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LARRY W. JOHNSON
Managing Partner
E-mail: lwjohnson@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1108 Fax: 404-417-4000
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Professional Profile:
Mr. Johnson is the administrative partner and managing litigation attorney for Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman. Mr. Johnson handles all aspects of administration for the firm as well as handles real estate and creditors rights aspects of commercial and business litigation. He has practiced law in Atlanta for over fifteen years and has concentrated in the Areas: of commercial litigation, bankruptcy, foreclosure and residential and commercial real estate.
Education:
Auburn University (B.S., 1987)
University of Georgia (J.D., 1990 cum laude)
Admissions:
1990, State Bar of Georgia
1998, State Bar of Tennessee Courts:
1991, 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
1991, U.S. District Court (Northern District of Georgia)
1991, U.S. District Court (Middle District of Georgia
2000, U.S. District Court (Southern District of Georgia)
2001, U.S. Supreme Court
Memberships & Affiliations:
Georgia State Bar Association
Tennessee State Bar Association
Atlanta Bar Association
American Bar Association
Real Estate Owned Managers Association
Mortgage Bankers Association of America
National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys
Commercial Law League of America
Other Distinctions:
Author: "Evictions in The Southeast"
"Can a Mobile Home Go Immobile?" published in Servicing Management April 2004 issue.
"Warsaw Convention-A New Cause of Action for Emotional Distress Under Old Section 17: A Look at Floyd v. Eastern Airlines, 972 F. 2d 1467 (11th Cir. 1989)" |  |
JOEL A. FREEDMAN
Managing Partner
E-mail: jafreedman@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1119 Fax: 404-329-8300
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Professional Profile:
Mr. Freedman is the managing partner for Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman's multi-state Foreclosure practice; responsible for more than 20,000 foreclosures annually in 7 states. Mr. Freedman speaks nationally on foreclosure and teaches state bar continuing education courses on the subject of foreclosure.
Education:
Northern Illinois University (B.S. Accountancy, 1981)
Emory University School of Law (J.D., 1984)
Admissions:
1984, State Bar of Georgia
1999, State Bar of Tennessee
2008, State Bar of North Carolina
Courts:
United States District Court, Northern District of GA
United States District Court, Middle District of GA
Georgia Court of Appeals
Georgia Supreme Court
United States District Court, Eastern District of TN
United States District Court, Western District of TN
United States District Court, Middle District of TN
Memberships & Affiliations:
Georgia State Bar Association
Atlanta Bar Association
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MARK A. BAKER
Partner
E-mail: mabaker@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1404 Fax: 404-329-8179
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Professional Profile:
Mr. Baker is the managing partner for Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedmans multi-state Bankruptcy practice, which handles approximately 17,000 bankruptcy matters annually in 5 states. Prior to becoming a partner, Mr. Baker was the Managing Associate of Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedmans North Carolina Foreclosure Group.
Education:
University of Alabama (B.A., English Lit.. 1979)
Cumberland School of Law (J.D., 1982)
Admissions:
1982, State Bar of Alabama
1985, State Bar of Georgia
2004, State Bar of North Carolina
Memberships & Affiliations:
Alabama State Bar
State Bar of Georgia
Atlanta Bar Association
North Carolina State Bar
American Bankruptcy Institute
National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees
Other Distinctions:
Author: Avoiding Traps That Snag the Unwary, Servicing Management Magazine, August 2003 Prior Experience:
Mr. Baker served two years as judicial law clerk to United States Bankruptcy Judge L. Chandler Watson. Prior to joining Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman, Mr. Baker managed his creditors rights practice, which included client representation in all courts of Georgia and Alabama.
