Commerce Lawyers

Founding Partners, Adam Slipakoff and Howard “Howie” Slomka have both worked in large and small law firms and with high-end clients as well as small. Quickly, they both came to realize that working with smaller clients gave them a sense of connected purpose and satisfaction that goes with helping people on a personal level. Using their experience to simplify needlessly complex processes, they found a love for guarding clients, from further trepidation and strife.
There will always be a place in the world for traditional “by the book”, black and white, logic-driven law firms. Adam and Howie simply believe their clients...

John Q. Vaughan, Sr. attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he graduated with honors. Early in his career, John was a highly successful businessman, being internally promoted within the corporate world to an executive position at a young age. Although John had this early success, he longed to pursue his lifelong goal of becoming an attorney. He picked up his family, moved to Georgia, and a few short years later, he graduated from John Marshall Law School with his Juris Doctorate. As a result of his business acumen and relationships with clients, he was offered a partnership with a...

Evan Watson is a criminal defense trial lawyer specializing in DUI, drug, and theft offenses. In his 8 years as a member of the Georgia Bar, Evan has represented hundreds of clients successfully in the Municipal, State and Superior Courts throughout Georgia.

Chip Gaskill has spent his entire career practicing law in the Metro Atlanta area. He is dedicated to exhibiting professionalism and high ethical standards with a view toward creating a relationship of confidence and trust with his clients. He is an experienced attorney focused on results. His personal interests include marathons, enjoying high school and college football and being a devoted husband and father to two teenage girls.

Attorney Mari Lee Chambers is a founding partner in Chambers, Hill & Quinde. She began practicing law in Norcross, Georgia in 1988 and has always practiced in Gwinnett County and the surrounding counties. Attorney Chambers has practiced many types of law in numerous counties. She has served as a conflict public defender in Fulton County and is currently the Solicitor for the City of Auburn. She has handled every type of family law case, including juvenile law, divorce, custody modifications and adoptions. Attorney Chambers is a wife and mother to three teenagers. She is...

Mark has practiced as a criminal lawyer in Northeast Georgia since 1985. After receiving his JD from the University of Georgia School of Law, he associated with Cook, Noell, Tolley and Aldridge, where he became a partner in 1987. In 1997, Mark opened a solo practice in downtown Athens and then relocated to his current office at Resource Valley in 1998. From the beginning of his practice, Mark has concentrated his trial practice almost exclusively as a criminal lawyer and managing personal injury cases. His past and present associations include Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers ("GACDL") (vice president); the...

I am a business and family immigration attorney. Areas of concentration include consular processing, adjustment of status, H1b, PERM, spousal visas, fiancee visas, I-601 waivers, I-212 waivers, J-1 waivers, and similar areas. I am also a registered neutral with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution.

Before law school, I witnessed the guilt and stress my family endured when caring for loved ones. There was no plan, and important conversations happened too late. It is my mission to protect other families from facing the same situation. I studied at the University of Georgia and graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, and minor in Anthropology. Understanding people, families, and their unique needs is the heart of my career. I continued my studies at the University of Georgia School of Law and graduated at...

John Schneider is a partner at Wosnik Law, and an experienced criminal defense attorney who has represented clients in both criminal and civil matters across north Georgia. John has extensive trial experience, and has achieved not guilty verdicts or dismissals on criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor theft and battery to serious felonies, such as kidnapping and sexual offenses. He has also successfully advocated for his clients at other crucial proceedings, such as divorce and child custody hearings, probation revocation hearings, and appeals to the Georgia Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of Georgia. John graduated from the University of Georgia School...

As a former prosecutor for 6 years, I have a ton of courtroom experience and legal knowledge. When I first passed the Bar, I opened my own practice concentrating on family law and personal injury. As my knowledge base grew, I decided I wanted to get back to family law but now I had additional information and experience in criminal work.

Senior Attorney and Counselor at Law: (1986-2019)
W. Blake McCarty, Esq. dba The McCarty Law Practice
* Founded and operated successful law offices at the Equitable Building, Perimeter Center Terrace, and the Ravinia in Atlanta. Hired, trained, and managed personnel, vetted incoming engagements, developed case strategies, worked with expert witnesses, and handled all aspects of client engagements for over 1,000 clients.
* Provided AV-rated domestic and international tax, ERISA, entity governance, corporate-partnership-LLC business transaction planning, negotiating, regulatory compliance, and contract drafting, securities law, employment law compliance, and counsel to Boards, officers, directors,...

