Latest News from GA News News Gazette

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA), a non-profit organization committed to advancing consumer interests, has published a report indicating that low-income individuals often pay more for car insurance than their high-income counterparts, even when both parties maintain identical driving records. The report was authored by Douglas Heller, Director of Insurance, and Michael DeLong, Research and Advocacy Associate at CFA.

Thorpe Family Donates $350,000 to Support Community HeLP Clinic at University of Georgia School of Law

The University of Georgia School of Law has received a generous donation of $350,000 from the Thorpe family to support the Community Health Law Partnership Clinic. The clinic, which focuses on the intersection of immigration status and health, provides essential legal services to vulnerable members of the community.Last year, the clinic assisted over 100 individuals with the help of law students under the guidance of Associate Dean Jason A. Cade. In recognition of its outstanding work, the Community HeLP Clinic was awarded the Clinical Legal Education Association's...

Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office Receives Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service

The Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney's Office has been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the enforcement of our nation's laws. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the recipients of the 70th and 71st Attorney General's Awards, honoring Justice Department employees and others for their extraordinary service.Among the recipients were First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons, Paralegal Tracy Long, and Victim Witness Coordinators Kellie Wiggins and Iverna Campbell from the Southern District of Georgia. They received the 70th Attorney...

Cobb County man sentenced to 20 years for kidnapping 12-year-old from Barrow County

A Cobb County man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl from Barrow County, Georgia. James Anthony Reynolds drove the young girl to Acworth, Georgia, and then abandoned her in a Walmart parking lot in Chattanooga, Tennessee.U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the increasing use of social media platforms by child sexual predators to target vulnerable minors. He urged parents to remain vigilant in monitoring their children's internet activity and use of apps on electronic devices.FBI Atlanta...

Beasley Allen Files Lawsuit After Amazon Driver’s Negligence Causes Crash

Beasley Allen, a law firm based in Alabama, has recently filed a lawsuit against Amazon on behalf of a client who suffered serious injuries in a car crash caused by an Amazon delivery driver. The incident occurred in August 2023 on Highway 14 in Elmore County.According to the lawsuit, our client's vehicle was struck by an Amazon Delivery Service Program vehicle, resulting in permanent injuries. The lawsuit alleges that Amazon negligently entrusted, supervised, monitored, and controlled the truck company and the driver through its delivery service program.A recent...

Fairburn insurance specialist says Georgia insurance market 'showing the strain' of increasing rates

Mike Iverson, CEO of M D Iverson Group, a personal and business insurance provider, stated that despite Georgia being a significant market for insurance, companies have started to limit their operations in the state or withdraw entirely. He attributed these actions to Georgia's legal climate.

Shatzer Argues Before Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Asylum Case

Appellate Litigation Clinic participant and third-year student Jake R. Shatzer recently presented arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in a significant asylum case. The case, Hernandez-Diaz v. Garland, involves the requests for asylum and withholding of removal by two siblings.Shatzer, along with the assistance of second-year student Vladyslav "Vlad" Rudzinsky and 2023 alumnus Justin W. Tilghman, played a crucial role in drafting the briefs for the case. The team's efforts were further supported by third-year student Max J. Abramson, who...

Hoss and Price Argue Before the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals

Appellate Litigation Clinic participants and third-year students, Madeleine B. "Maddie" Hoss and Benjamin K. "Ben" Price, recently presented oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The case at hand, Stout v. Preston County Sheriff’s Department, involved their client's claim of excessive force against a deputy who ordered a K-9 to apprehend him during his arrest. Hoss and Price, who also played a significant role in drafting the briefs, were assisted by third-year student Leila Y. Harrison in preparing for the argument.The courtroom was...

Woman, Two Brothers Convicted in Armed Robbery at Stone Mountain Condominium

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced on Jan 30, 2024, that three defendants have been convicted in an armed robbery case at a condominium in Stone Mountain. The defendants, Darnell Reed, 30, Donnell Reed, 30, and Christin Scales, 24, were found guilty on multiple charges stemming from an incident on October 6, 2021.According to the investigation, the male victim had met Defendant Scales online and they had arranged to meet up for a payment in exchange for sex. However, when the victim arrived at the address, Defendant Scales instructed him to park away...

Cobb District Attorney to Address Community Initiatives in Town Hall Meeting

Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady, Jr. will be hosting a town hall meeting on February 6th in Austell, Georgia. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss enhancing community safety and supporting victims within Cobb County. The event will be held at Destiny World Church and is open to the public.During the town hall meeting, Broady will be addressing various initiatives and programs aimed at improving the criminal justice system and providing support to victims. One of the initiatives that will be highlighted is the Cobb Family Advocacy Center, which recently...