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LAWRENCE W. KELLY
Partner
E-mail: lwkelly@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1523 Fax: 404-329-8321
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Professional Profile:
Lawrence W. Kelly practices in the Litigation Group of Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman where he handles real estate and creditor's rights aspects of commercial and business litigation. Education:
Bowling Green State University (B.S., 1971 magna cum laude)
Arizona State University (J.D., 1980 cum laude)
Admissions:
1980, State Bar of Arizona
1998, State Bar of Tennessee
2004, State Bar of Georgia
Courts:
1999, U.S. District Court (Eastern, Middle and Western District of Tennessee)
1999, 6th and 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
2004, U.S. District Court (Northern District of Georgia)
Admitted in ND, GA; Eastern, Middle and Western District Court TN; 6th and 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
Memberships & Affiliations:
Arizona State Bar
Tennessee State Bar Association
Georgia State Bar Association
American Bar Association
Prior Experience:
Special Counsel, Office of the City Attorney, Chattanooga, TN |  |
BRIAN K. WIDENER
Partner
E-mail: bkwidener@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1288 Fax: 404-329-8193
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Professional Profile:
Brian K. Widener is the managing partner of the REO closing practice of Johnson & Freedman, LLC. Mr. Widener has over ten years of experience in real estate law. Prior to joining Johnson & Freedman, Mr. Widener managed and developed REO for a multistate closing practice. Education:
Washington and Lee University (B.A. 1994)
Cumberland School of Law at Samford University (J.D. 1997)
Admissions:
1997, State Bar of Georgia
2008, State Bar of North Carolina
Courts:
1997, U.S. District Court (Middle District of Georgia)
1998, U.S. District Court (Northern District of Georgia)
2008, Georgia Supreme Court
Memberships & Affiliations:
Georgia State Bar Association, Real Property Law Section
North Carolina Bar Association
American Bar Association
Stonewall Bar Association of Atlanta
Other Distinctions:
Morris | Hardwick | Schneider, LLC
Casaday & Tarlton, LLC
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ANGEL R. GORDON
Senior Associate
E-mail: argordon@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1348 Fax: 404-329-8125
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Professional Profile:
Angel R. Gordon practices in the Bankruptcy Group of Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman's Atlanta office where she represents creditors in consumer and commercial bankruptcy in North Carolina.
Education:
Howard University (B.A., 1991 cum laude)
Samford University, Cumberland School of Law (J.D., 1997)
Admissions:
1998, State Bar of North Carolina
2002, State Bar of Georgia Courts:
1998, U.S. District Court in Western District of North Carolina
2001, U.S. District Court in Eastern and Middle District of North Carolina
2002, U.S. District Court in Northern District of Georgia
Memberships & Affiliations:
North Carolina Bar Association
John S. Leary Bar Association
Prior Experience:
Attorney General's Office, Tallahassee, Florida
Legal Services of Metro Birmingham, Inc.
Jefferson County Circuit, Birmingham, Alabama
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KYLE S. KOTAKE
Senior Associate
E-mail: kskotake@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1262 Fax: 404-329-8195
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Professional Profile:
Kyle S. Kotake practices in the Litigation group of Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman where he handles real estate and creditor's rights aspects of commercial and business litigation.
Education:
University of Oklahoma (B.B.A., 1992)
Syracuse University (J.D., 1995)
Admissions:
1997, State Bar of Hawaii
1999, State Bar of Georgia
Memberships & Affiliations:
Georgia State Bar Association
Hawaii State Bar Association
Atlanta Bar Association
Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Prior Experience:
Stokes, Lazarus & Carmichael, L.L.C. |  |
KAREN A. MAXCY
Associate
E-mail: kamaxcy@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1120 Fax: 404-329-8009
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Education:
J.D. University of Mississippi, Dec. 1990
B.BA. University of Mississippi, May 1988
Admissions:
State Bar of Georgia
State Bar of Mississippi
Courts:
All state and appellate courts in Georgia and Mississippi
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Mississippi
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Mississippi
Memberships & Affiliations:
Metro Atlanta Consumer Bankruptcy Association |  |
LORI L. MCGOWAN
Senior Associate
E-mail: llmcgowan@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1546 Fax: 404-329-8162
Practice Areas: Litigation
Real Estate
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Professional Profile:
Lori L. McGowan practices in the Litigation Group of Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman where she handles real estate and creditors rights aspects of commercial and business litigation.
Education:
University of California at Los Angeles (B.S., 1986)
Santa Clara University School of Law (J.D., 1990)
Admissions:
1990, State Bar of California
1991, State Bar of Arizona
1993, State Bar of Georgia
2004, State Bar of Tennessee
Memberships & Affiliations:
Tennessee State Bar Association
California State Bar Association
Georgia State Bar Association
Arizona State Bar Association
Professional Association of Diving Instructors
Prior Experience:
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi
Troutman Sanders
Rogers & Hardin
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JANUARY N. TAYLOR
Managing FC/Title Resolution Attorney
E-mail: jntaylor@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1395 Fax: 404-329-8385
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Professional Profile:
January N. Taylor practices in the foreclosure groups of Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman where she handles real estate title and REO issues.
