Lawyers Recognized by Atlanta Magazine
Hawkins & Parnell congratulates the following 12 Atlanta lawyers who are being recognized by Atlanta Magazine for their accomplishments in the next edition of
Super Lawyers--Rising Stars:
Matt Barr
Allison Bloom
Evelyn Fletcher
Kim Jackson
Peter Jacxsens
Shane Keith
Allen Lockerman
Christine Mast
Mahaley Paulk
Kim Stevens
Rob Thompson
David Wilson
NASCAR Team Ordered To Pay $6.5 Million
DETROIT – A Michigan federal court jury Thursday issued a $6.5 million unanimous verdict against NASCAR’s Bill Davis Racing Inc. for violating the terms of a multi-year manufacturer’s support contract with DaimlerChrysler and Dodge Motorsports.
In addition to winning the damages award, Attorney Robert Thackston of the Dallas office of Hawkins Parnell & Thackston helped convince the jury to deny a $10 million breach of contract claim filed by High Point, N.C.-based Bill Davis Racing ( (More)
Hawkins & Parnell partner, Albert Parnell, tries Mesothelioma Case in Van Buren, Arkansas
Albert Parnell, Atlanta partner, represented Certainteed in a trial brought by the widow of a man who died of pleural mesothelioma. Mr. Parnell's local counsel was Ron Harrison of Fort Smith, Arkansas. The trial originated out of the alleged use of asbestos fiber shipped by Certainteed on an accomodation basis to a competitor, Cement Asbestos Products Company, of Van Buren. Paul Hulsey, Charleston, South Carolina, represented the family. The case settled after 4 days of trial.
Defense Verdict In Midwife Trial
Partner Matt Barr and associate Marla Campbell obtained a defense verdict for their client following an eight day jury trial in Rockdale County Superior Court. The Plaintiff sued the firm's client, a midwife, and two medical doctors for failure to diagnose her appendicitis while she was pregnant. The appendicitis allegedly caused adhesions which required a hysterectomy after the pregnancy. The jury was out for 5 hours and returned a complete defense verdict.
Evelyn Fletcher and Teresa Lazzaroni Lead Hawkins & Parnell Family Law Practice Group
The Hawkins & Parnell Family Law Practice Group under the direction of Teresa Lazzaroni and Evelyn Fletcher have had significant success in the family law practice. Together, they have represented family law clients for ten years and seven years, respectively. Prior to joining Hawkins & Parnell, Teresa was the Child Support, Special Assistant Attorney General, for Cobb County from 1996-2003.
Defense Verdict in Wrongful Death Trial
Kim Jackson and Michael Watson obtained a defense verdict from a Fulton County jury in a wrongful death case arising out of a slip and fall incident at a retail furniture store. The Plaintiffs contended that the decedent fell and broke her pelvis, causing a pre-existing medical condition to deteriorate leading to her death. Evidence was submitted at trial of medical and burial expenses of $100,000, pain and suffering prior to death, the value of decedent's life, loss of consortium and attorney's (More)
Atlanta Hawkins & Parnell Partners are named Georgia Super Lawyers for 2006
Eleven Hawkins & Parnell partners were recently named to the "Georgia Super Lawyers 2006," which will be published in the March 2006 issue of Atlanta Magazine. Al Parnell, Tim Jones, Alan Herman, Mike Goldman, Lane Young, Bill Major, Jack Sibley, Warner Fox, Ryan Mock, David Marshall and Charles Beans were among those Georgia lawyers listed. For more information, go to http://www.superlawyers.com.
Partner Named DRI State Representative
Bruce Welch has been named as the new Georgia state representative to the Defense Research Institute for 2005-06.
Ten firm lawyers named Georgia Rising Stars
Law & Politics and the publishers of Atlanta Magazine have named ten Hawkins & Parnell attorneys to the "Georgia Rising Stars Edition" Super Lawyers 2005." The magazine, published in October of 2005, identifies these attorneys as the top 2.5% of lawyers in Georgia under age 40, or in practice less than 10 years. Matt Barr, Jeff Mykkeltvedt, Monica Patterson, Evelyn Fletcher, Elaine Shofner, Scott Masterson, Allison Bloom, Kim Jackson, Christine Mast, and Elizabeth O'Neill were named to the list (More)
Partner contributes to Toxicology monograph
Charles Beans has contributed to a recent publication entitled "The Use of Toxicology in Tort Litigation : A Monograph Prepared by the ABA Section of Litigation's Products Liability Committee" edited by Stephanie Scharf of Chicago. Mr. Beans furnished chapters on the applicable laws in the Eleventh Circuit, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama. The monograph is available online at http://www.abanet.org/litigation/committee/products/monographs.html.
