Top Lawyers 2020

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LAWYERS Get face time with some of the city’s leading attorneys.

Photography by CHRISTINE HALL, KATIE MCGEE AND KEITH MORGAN

Boyd & Jenerette, P.A. .............................................. 150 The Burgess Law Group, LLC..................................... 158 The Eichholz Law Firm............................................... 153 Jones Osteen Jones................................................... 154 McNamara Adams, P.C. Real Estate........................... 157 Meyer and Sayers, LLP............................................... 159 The Patel Law Firm.................................................... 152 The Schachter Law Firm, LLC..................................... 156 Tammy Stokes, Chief Judge of Chatham County Recorder's Court............................ 160 The White Law Group................................................ 151

M A RCH /A PR IL 2 019

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Boyd & Jenerette, P.A. 33 Bull St., Ste. 100 | Savannah Offices also in Boca Raton, Jacksonville, Orlando and St. Petersburg, Florida 912.921.8820 boydjen.com

From left: Emily Inboden, Jay Thaw, Patrick Connell and Andrew M. Ruberti

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Patrick Connell is ... an experienced litigator who focuses on real estate development, planning and zoning and government permitting at all levels.

He is general counsel for the Tourism Leadership Council and serves on the boards of the Savannah Technical College Foundation, the Downtown Business Association and the Savannah Exploratory Charter Academy.

Jay Thaw is ... a seasoned litigator with significant experience defending professional and medical malpractice, trucking, automobile and general liability claims. Thaw also assists business clients in all aspects of the legislative, administrative and policy-making process, applying the knowledge and skill he developed when he served as the chief

policy and governmental affairs counsel for Mag Mutual Insurance Company.

Our team also includes ...

Jacksonville-based partners Mark K. Eckels, Kathryn M. Oughton and Kristin M. Van der Linde, who are barred in and serve clients throughout Georgia and Florida. Eckels defends employers and insurance carriers in workers’ compensation and Longshore claims.

Oughten and Van der Linde focus on the defense of cases and appeals involving trucking and automobile liability, premises liability, wrongful death, bad faith, negligent security and coverage issues. Associate Andrew M. Ruberti helps serve litigation clients, while Emily Inboden provides essential administrative and paralegal support for the office.

Derek J. White THE WHITE LAW GROUP 130 Canal St., Suite 501 | Pooler 912.330.9733 thewhitelawgroup.org

Pictured: Derek J. White, Senior Partner and CEO

One case does not ... define our practice. Our approach and attitude define us. Arthur Ashe once quipped, “From what we get, we can make a living. What we give; however, makes a life.” We labor to make a world of difference for our clients.

The culture of our firm revolves around ... “With God, all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27) This Bible verse is at the heart of everything we do.

Our motto is ... Christianity is our profession; practicing law is our hobby.

We love helping others. The world needs to see and feel that there are professionals who can make a difference – professionals who truly care about the well-being of their fellow citizens.

What our clients are saying ... means the most to us. A paycheck is nice, but the endearing words written by our clients express how much they appreciate what we have accomplished for them. “You can’t buy it, you can’t learn it, you can’t fake it,” one client wrote. “Thanks for the compassion you have shown us in our time of need. We truly know you never put yourself or the money first. We always knew it was us that you cared about most.” Another client noted, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Still another wrote, “In your own unique way, you raise kindness to an art.” This is why we come to the office with a smile every day, knowing we are going to perform our best to do more for others than for ourselves.

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Sneh Patel THE PATEL LAW FIRM 223 W. York St. 912.656.5996 patellawfirm.net

Pictured: Sneh Patel

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I specialize in ... criminal defense and focus primarily on DUI cases, drug-related cases and traffic violations.

I’m so proud of my firm because ...

I have built this firm from the ground up, establishing it as one of the elite criminal defense firms in the Savannah area. Before opening my practice, I held positions on the other side of the courtroom, serving five years as an assistant district attorney for Chatham County. I believe my experience as a prosecutor allows me to better serve my clients.

On a typical day, I ... can be found in various courtrooms advocating for my clients. I am most passionate about DUI cases and have extensive knowledge

of the latest DUI laws. I can also be found sitting on the bench as a judge in Bloomingdale. In 2018, I was appointed as Bloomingdale’s Judge Pro Tem. I am one of two judges currently serving as pro tem for the city and the first Indian-American judge in the city. Records suggest I’m also the first Indian-American judge in Chatham County.

I decided I wanted to be a lawyer when ... I was watching “The Practice” in college. The lawyers were like superheroes fighting against injustice, and I wanted to do the same.

I maintain a work/life balance by ... spending as much time as I can with my family, my wife, Darshana, and our 6-yearold daughter, Madeline.