Education:
Salisbury University (B.A., 2000)
Regent University School of Law (J.D., 2003)
Admissions:
State Bar of North Carolina Memberships & Affiliations:
North Carolina State Bar Association
American Bar Association Prior Experience:
Brock & Scott, PLLC
Shore Land Investments, LLC |  |
ANDREW R. BICKWIT
Associate
E-mail: arbickwit@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1237 Fax: 404-417-4057
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Education:
J.D.Duke University Law School, 1984
B.A.State University of New York at Albany, 1981, Magna Cum Laude
Admissions:
State Bar of North Carolina
State Bar of Georgia
State Bar of Tennessee
Courts:
All state trial and appellate courts in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina
U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
U.S. District Court, Western District of Tennessee Memberships & Affiliations:
Creditor''s Rights Section State Bar of Georgia
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CHARITY R. BRIDGEWATER
Associate
E-mail: crbridgewater@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1107 Fax: 404-329-8087
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Education:
J.D. The University of Mississippi, 2002
B.A. Spelman College, Honors: Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honor Society,1998
Admissions:
State Bar of Mississippi
State Bar of Georgia
Memberships & Affiliations:
Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys |  |
WESLEY E. CLINE
Associate
E-mail: wecline@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1612 Fax: 404-329-8366
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Education:
J.D. Emory School of Law School, 2007
B.A. Christopher Newport University, 1999
Admissions:
State Bar of Georgia
Courts:
GA Superior Courts Other Distinctions:
Recipient of the Burt & Betty Schear Book Award
Phi Alpha Delta-Vice Justice of the Atlanta Alumni Chapter
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JENNIFER L. HOWELL
Associate
E-mail: jlhowell@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1379 Fax: 404-417-4045
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Education:
J.D. Stetson University College of Law- 2000
M.B.A.- Stetson University - 2001
B.A. University of South Florida- 1996
Admissions:
State Bar of Florida
Courts:
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida Memberships & Affiliations:
Volunteer Arbitrator, Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
Certified Civil and Domestic Mediator, State of Georgia
Certified Arbitrator, State of Georgia
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AUSTIN E. JAMES
Associate
E-mail: aejames@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1275 Fax: 404-329-8144
Practice Areas: Litigation
Real Estate
Commercial & Residential Real Estate
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Education:
B.A., Anthropology, University of Alabama, 2003
J.D., University of Alabama School of Law, 2006
Admissions:
State Bar of Alabama, 2006
State Bar of Georgia, 2008
Memberships & Affiliations:
Georgia State Bar Association
Alabama State Bar Association
American Bar Association
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BRANDI E. RAINEY
Associate
E-mail: berainey@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1247 Fax: 404-329-8025
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Education:
J.D.Georgia State University, College of Law, 2004
B.A.Erskine College, 1999, magna cum laude
Admissions:
State Bar of Georgia
Courts:
U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Georgia
U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Georgia
Memberships & Affiliations:
Georgia Bar Association
Metro Atlanta Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney Group
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NICKEY JOHN RUDD JR
Associate
E-mail: njrudd@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1582 Fax: 404-329-8382
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Professional Profile:
Nickey John Rudd, Jr. practices in the Litigation Group of Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman where he handles real estate and creditors rights aspects in commercial and business litigation.
Education:
University of Alabama (B.S., 1988)
Cumberland School of Law, Samford University (J.D., 1991)
Admissions:
1991, State Bar of Alabama Memberships & Affiliations:
Alabama State Bar Association
Birmingham Bar Association
Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
The Greater Birmingham Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Prior Experience:
Partner with Burttram and Henderson
Private Practice 1991 - 2003
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CORY P. SIMS
Associate
E-mail: cpsims@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1362 Fax: 404-329-8070
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Education:
J.D. University of Mississippi School of Law, 2003
B.A. University of Mississippi, 2000
Admissions:
State Bar of Mississippi
State Bar of Georgia
Courts:
U.S. District Court (Northern District of Mississippi)
U.S. District Court (Southern District of Mississippi)
U.S. District Court (Northern District of Georgia)
Memberships & Affiliations:
Mississippi State Bar Association
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PAUL C. WERSANT
Associate
E-mail: pgwersant@jflegal.com Phone: 770-234-9181 Ext. 1357 Fax: 404-329-8312
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Professional Profile:
Paul G. Wersant practices in the Litigation Group of Morris, Schneider, Prior, Johnson & Freedman where he handles general civil litigation, bankruptcy litigation, real estate litigation, commercial litigation and business litigation.
Education:
Widener University School of Law (J.D., 1999)
Alvernia College (B.A., 1989)
Admissions:
2008 Florida Bar
2004 State Bar of Georgia, Court of Appeals and Supreme Court
2002 District of Columbia Bar
2000 Maryland Bar
Courts:
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia
U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
Memberships & Affiliations:
The Florida Bar
State Bar of Georgia
District of Columbia Bar
Creditor's Rights Section of the State Bar of Georgia
Appellate Practice Section of the Florida Bar
Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar
Trial Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar
Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar
Prior Experience:
DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
Weinstock, Friedman & Friedman, P.A., Baltimore, Maryland
Law Clerk for the Honorable Thomas M. Twardowski, United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania |  |
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