Five Partners named "Best Lawyers in America"
The publication "Best Lawyers In America" has selected partners Al Parnell, Tim Jones, Alan Herman, Lane Young, and Michael Goldman to be listed in the 2005-2006 edition. The Best Lawyers in America is compiled by Woodward/White, Inc., a professional research company founded in 1981. Published biennially since 1983, The Best Lawyers in America describes itself as "the preeminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States." The lists, representing 30 specialties in all 50 states (More)
ALAN F. HERMAN and ASSUNTA F. DEEVEY OBTAIN A DEFENSE VERDICT FOR AN OBSTETRICIAN AND HIS PRACTICE
On April 29, 2005, Hawkins & Parnell partner, ALAN F. HERMAN, and his associate, ASSUNTA F. DEEVEY, obtained a defense verdict for an obstetrician and his medical practice in an alleged case of medical negligence, following the birth of a stillborn baby. Plaintiffs contended that the baby died from fetal distress and hypoxia as a result of the physician’s failure to promptly come to deliver the baby during the mother’s second stage of labor or alternatively, as a result of a failure by the Defe (More)
Firm partner Michael J. Goldman obtained a defense verdict in a case involving serious burns covering 15% of the total body surface area to a 10 year old child.
After a five day trial in Addison County (Middlebury), Vermont, firm partner Michael J. Goldman obtained a defense verdict in a case involving serious burns covering 15% of the total body surface area to a 10 year old child. Plaintiff's garment caught fire as she was attempting to warm herself next to a closed woodstove on a cold Vermont morning. She claimed that the cotton turtleneck garment she was wearing was explosively flammable, caught fire too easily, burned too rapidly, was difficult t (More)
Partner speaks at Seminar on New Toxic Tort Defendants
Dallas partner Robert Thackston has been invited to speak at an asbestos litigation conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. The title of the two day conference is "Peripheral No More: The Increasing Prominence of Equipment, Gasket and Friction Defendants." The seminar takes place May 5-6, 2005 at the Bellagio Hotel.
Atlanta Hawkins & Parnell Partners are named Atlanta Super Lawyers for 2005
Atlanta Hawkins & Parnell Partners Albert Parnell, Tim Jones, Alan Herman, Mike Goldman, Lane Young, Bill Major, Jack Sibley, Charles Beans, Warner Fox, Ryan Mock and David Marshall are Named Atlanta Super Lawyers 2005
Eleven Hawkins & Parnell partners were recently included in "Georgia Super Lawyers 2005," and in the March 2005 issue of Atlanta Magazine. Al Parnell, Tim Jones, Alan Herman, Mike Goldman, Lane Young, Bill Major, Jack Sibley, Charles Beans, Warner Fox, Ryan Mock and David Ma (More)
Supreme Court Issues Rare Remand of Attorney Suspension
Partner Kim Jackson was retained to represent an attorney in a bar complaint on the day that the Supreme Court suspended the attorney. The Supreme Court had imposed the suspension in part because the lawyer and the Bar had not responded to the Supreme Court's rejection of the Notice of Discipline and the attorney had ignored the Investigative Panel's Notice of Investigation. Kim Jackson filed a motion for reconsideration and exposed some procedural irregularities that at least raised a questio (More)
Georgia Law sweeps regional moot court competition
The University of Georgia National Moot Court team won all three categories in the regional round of the National Moot Court Competition held Nov. 12-13 in Atlanta.
The team, sponsored by the Atlanta law firm Hawkins & Parnell, won Best Team and Best Brief. “This is a great start for our advocacy season,” School of Law Director of Advocacy Kellie Casey Monk said. “Once again, Georgia Law students have excelled in the regional round. This speaks volumes about the caliber of our students.”
Partners Kim M. Jackson and H. Lane Young obtained summary judgment in a legal malpractice case involving an unusual application of privity and res judicata.