Owner of tax preparation business sentenced to prison for defrauding pandemic relief funding programs

A Georgia woman has been sentenced to five years in prison for defrauding COVID-19 small business relief programs. Gladys Harun, a 44-year-old tax preparer from Byron, Georgia, pleaded guilty to lying to a federal investigator and was ordered to repay over half a million dollars she fraudulently obtained from the programs.Harun used her knowledge as a tax preparer to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds intended for struggling small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Attorney Jill E. Steinberg stated, "Such greed-fueled theft from government...

Amann featured in The Wall Street Journal

Regents' Professor of International Law & Woodruff Chair in International Law, Diane Marie Amann, was featured in The Wall Street Journal discussing the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The article, titled "World Court Rejects Demands for Gaza Cease-Fire," was written by Jess Bravin and published on January 26, 2024.According to Amann, the ruling by the International Court of Justice was significant in terms of clarifying the legal framework surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. She stated, "The Court's decision reaffirms...

UGA wins "best of the best" moot court competition for second straight year

The University of Georgia (UGA) has once again emerged victorious in the prestigious Hunton Andrews Kurth Moot Court National Championship. This invitation-only tournament brings together the top 16 moot court programs from law schools across the country. UGA's success in this competition is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of its students.The winning team, comprised of third-year students Kendra Hansey Õiglane, Joshua H. Patton, and Hunter T. Payne, demonstrated their exceptional advocacy skills and legal acumen throughout the competition. Their...

Bailey, Scott and Hightower take top honors in Red & Black negotiation competition

By GA News Gazette | Jan 26, 2024

Caroline A. Bailey and Anderson B. Scott emerged as the winners of the prestigious 2024 Red & Black Intramural Negotiation Competition. The competition, held recently, showcased the exceptional negotiation skills of students from various years.In a tightly contested event, Bailey and Scott demonstrated their prowess in negotiation, impressing both the judges and their fellow competitors. Their ability to navigate complex scenarios and find mutually beneficial solutions set them apart from the rest of the field.Reflecting on her victory, Bailey expressed her gratitude...

SEC Tightens Rules on Already-Ailing US SPAC Market: ECM Watch

By GA News Gazette | Jan 26, 2024

University Professor & Kilpatrick Chair of Corporate Finance and Securities Law Usha Rodrigues was recently featured on Bloomberg Law to discuss special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). The article, titled "SEC Tightens Rules on Already-Ailing US SPAC Market: ECM Watch" and written by Bailey Lipschultz and Lydia Beyoud, was published on January 24, 2024.In the article, Rodrigues provides valuable insights into the current state of the US SPAC market and the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) efforts to regulate it. She highlights the challenges faced by...

Hinson featured in the Albany Herald

Shannon Shipley Hinson, the Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Dual Degree Programs, recently made headlines in the Albany Herald. The article, titled "CAES partnership with UGA School of Law shortens path to law degree," was written by Claire Sanders Kinnard and published on January 24, 2024. It was also featured on Athens CEO.The focus of the article was the School of Law's 3+3 degree program, which allows students to earn a law degree in a shorter timeframe. Hinson provided valuable insights into this innovative program:"Our 3+3 degree program is...

Beasley Allen’s Mobile Office Resolves Trucking Case for $1.25 Million

Beasley Allen’s Mobile office recently reached a successful resolution in a commercial trucking case, securing $1.25 million in compensation for their client. The lawsuit centered around allegations of negligent and wanton inspection and maintenance of a commercial trailer.The incident in question occurred when a dual wheel end and tire assembly detached from the trailer and struck the client's vehicle, resulting in a broken toe. Through their thorough investigation, the legal team discovered that the trailer in question was leased by a separate entity responsible for...

Strategic Timing of Mediation Crucial in Asbestos Litigation

In the complex world of asbestos litigation, the strategic timing of mediation can make all the difference in facilitating successful settlements. Unlike other mass tort or class action cases, asbestos litigation involves defendants facing numerous lawsuits in multiple courts and jurisdictions simultaneously. With cases at varying stages of the litigation, it becomes crucial for defendants to prioritize resolving cases that are closer to trial."It’s always helpful to have dispositive and Daubert motions ruled on and denied before a mediation," explains a legal expert....

University of Georgia Presents President's Medal to Ronald D. Simpson and Rebecca Hanner White