest profile murder cases, he never lost a murder case. He also became the youngest attorney in Georgia history to be named Georgia’s Assistant District Attorney of the Year.
Since entering private practice, Hornsby has developed a history of fighting for the rights of a wide range of clients, all of whom are united in their status as the underdog:
- Victims who experience serious personal injury and medical neglect
- Citizens who suffer civil rights violations through discrimination, retaliation, or government misconduct
- Whistleblowers who put their careers on the line to bravely expose corruption
Bradley S Dworkin
Constitutional Lawyer
Bradley Dworkin brings over 25 years of experience to the practice. After receiving his law degree from Case Western Reserve, Brad moved on to marry, have two kids, and also founded the Georgia Law Lions Law Firm.
Brad was named a SUPER LAWYER by Superlawyers.com, an honor bestowed upon only the top 5% of Lawyers. He has been on the faculty at the National Business Institute and Lorman’s Education Services, teaching Injury law to other lawyers and professionals, and has also taught a personal injury law class at a well-respected law school. Furthermore, Brad has written articles in newspapers, appeared on television and radio, and spoken at union hall meetings on injury law, retaliatory discharge, and employment law. Among his many satisfied past clients, Mr. Dworkin has also represented other lawyers when they have been injured.
Seeking justice for victims of personal injury, work injury, or loss of employment (retaliatory discharge and EEOC claims) gives Brad the highest level of contentment. The ability to help others in their greatest hour of need means the world to him. From helping clients get essential medical care to executing proper financial compensation, Brad approaches each case with vigor and tenacity.
One of his happiest memories is when he was able to get a large settlement for a client and with the settlement money the client was able to purchase a home and start up a business.
Outside of working hard for those he represents Brad also likes to run, ski, and play tennis. As you can see Brad is always on the move and ready to conquer any challenge.
Edward F. Kim, Esq.
Constitutional Lawyer
He eats, sleeps, breathes personal injury and will do whatever it takes to resolve a case to satisfaction. He works relentlessly to ensure that each and every client receives premium service from the moment they first call the office to the moment the case is closed. His mission is to have every single KIM LAW client proudly proclaim, “Kim is my lawyer!”
Keith S. Hasson
Constitutional Lawyer
A former prosecutor and litigator with extensive trial experience, Keith’s practice focuses primarily on complex civil litigation, insurance recovery and insurance bad faith litigation, and white collar criminal defense. His experience includes litigating criminal and civil cases at the trial and appellate levels, defending individuals and companies in civil and criminal investigations, criminal prosecutions and regulatory disputes.
For five years, Keith served as a criminal prosecutor, first as an Assistant Solicitor in Cobb County, and then as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County. During that time, he served as lead counsel for the government in more than thirty jury trials, and earned the 2003 “Trial Attorney of the Year” award from the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.
Keith earned a degree in history from Duke University and his juris doctorate from the Duke Law School. Since 2008, he has served as a visiting professor at Georgia Tech, where he teaches a criminal law segment for a class on legal practice for undergraduates considering law as a career.
Keith has been recognized as a Superlawyer’s “Rising Star”, an award limited to the top 2% of attorneys in the State of Georgia in 2005-2007, and again in 2009-2012 (there was no award in 2008). He was recognized as one of the top 40 trial lawyers in Georgia under the age of 40 by the National Trial Lawyer’s Association in 2012.
Keith is active in the community, having served as the Board Chair for the International Women’s House, a domestic violence shelter focusing on the needs of immigrant and refugee women. Keith is on the board of directors of a privately held family business, House Hasson Hardware, Inc., one of the largest regional hardware suppliers in the U.S. An Eagle Scout, Keith has volunteered with the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, helping their efforts to reach out to the Hispanic Community. He is a first degree black belt and instructor with Shotokan Karate of America. When not working, he spends as much time as he can with his lovely wife and two boys.
Keith is admitted to practice in Georgia and North Carolina, and is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Georgia and North Carolina State Bar Associations, the Atlanta Bar Association, and the Lawyer’s Club of Atlanta.
Benjamin Gerber
Constitutional Lawyer
Ben graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from George Washington University Law School. While in law school, it was at the Consumer Affairs Clinic where he first began helping individuals stand up to big corporations. He also had legal internships at the Department of Justice and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Ben moved back to Georgia in 2001 and began his career working for insurance defense firms. He learned what the strategies and motivations of insurance companies were while trying cases on their behalf. In 2004, he was recruited to a firm that represented plaintiffs in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.
Ben started his own Atlanta-based law firm in 2010, determined to provide superior representation for those who were injured on the job and required assistance in navigating the complex Georgia workers’ compensation system. In 2012, he expanded his practice and opened a second office in Athens, GA.
Mark Battleson
Constitutional Lawyer
Throughout his 28+ 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, Mark clerked for the Chief Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals, and then began his litigation career working as a commercial litigator representing individuals and businesses, and as an insurance defense attorney, defending against plaintiffs and claimants in personal injury and workers’ compensation lawsuits and claims. During his initial trial practice, Mark prosecuted and defended hundreds of depositions of fact witnesses and medical experts, successfully defended dozens of trials, and negotiated hundreds of favorable settlements.