Originally from Peru, South America, Catherine Trelles Casto grew up in Athens, Georgia. Catherine graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Georgia. She earned her law degree from John Marshall Law School and studied International Family Law and Environmental Law as part of a summer abroad program at the University of Florence, Italy. During law school, Catherine worked for the District Attorney's Office for the Western Judicial Circuit and clerked for the DUI Atlanta law firm Head, Thomas, Webb & Willis. She also worked as an Enforcement Attorney for Ralph Hudgens at the Office of...

Yari D. Lawson is a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Lawrenceville, GA. With a mission to offer steadfast legal representation, he established Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys in 2012. He’s committed to aiding victims injured by a spectrum of incidents, such as car accidents, dog bites, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall accidents, and truck accidents. As a dedicated Lawrenceville personal injury attorney, Yari prioritizes forging genuine relationships with each client. Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys believes that every individual enduring a personal injury deserves an attorney who not only listens attentively but also rigorously analyzes their case, presenting the most beneficial paths forward. Benefiting...

Norman Cuadra is a managing partner at the firm of Cuadra and Patel, LLC and the Law Firm of Norman H. Cuadra, PC. He graduated from University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Sciences and also graduated from Nova Southeastern University-Shepard Broad Law Center with his Juris Doctor. Norman H. Cuadra is also presently the Chief Judge of the Suwanee Municipal Court. He has been a judge for the last 18 years. He is presently the Chief Judge for the City of Suwanee. He was an Associate Judge with the City of Chamblee and the City of Doraville. He coached...

While in high school, I played all sports. In college, I obtained my Black Belt in Chinese Boxing and was a security officer. After college, I became a teacher and coach, and taught History, Geography, Science, Health and Physical Education. I led Science Fairs and Living History in the Classroom. I led my students on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness Challenge and taught health. During my career, I coached Basketball, Football, Soccer, Baseball, Volleyball, Cross-country, and Track and Field. After law school, I worked for law firms in Atlanta and in 2007 opened my office in Lawrenceville....

Constancia Carter earned her law degree from Georgia State University. She focuses her criminal defense caseload on representing criminal defendants with a history of mental illness and handling matters relating to guardianship, conservatorship, and involuntary commitments. Attorney Carter is a true litigator known by clients and colleagues as a caring, knowledgeable lawyer who puts her clients’ needs first. She has an in-depth understanding of the law and works hard to find creative legal solutions. Attorney Carter is admitted to practice in the Georgia Supreme Court, Georgia Court of Appeals, and the US District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

Lawrenceville Divorce and Criminal Defense Attorney

Brandon strives to be a great listener, counselor, and advocate, in that order. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University, magna cum laude, and then went on to graduate in the top half of his class at the University of Georgia School of Law.

Prior to graduation from law school Brandon excelled in his externship which landed him a job as an Assistant District Attorney for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. While at the DA’s office, Brandon grew comfortable in the courtroom, successfully obtaining winning jury verdicts in all but his very first trial.

After departing the DA’s office, Brandon spent...

Meghan Ryan Noblett has practiced family law since her admission to the Georgia Bar in 2009. She has experience handling all matters relating to family law in the Magistrate Court, Superior Court and Juvenile Court. Born in Norwalk, Connecticut and raised in Roswell, Georgia, Mrs. Noblett earned her bachelors degree in English, magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia in 2006. While at UGA, she was a National Merit Scholar, a United Parcel Service James E. Casey Merit Scholar, a UGA Charter Scholar, and a member of the UGA Honors Program. She also spent a semester studying abroad at Oxford...

Matthew Van Dyke has a service-driven practice with a specific focus of adding value and maximizing efficiencies for the Client. Mr. Van Dyke believes that it takes a cooperative effort in order to accomplish the Client’s goals.

For his business clients, Mr. Van Dyke will work with you to add value to your organization while being efficient and minimizing the risks for litigation. However, if litigation does arise, Mr. Van Dyke will represent your interests zealously, both in the courtroom and in the boardroom. For clients who have been charged with a crime, Matthew will work with you and for you...

Bonnie Rich has nearly 30 years of experience in a variety of taxation, estate planning, and business law matters. She has represented individuals, business owners, and local governments and has served as in house counsel for a major financial services corporation. From 2008 until 2018 she taught law students valuable skills in litigation, client counseling, and professional and ethical responsibility by supervising and mentoring those students as they represented clients through a clinical taxation course at the Georgia State University College of Law. Bonnie was a member of the Georgia General Assembly during the 2019-2020 and 2021-2022 legislative...