October 2004: Partners Kim M. Jackson and H. Lane Young obtained summary judgment in a legal malpractice case involving an unusual application of privity and res judicata. The Plaintiff was a corporation that operated a restaurant. Its parent company owned approximately 10 corporations, each of which operated restaurants. Its parent company and each of its subsidiaries was owned by one principle that controlled all of the corporations. Plaintiff's contractor, who had worked for another comp (More)
Partner to contribute to Expert Witness website
Charles R. Beans has been named to comment on Georgia law decisions involving expert witness testimony and junk science for the website "Daubert on the Web." www.daubertontheweb.com. The website also has a blog, http://www.daubertontheweb.com/atom.xml.
Premises Liability Summary Judgment
Partner Charles Beans recently obtained summary judgment for a private security company in two different premises litigation cases, each arising from separate incidents at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. One case involved a broad-daylight assault by unknown perpetrators on the plaintiff, the other involved an incident in which a wheelchair struck an uneven expansion joint on one of the concrete walkways. In both cases, the Court ruled that the plaintiffs were not owed a duty of car (More)
DEFENSE VERDICT -- WRONGFUL DEATH, MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Partner Alan Herman and associate Jeff Mykkeltvedt recently won a defense verdict for a psychiatrist accused of causing the wrongful death of a patient from Nortriptylene toxicity. The patient was a 42 year old woman who had abused drugs in the past and also suffered from undisclosed coronary artery disease. She was hospitalized on two occasions at a psychiatric facilitry under the care of the defendant. Plaintiff argued that drug interactions occurred between the use of Nortriptylene, Zoloft, a (More)
Partner Albert H. Parnell honored by Defense Research Institute
The Defense Research Institute recently announced that Al Parnell is this year's recipient of the DRI's Louis B. Potter Lifetime Professional Service Award. This award honors an individual who exemplifies the highest professionalism and service to the legal profession. The award will be bestowed at the DRI Annual Meeting on October 7 in New Orleans. DRI is the national organization of defense trial lawyers and corporate counsel.
Polly and Stevens Win Summary Judgment in Section 1983 Case
Partner Ronald G. Polly, Jr. and associate Kimberly D. Stevens won a bitterly contested summary judgment motion in Freeman v. Atlanta Independent School System in the Northern District of Georgia. An employee alleged that the School System retaliated against her for exercising her First Amendment rights. Plaintiff sought general and punitive damages as well as equitable relief to correct her allegedly improper employee performance evaluations.
Plaintiff alleged that she was retaliated (More)
Michael Goldman wins Defense Verdict in Arkansas Trial
Partner Michael Goldman acted as lead counsel and obtained a defense verdict in a catastrophic injury two-week jury trial in federal court in Little Rock, Arkansas that ended on April 16, 2004. Plaintiff sustained 3d degree burns over approximately 45% of her body, including the torso and face, as the result of her nightgown catching on fire. She sued the popular retailer of the nightgown. Plaintiff claimed that the gown, made of a lightweight 100% "lawn" cotton, had a loose and flowing fit t (More)
Lane Young (Atlanta) and Ed Slaughter (Dallas) Stunned Plaintiffs in Fort Worth, Texas, by Leading a Defense Team to a Complete Defense Verdict in a Brother/Sister Mesothelioma Case
American Biltrite was represented by Lane Young of Hawkins & Parnell (Atlanta) and Ed Slaughter of Hawkins, Parnell & Thackston (Dallas). Lane and Ed spent a month trying a very dangerous brother/sister mesothelioma case and were rewarded when the Fort Worth, Texas, jury returned a defense verdict for American Biltrite, Inc. and the three other defendants. American Biltrite's trial strategy was that its floor tile could not have caused their injury. American Biltrite's position was that the fami (More)
Ted Gerber, Hawkins & Parnell, IT Executive, Nominated for Exclusive Award
Ted Gerber, the Director of IT for Hawkins & Parnell, LLP, was one of the 31 nominees for the award given out at the Fox Theater in Atlanta on March 18, 2004. The annual award, sponsored by Internet Security Systems, Inc. (ISS) and Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA), recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the field of information security. The individuals have made a positive impact on their organizations through information/internet/network security. (More)
Robert Thackston, Partner, Hawkins, Parnell & Thackston, (Dallas), Leads Trial Team in Sweetwater, Texas, to a Summary Judgment in a Mesothelioma Case
On Monday, March 15, 2004, Robert Thackston, Hawkins, Parnell & Thackston (Dallas) led the Firm trial team to trial in a Sweetwater, Texas, mesothelioma case representing Chrysler. The trial was truncated as Thackston and his team won a hard-fought Motion for Summary Judgment and disposed of the case.