Mark returned to graduate school after several years of law practice and earned his MBA from University of Michigan Ross School of Business. After business school, Mark worked in New York City for a bulge-bracket investment bank, in its Institutional Securities, Equity Division, and developed a strategy involving the analysis of derivatives (options / futures) of stocks and bonds, and their reaction to enterprise-level litigation and other significant legal and regulatory matters. After returning to Atlanta, Mark returned to the formal practice of law representing developers and capital providers as an attorney with a large Atlanta firm, forming entities and partnerships, structuring and closing tax-credit-based equity financings and conventional debt, and handling general commercial real estate sales and financings involving retail, office, multifamily, hospitality, and land.
Why Your Atlanta Business Needs a Corporate Lawyer?
In the bustling business environment of Atlanta, having a corporate lawyer is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. As businesses navigate the complexities of legal regulations, contracts, and potential disputes, the expertise of a corporate lawyer becomes invaluable. This article explores the reasons why your Atlanta business needs a corporate lawyer and how their services can safeguard your interests while promoting growth.
Understanding the Role of a Corporate Lawyer
A corporate lawyer specializes in business law and provides legal guidance tailored to the unique needs of businesses. Their expertise encompasses various areas, including corporate governance, compliance, contracts, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), intellectual property, and employment law. By understanding these facets, businesses can better appreciate the importance of having a dedicated legal professional on their side.
1. Ensuring Legal Compliance
One of the primary roles of a corporate lawyer is to ensure that your business complies with local, state, and federal laws. The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving, and failing to adhere to these laws can result in severe penalties, including fines or even business dissolution.
- Navigating Regulations: Corporate lawyers help businesses understand and comply with regulations related to employment practices, environmental laws, tax obligations, and industry-specific rules.
- Avoiding Legal Pitfalls: By advising on best practices and compliance measures, corporate lawyers help mitigate risks that could lead to costly legal disputes.
2. Contract Drafting and Negotiation
Contracts are foundational to business operations. Whether you’re entering into agreements with suppliers, clients, or partners, having well-drafted contracts is crucial for protecting your interests.
- Expertise in Drafting: A corporate lawyer ensures that contracts are clear, comprehensive, and legally binding. They can identify potential pitfalls in contract language that could lead to misunderstandings or disputes.
- Negotiation Skills: Corporate lawyers are skilled negotiators who can advocate for your business’s best interests during discussions with other parties.
3. Risk Management
Every business faces risks—financial, operational, and reputational. A corporate lawyer plays a vital role in identifying these risks and devising strategies to manage them effectively.
- Assessing Legal Risks: Corporate lawyers conduct thorough assessments of business practices to identify potential legal vulnerabilities.
- Developing Mitigation Strategies: They help create policies and procedures that minimize risk exposure while ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
4. Intellectual Property Protection
In today’s knowledge-based economy, intellectual property (IP) is often a company’s most valuable asset. Protecting your IP is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.
- Registration and Enforcement: Corporate lawyers assist in registering trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. They also enforce these rights against infringers.
- Advising on IP Strategy: A corporate lawyer can help develop an IP strategy that aligns with your business goals while protecting your innovations.
5. Mergers and Acquisitions
The process of merging with or acquiring another company involves numerous legal complexities that require expert guidance.
- Due Diligence: Corporate lawyers conduct thorough due diligence to assess the legal health of the target company, identifying potential liabilities or issues that could affect the transaction.
- Structuring Transactions: They assist in structuring deals to ensure compliance with relevant laws while maximizing benefits for their clients.
6. Employment Law Compliance
As employers navigate the intricacies of labor laws, having a corporate lawyer can ensure compliance with employment regulations.
- Drafting Employment Contracts: Corporate lawyers help draft clear employment agreements that outline roles, responsibilities, compensation, and termination conditions.
- Handling Disputes: In cases of employee disputes or claims (such as wrongful termination or discrimination), corporate lawyers can provide representation and guidance through the legal process.
7. Dispute Resolution
Disputes are an inevitable part of doing business. Whether they arise from contractual disagreements or regulatory issues, having a corporate lawyer can facilitate effective resolution.
- Litigation Support: If disputes escalate to litigation, corporate lawyers represent your interests in court or arbitration settings.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Many corporate lawyers are skilled in ADR methods like mediation or arbitration, which can be more cost-effective than traditional litigation.
8. Business Formation and Structure
Choosing the right business structure is critical for liability protection and tax implications. A corporate lawyer provides essential guidance during this process.
- Entity Selection: They help determine whether forming an LLC, corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship is best suited for your business goals.
- Compliance with Formation Requirements: Corporate lawyers ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and timely with state authorities.
Conclusion
In Atlanta’s dynamic business landscape, having a corporate lawyer is not merely an option; it’s a crucial investment in your company’s future. From ensuring legal compliance to protecting intellectual property and navigating complex transactions like mergers and acquisitions, their expertise can save businesses from costly mistakes.By engaging a corporate lawyer early in your business journey, you position your company for success while safeguarding against potential legal challenges. As you grow your enterprise in this vibrant city, remember that a knowledgeable legal partner is key to navigating the complexities of business law effectively.