The Eichholz Law Firm 319 Eisenhower Drive 912.222.2222 thejusticelawyer.com

From left: JD Blevins, Cameron Woodward, David Eichholz, Kathryn Sherry, Fatima Zeidan

We love practicing in Savannah because ... Savannah is home. It’s important to us that we are giving back to the community that has given us so much.

We specialize in ... providing legal services to those who have been hurt through the negligence of others.

We’re so proud of our firm because ... of our incredible staff. We’re lucky to have employees who care for our clients like family and work diligently every day to fight for justice.

We stay involved in the community by … sponsoring and participating in community events, programs and organizations. As proud Savannahians, we see ourselves as humble servants of this beautiful region we get to call home.

We are thrilled about ... our new look!

We’re so excited to show off our new building and branding in 2020. We believe these changes accurately reflect our firm’s culture and will help us to better serve our clients and community.

We have a passion for … serving the underserved through social action and philanthropy.

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Jones Osteen Jones 608 E. Oglethorpe Hwy. | Hinesville 206 E. Court St. | Hinesville CONSULTATIONS: 912.876.0888 REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES: 912.876.0111 jojlaw.com

Standing, left to right: Luke Moses, Noel Osteen, Richard Braun, Linnie Darden, Billy Jones, Cap Russell Seated, left to right: Carl Varnedoe, Kelly Davis

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We specialize in ... trial practice that focuses on the representation of individuals and their families injured or killed in 18-wheeler wrecks, automobile accidents and as a result of other negligence.

Our most important case … is every case we take. Nothing is more important to our clients or to us than what they are going through and the circumstances that have led them to our firm. If we agree to accept a case; each receives equal attention.

Our clients are ... anyone who has been seriously injured or has had a loved one killed as a result of something someone else did or did not do. Victims of wrecks – car, motorcycle, tractor-trailer, other commercial vehicles – slip-and-fall victims, individuals whose civil rights have been violated, victims of medical negligence are all counted amongst the countless other means by which individuals are hurt and whose rights it is our privilege, and life’s work to assert, uphold and protect.

We are most proud of … our track record of success. We celebrate our 61st anniversary this year and are proud that, during this period, we have secured nearly half a billion dollars in jury verdicts and negotiated settlements for our clients — nearly $100 million of which has been in the past nine years alone. Many of our cases settle, but we distinguish ourselves from the pack by our willingness and ability to successfully try cases in front of juries and obtain great results for our clients. Being able to walk the walk instead of just talking the talk pays dividends for our clients.

Our philosophy is ... Personal.

Professional. Proven. We provide our clients personal, professional attention that yields proven results. Not every law firm can honestly — and with decades of proof — make this statement. You will not find us on TV or on billboards making blanket promises about what we will do for a client we have never met. That is not our style. We are proud that our clients find us based on our reputation and not some slick advertisement. Our clients have real problems, with real-world implications which require real lawyers to help them. If we devoted our time to taping TV ads, we would not have time to serve our clients. We choose our clients.

We are pleased to announce … that Robert Lee “Cap” Russell IV has joined Jones, Osteen, Jones as a trial attorney.

Cap graduated from the University of Georgia’s School of Law in May 2019, earning his Juris Doctor law degree, and was admitted to the practice of law on November 1, 2019. Having grown up in McIntosh County, Cap is excited to return to his coastal Georgia roots and to follow in the footsteps of his father, Atlantic Judicial Circuit Chief Superior Court Judge Robert “Bob” Russell. Cap’s trial practice focuses on personal injury, wrongful death, probate and criminal matters. When not advocating for his clients, Cap enjoys fishing and hunting with his lab, Goose.

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The Schachter Law Firm, LLC 427 Montgomery St. 912.233.8883 disfamilylaw.com

From left: Kendra Mack, David I. Schachter, J. Brett Brinson and Andrea Pluff

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We specialize in ... all facets of family law, including high-asset divorce, dissolution, child custody, child support, alimony, marital settlement agreements and equitable property division.

Our Accolades include ... AV Preeminent Rated by MartindaleHubbell (the highest possible rating reserved for lawyers who have reached the heights of professional excellence and highest levels of skill and integrity); Leading Lawyers, Georgia’s Top Rated Lawyers from 2015-2019; AVVO Client’s Choice Award for Divorce Law, Child Custody and Family Law (2012-2020); Top 100 Lawyers — The National Advocates, 2015-2019; Nation’s Top 1% in Family Law — National Association

of Distinguished Council; Super Lawyers 2018-2020 (only 2.5% of Georgia lawyers are selected); and Martindale Hubbell Gold Client Champion.

There can be such a thing as ... a good divorce. Oftentimes, a good divorce is better than a lousy marriage.

Our favorite quote is … from Sun Tzu in The Art of War: “To fight and conquer in all our battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.”