Albert Parnell (Hawkins & Parnell) (Atlanta) and Robert Thackston (Hawkins, Parnell & Thackston) (Dallas) Both Participate in the Premier DRI Damages Program in Las Vegas, Nevada
The premier DRI Damages program has been designed and moderated by Albert Parnell (Hawkins & Parnell, Atlanta) for the past 16 years. This year, on March 17, 2004, the program was held for the 14th straight year in Las Vegas on St. Patrick's day to coincide with the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Mr. Parnell moderated the program and also delivered the Ethics lecture. Mr. Thackston (Hawkins, Parnell & Thackston) (Dallas) delivered a lecture on the Cross Examination of Experts.
The Hawkins & Parnell University of Georgia School of Law National Moot Court Team Finishes as National Quarterfinalist in New York City Competition
The Hawkins & Parnell University of Georgia School of Law Moot Court Team competed in the National Moot Court Competition in New York City in early February and finished the tournament as a quarterfinalist. The third-year student trio of Meredith Bunn, Alan Hamilton and Christopher Latimer performed spectacularly, according to Director of Advocacy Kellie Casey, a Hawkins & Parnell alum. "The team was outstanding. Approximately 250 teams enter the national competition each year and our team's fin (More)
Atlanta Hawkins & Parnell Partners Albert Parnell, Tim Jones, Alan Herman, Mike Goldman, Lane Young, Bill Major, Jack Sibley, and Charles Beans are Named Atlanta Super Lawyers 2004
Eight Hawkins & Parnell partners were recently included in "Georgia Super Lawyers 2004," and in the March 2004 issue of Atlanta Magazine. Al Parnell, Tim Jones, Alan Herman, Mike Goldman, Lane Young, Bill Major, Jack Sibley and Charles Beans were among those Georgia lawyers listed. For more information, go to http://www.superlawyers.com.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle Ranks Hawkins & Parnell, LLP as the 20th Largest Law Firm in Atlanta
The Atlanta Business Chronicle ranks Hawkins & Parnell, LLP as the 20th largest law firm in Atlanta based on the number of attorneys in the Atlanta office. Hawkins & Parnell, LLP has consistently ranked in the top 25 largest law firms in Atlanta since the Atlanta Business Chronicle began ranking law firms years ago.
Hawkins, Parnell & Thackston Dallas Partner, Robert Thackston, Tries 41 Year-Old Mesothelioma Case in Lufkin, Texas
Hawkins, Parnell & Thackston Dallas partner, Robert Thackston, recently started trial in the case of Stoeckler v. Borg Warner, in Lufkin, Texas. The case involved a 41 year-old living mesothelioma case. The plaintiff has been a lifetime mechanic. He has a wife, a 9 year-old daughter, and he claimed 1.5 million in lost earnings. The case settled during trial.
Michael Goldman, Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta Partner Tries a Severe Burn Injury Case in Los Angeles County, California
Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta partner, Michael Goldman, started trial in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California, in a catastrophic burn injury case. The plaintiff, a minor, sustained third-degree burns over 40% of his total body surface area. Hawkins & Parnell represented the defendant, a manufacturer of children's clothing. The case was settled after two days of trial following a day-long hearing on defendant's motion to disqualify plaintiff's liability expert witness. The settle (More)
Defense Victory in Medical Malpractice Case by Atlanta Partner, Alan Herman
Hawkins and Parnell partner Alan F. Herman successfully defended an internal medicine physician in a wrongful death case decided by the jury on February 6, 2004, in Cartersville, Georgia. The case involved a 46 year-old patient who came in to the hospital with chest pain. While possible angina was considered and treated along with possible chest wall pain and reflux, the physician felt that angina was very unlikely. The patient did well in the hosptial and a discharge order was written in advanc (More)
Atlanta Partner, Elizabeth O'Neill, Publishes Ethics Article in DRI Magazine, For The Defense
Elizabeth O'Neill, an Atlanta partner of Hawkins & Parnell, contributed an Ethics primer in the December, 2003 issue of For The Defense. For The Defense is a publication of the Defense Research Institute. The article directs its focus on practical ways in which the modern lawyer can be ethical and professional. One Los Angeles lawyer termed the article, "Simply the best article/primer I have seen on the topic."
Atlanta Partner, Christine Mast, and Atlanta Associate, Kim Jackson, to Speak at CLE Seminar
Atlanta Hawkins & Parnell Partner, Christine Mast, and Atlanta associate, Kim Jackson, have been invited to speak at a CLE seminar on "Abusive Litigation" on February 12, 2004. Christine Mast is speaking on the topic: "Claims for Attorney's Fees and Expenses under OCGA 9-15-14. Kim Jackson will cover: "Legislative Changes and Technical Defenses." The seminar is being held at the Swissotel in Atlanta. The seminar is sponsored by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education of Georgia.
Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta Partner, Charles Beans, Won a Defense Verdict Representing Morehouse College in a Four Day Jury Trial in Fulton County State Court
Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta Partner, Charles Beans, won a defense verdict today after a four day trial before Fulton County State Court Judge Patsy Porter. Charles represented Morehouse College in a suit brought by an expelled student. Plaintiff claimed that Morehouse had appropriated $5,000 of his money. Plaintiff's expert testified that his damages fell somewhere in between 900,000 and 1.7 million dollars, for the student loans he will have to repay, and his inability to "be 19 and a junior agai (More)
Atlanta Associate, Allison Bloom, Obtains Defense Judgment
Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta associate, Allison Bloom, obtained a judgment in a non jury trial in favor of her client, a large retail store. The plaintiff alleged that the store was negligent in its arrangement of its product displays. The plaintiff contended that the entire display fell on her. The plaintiff alleged that the store was liable for her medical injuries and for pain and suffering. The trial Judge ruled in favor of the defendant on all of the plaintiff's charges.
Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta Associate Wins Plaintiff Verdict in Mortgage Fraud Case
Hawkins & Parnell Associate, Assunta Deevey, received a Plaintiff's verdict in Aegis v. Caversham, a non jury case before Judge T. Jackson Bedford, Jr. Judge Bedford found the Defendant, an Atlanta real estate businessman, liable for defrauding a Texas-based mortgage company and ordered him to pay $735,000 in damages ($335,000 in actual damages and $400,000 in punitive damages).
Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta Partner, Albert Parnell, Addresses "Ethics, Morality, and Professionalism" in a Nationwide DRI Teleconference Seminar
Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta partner, Albert H. Parnell, addressed a nationwide DRI teleconference audience on Tuesday, December 16, 2003. The two hour solo seminar, which originated from a studio in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was on "Ethics, Morality, and Professionalism." The presentation concentrated on the modern lawyer's role in seeking realistic answers to questions regarding happiness in the practice of law, receiving a reasonable fee, and developing sufficient family time. The two hour address w (More)
Atlanta Partner, Alan Herman, Receives Defense Verdict for Surgeon in Medical Malpractice Case on December 5
Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta partner, Alan F. Herman, and associate, Assunta Deevey, obtained a defense jury verdict for their client, an orthopedic surgeon. The complex medical malpractice case involved three emergency room physicians, a general surgeon, and the orthopedic surgeon. The suit claimed wrongful death from an aortic dissection and the plaintiff contended that our client breached the standard of care in failing to recognize, treat, and place the decedent in the hands of another physicia (More)
Hawkins & Parnell Partners Successfully Conclude Living Mesothelioma Cases in West Virginia and New York
Hawkins & Parnell Atlanta partner, Albert Parnell, Charleston partner, Margaret Droppleman (Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia), and Hawkins, Parnell, & Thackston Dallas partner, Robert Thackston (Rochester, Monroe County, New York), successfully concluded different asbestos cases representing different defendants. The cases separately ended just before the Thanksgiving break after several days of trial presentation. In both instances, the plaintiff's demands dropped almost two milli (More)
Atlanta Office Paralegals Begin Phase Two of Major Document Review for Client in Buffalo, New York
A team from the Atlanta office led by paralegals, Jennifer Burgess, Carol Redman, Maryjane Cauthorn, and Cary Griffin, have begun Phase Two of a major document review and analysis. The document project, for a corporate client in Buffalo, New York, involves review, screening, analysis, and scanning of corporate, medical, and scientific materials.