Our passion is … hard work and achieving positive results on behalf of our clients. It’s not about volume, but results.

McNamara Adams, P.C. Real Estate SAVANNAH: 912.355.1109 7370 Hodgson Memorial Drive POOLER: 912.748.1204 130 Canal St., Ste. 303 mcnamaraadamsatlaw.com

From left: Mary “Molly” McNamara Adams, Thomas J. McNamara, J. Craig Adams

We focus on ... real estate closings and probate.

Why we practice in Savannah ...

Savannah is the greatest city in America.

It’s a great place to raise a family and make true, loyal friends.

On our clients ... Our clients are regular folks who are seeking someone who cares and someone they can trust with their real estate closing or probate matter.

Our philosophy … Treat every client and every case with the same effort, concern and professionalism as if it were the most important matter we would ever handle.

What we are most proud of … The fact that people have placed their trust in us for an important event in their lives. So many clients have remained loyal friends through the years, and we are always happy to assist them again. We are trilled to have families trust us the way they do.

How we maintain balance ... We are involved in many different family events. We follow our children and even our grandchildren to church, school and community activities. You meet great people who care about God, children and community at these events.

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Stephanie Omega Burgess THE BURGESS LAW GROUP LLC 142 Jefferson St. Savannah, GA 31401 Phone: 912.233.6112 Office/Office Mobile: 912.239.7111 burgesslawgroup@gmail.com burgesslawgroup.com

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I love practicing in Savannah because ... Savannah is “home.� I practice criminal and family law with a goal to add value to my community. I love practicing in Savannah because being home and making a difference makes me feel like I am working and walking in my purpose.

My biggest cases are ... the ones that I learned the most about myself as a lawyer.

One is a civil jury trial that I won against a large, well-known civil firm where I personally learned the basis of David v.

Goliath. The other case is where I felt a duty to clear the name of a local public figure after the media unfairly crucified him on a bogus charge. The jury found him not guilty.

Most people are surprised when they learn ... I have a huge sense of humor underneath all of the fighting that I do in the courtroom. I love giggling and believe that laughing is truly medicinal. I love a good joke.

My family is ... my everything! I owe all that I am to God and to family. My mom, Marie Gibbons, is my hero, hands down.

She mothered me in a heroic way and provided a great blueprint for strength and integrity. My three brothers, Harrison, Timothy and Torrence, are my biggest cheerleaders. My only sister, Carlotta Rice, passed away in 2013, but I take her spirit of bravery and tenacity with me in each case that I fight. My godmother, Shirley Jones, is my right hand. My dog, BJ, well, he is just spoiled rotten.

Meyer & Sayers, LLP 500 Stephenson Ave. Savannah, GA 31405 912.598.5151 meyersayers.com

Front row from left: Drew K. Stutzman, Paul D. Meyer, Thomas B. Sayers and Gennie G. Long; Back row from left: Andrew W. Lohn, Patrick R. LeMaster, Roy E. Paul and Kevin M. Crouch

We specialize in ... highly personal matters for our clients, including estate planning, probate litigation, trust and estate administration and business succession planning. Our firm has one of the top probate and fiduciary litigation practices in the state, with that team’s lead partner having more than 30 years of complex litigation experience.

We are most proud of ... providing the highest level of complex tax and trust planning advice to our clients at a larger market level but at a fraction of the cost. We are most proud of our abilities to educate our clients, which empowers them to manage their affairs more efficiently and effectively.

Our estate planning clients are ... business owners, professionals, multigenerational families, blended families and even those who consider their pets as family. We also represent charitable foundations and fiduciaries in the administration of estates and trusts.

We stay involved in the community by … rolling up our sleeves to offer our time, talents and treasure to many community organizations through service on various boards and volunteer positions.

We maintain a work/life balance by … remembering that we “work to live” not “live to work.”

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Tammy Stokes Chatham County Recorder’s Court, Chief Judge 133 Montgomery St. Savannah, GA 31401 912.652.7253

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My most challenging cases are ... those involving citizens with mental health issues. Without help, they will likely continue to commit crimes, hurting themselves and their community.

Most people are surprised when they learn I ... spend time with my mother every day. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2011, and I’m her primary caregiver. I feed her lunch and dinner most days and spend time with her listening to music and talking with her.

She is unable to speak back, but I want her to feel loved and know that she is an important part of my life.

My charity of choice is ... Park Place Outreach, where I am the current board president. Our programs include a youth emergency shelter, a street outreach program, family preservation for teens and a transitional living program for homeless, runaway and at-risk young men ages 16 to 21.

If I wasn’t a lawyer … I would be a psychologist. I was a psychology major at the University of Georgia, and becoming a psychologist was my original plan. I love people and am intrigued by human behavior. As a junior at the University of Georgia, I volunteered to read for a law student who was blind. I fell in love with the law.