West Virginia Partner and Associate Successfully Conclude an Environmental Surface Mining Claim Trial in Mingo County, West Virginia
Hawkins & Parnell Charleston partner, Elliot Hicks, and associate, Angela Watson, have successfully concluded the defense of an environmental surface mining claim in Mingo County, West Virginia. The trucking and coal company defendants were charged with numerous environmental violations. The trial ultimately concluded for about 5% of the original demand. Congratulations to Mr. Hicks and Ms. Watson.
Atlanta Office Associate and Paralegals Complete Phase One of Major Document Review for Client in Buffalo, New York
A team from the Atlanta office led by associate, Scott Masterson, and paralegals, Ann Mancuso and Jennifer Burgess, recently completed Phase One of a major document review and analysis. The document project, for a corporate client in Buffalo, New York, involved review, screening, analysis, and scanning of corporate, medical, and scientific materials.
November 17 Trials: Dallas Partner, Robert Thackston, to Try an Alleged Asbestos Related Mesothelioma Case in Rochester, New York
Robert Thackston, a partner in the Dallas office, will try an an alleged asbestos related mesothelioma case in Rochester, Monroe County, New York for Chrysler, GM, and Ford starting Monday, November 17, 2003.
Texas: Hawkins & Parnell Partner, Stephanie Spardone, Obtains Grant of a Mandamus in the 14th District Court of Appeals in Discovery Abuse Matter for Sears
In February, 2003, Hawkins & Parnell partner, Stephanie Spardone of Dallas, filed a Petition for Writ of Mandamus in the 14th District Court of Appeals on behalf of Sears, Roebuck & Co. after Judge Ben Hardin of Brazoria County (Texas) ordered Sears to answer exhaustive discovery and produce documents covering about 45 products for a 50 year time frame. The Mandamus alleged that partial compliance with the trial court's discovery order for the two products at issue in this case would cost Sears (More)
Atlanta Partner, Peter York, Speaks to Vanguard Car Rental USA, Inc.
Atlanta partner, Peter York, addressed insurance and claims personnel for Vanguard Car Rental USA, Inc., in Boca Raton, Florida. Vanguard handles all of the claims arising out of accidents involving Alamo and National Car Rental rental vehicles. Hawkins & Parnell handles all of Vanguard's cases in the State of Georgia.
Atlanta Partner, Ryan Mock, Secures Grant of a Writ of Certiorari to the Supreme Court of Georgia on Behalf of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Inc.
Hawkins & Parnell partner, Ryan Mock, has secured a grant of a writ of certiorari from the Supreme Court of Georgia for the Firm's client, the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Inc. ("ACOG").
ACOG seeks reversal of the opinion of the Court of Appeals dated June 12, 2003, which reversed the Trial Court's grant of summary judgment to ACOG based on the Recreational Property Act ("RPA") in the following cases:
- A03A0428. Anderson, et al. v. ACOG
- A03A0429. (More)
Hawkins & Parnell Partner Try Case in Baltimore
Lane Young and Elizabeth O'Neill acted as lead counsel for Scapa in a very difficult mesothelioma case in Baltimore against John Herrick of Motley Rice. Young and O'Neill used experts Dr. Victor Roggli and Vic Argento in the case that lasted from September 10 - October 8.
Hawkins & Parnell Partners Try Case in Philadelphia
Lane Young and Ollie Harton acted as lead counsel for Ericsson Radio Systems in a reverse bifurcated mesothelioma case in Philadelphia. Their case was consolidated with two other cases. Ericsson was not in the other cases. The three week case, liability and damages, started on October 8. It concluded on October 27. The plaintiff passed away during the jury trial. Motions for Mistrial were not granted. Young and Harton used experts Dr. Allen Gibbs (from the UK) and Vic Argento.
Hawkins & Parnell Partner Albert Parnell to Moderate DRI Asbestos Program
Hawkins & Parnell partner, Albert Parnell, suggested to DRI in 1979 that a seminar on asbestos and asbestos medicine would be appropriate. Now, 25 years later, Mr. Parnell will host the DRI Asbestos Medicine Program which begins November 6 in Miami Beach, Florida. Mr. Parnell has moderated the annual asbestos program for the past 25 consecutive years, and this year's stellar program will have over 1000 attendees.
Hawkins & Parnell Partner, Alan Herman, to Speak to VHA Georgia
Hawkins & Parnell partner, Alan Herman, has been invited to speak on the subject of "How to Reduce Legal Fees" and to discuss protection of peer review materials and occurrence reports. Mr. Herman will speak to VHA Georgia. VHA Georgia is part of a network of community owned health care systems and their physicians. He will speak on November 12, 2003.
Hawkins & Parnell Partner, Tim Jones, Enters 7th Week of Trial in New Orleans
Hawkins & Parnell partner, Tim Jones, is entering his 7th week of a trial before Judge Kirk Vaughn in Chalmette, Louisana, St. Bernard Parish. The current trial is the aftermath of a Class Action brought by approximately 4000 residents against Murphy Oil after a refinery explosion on July 27, 1995. The Class action was settled by Murphy Oil and another defendant last year. The current suit is an indemnity and direct action lawsuit against Mr. Jones' client, ARCO, now owned by BP/Amoco. The suit (More)
Parnell Speaks At New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association
The Firm is proud to announce that Albert H. Parnell will be the featured speaker on Professionalism at the meeting of the New Mexico Defense Lawyers Association in Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 30, 2003. Mr. Parnell was also a featured speaker at the American Lawyer Litigation Summit in Chicago on October 28, 2003.
Partner Studies Product Liability Developments
Charles Beans has contributed to a recent publication entitled "Post Sale Duty to Warn: A Monograph Prepared by the ABA Section of Litigation's Products Liability Committee" edited by Kenneth Ross. Mr. Beans furnished chapters on the applicable laws in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Mr. Beans is co-chair of the Warnings Subcommittee of the Product Liability Committee.
Firm Partner contributes to ABA Epidemiology publication
Partner Charles R. Beans recently contributed chapters on the laws of Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and the Eleventh Circuit to a new publication of the American Bar Association. "The Use of Epidemiology in Tort Litigation: A Survey of Federal and State Jurisdictions," is a project of the Expert, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, and Mass Torts subcommittees within the Product Liability Committee of the Section of Litigation.
Firm celebrates 40th Anniversary
Hawkins & Parnell recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in July with a party for attorneys from its three offices at the Piedmont Driving Club Golf Course in Atlanta and a firmwide luncheon. Founding partner Paul Hawkins noted that while there have been many changes since he and Joe Freeman founded the Firm in 1963, the constant has been the focus on quality which guided them from the beginning. The Firm looks forward to many new and exciting challenges in the years to come.
Damages Trial Victory
Monica F. Patterson obtained a favorable verdict on June 18, 2003 following a three day trial before Judge Alvin T. Wong in DeKalb State Court. Plaintiff, a tow truck driver, sued the the defendant, a Daimler Chrysler fleet manager who ran a red light and struck his tow truck in June of 2000. Plaintiff was diagnosed with two herniated discs. He continued working until March of 2001, when he was terminated by the tow truck company.
Defendant admitted liability and the case was tried (More)
Defense of Legal Malpractice and Fraud Claims
Christine L. Mast and Kim M. Jackson obtained summary judgment, which was upheld by the Georgia Court of Appeals, while defending legal malpractice and fraud claims against a consumer bankruptcy attorney. The claimant accused his former attorney of causing his bankrup (More)
Summary Judgment Won on a Case of First Impression
In a true collaborative effort, Christine L. Mast, Kim M. Jackson and Scott Masterson won summary judgment on a case of first impression in the State Co (More)
Opening of New Office in Dallas, Texas
Hawkins & Parnell LLP is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in Dallas, Texas. The new office, which will operate as Hawkins, Parnell & Thackston LLP, will be located at Highland Park Place, 4514 Cole Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75205. The telephone number is (214) 780-5100. The firm is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and also has an office in Charleston, West Virginia.
The new office will open with 20 employees, including 8 attorneys. Robert Thackston, who will head the D (More)