Ruslyn D. Ruby has practiced law since 2017. She focuses her practice on family law, probate and general civil litigation. She was born and raised in Georgia and has lived in Forsyth County since her childhood. Mrs. Ruby graduated with a bachelors degree in Business Management, cum laude, from the University of South Carolina Aiken. While at USC-Aiken, she was the captain of the cheerleading squad and a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. In 2016, Ruslyn received her Juris Doctorate from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law. While in law school, she was a member of the Association of...

Professional History:
> 2005-present: Owner, Bockhop Intellectual Property Law, LLC
> 2002-2005: Partner, Arnall Golden Gregory LLP
> 2000-2002: Founding Partner, Bockhop & Reich, LLP
> 1994-2000: Associate, Needle & Rosenberg, PC
> 1988-1991: IBM - Design Engineer (Designed arithmetic logic circuits used in CPU of AS/400 computer)
> 1980-1985: U.S. Naval Officer - Electrical Officer USS Nicholson (DD 982)
Education:
> J.D., University of Georgia School of Law, 1994
> M.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Iowa, 1988 Research and Thesis: Switching Properties of Non-Linear Optical Interface; Eta Kappa Nu Electrical Engineering Honors Society
> B.S., General Science, The University of Iowa, 1980
> US Navy Gas...

Received his B.A. from Southern Mississippi in 1991. Received his M.S. from The University of Kentucky in 1994. Received his J.D. from the University of Tennessee in 1997. Practiced Bankruptcy Law since 1998. Work as In-house Corporate Legal Counsel for 11 years with over 100 Jury and Bench trials. Served as lead counsel for cases ranging from small claims to multi-million dollar cases.

Joann has been litigating for several decades and has tried cases throughout the country in both State and Federal Court. After having practiced corporate litigation for a number of years, she felt she was in a position to follow her bliss and joined Meriwether & Tharp in June 2013 where she is an equity partner. She attended Emory University for her BA, Auburn University at Montgomery for her Master's in Liberal Arts, and law school at the University of South Carolina. Joann often describes being in court and working on appeals as her chocolate. She has been involved in several high...

Darren is a personal injury lawyer. His clients are victims of serious injury. He takes great pride in doing his job well, and his work ethic has paid off for his clients.

Darren has been recognized as one of the top injury lawyers in Georgia and named a Super Lawyers Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Atlanta Magazine. Only 2.5% of all lawyers in Georgia are selected as Rising Stars. Darren has also been recognized as one of Georgia’s Legal Elite by Georgia Trend Magazine; as one of the Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers;...

I am Ryan R. Shafer, a partner at Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. Before joining this firm, I gained considerable experience in family law litigation as an associate attorney at Ferguson Law Firm, P.C. in Jonesboro, Georgia. My litigation experience spans across divorce, modification, child support, legitimation, and contempt cases in various counties including Fulton, Clayton, Henry, Fayette, and Spalding. I was born and raised in Florence, New Jersey. In 2008, I graduated from La Salle University with a degree in Mathematics and later earned my law degree from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School in 2013. During my first year of law...

Cortney has 20 years of litigation experience, serving as lead counsel in over 120 patent-infringement litigations. He also represents clients in proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (e.g., IPR proceedings) and in appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. • S.M.R Innovations v. Apple (W.D. Tex.), Motorola (D. Del.), LG, and Samsung (E.D. Tex.): Lead counsel in cases involving patents for routing multimedia between electronic devices. • POWERbahn (N.D. Ga.): Represented technology innovator in asserting patents related to exercise equipment that better simulated real-life conditions. Claims resolved after district court denied Defendants’ motions for summary...

Jennifer D. Patterson opened her first law firm in 1995 in Cumming, Georgia. Since then, she has enjoyed serving clients in the North Georgia area for the last twenty years. Jennifer focuses her practice on all issues related to families including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence and contempt issues.

She regularly handles matters which may be high conflict, including cases involving psychological custody evaluations, family owned businesses and retirement division.

As the mother of four children, she has a true understanding of the heart wrenching decisions that have to be made in custody and parenting matters and has guided her...

Neena Saxena is a dedicated, honest, and empathetic attorney who focuses on all issues related to families including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, legitimation, alimony, property division, adoption, modifications and contempt issues. Neena is passionate about her clients and the law and experienced to handle all family law matters.

Neena grew up in Johns Creek and received her Bachelor of Science in Management with a Certificate in Operations Management from Georgia Institute of Technology. She obtained her law degree from Florida State University, College of Law and is a trained mediator. During her spare time, Neena spends her time with...

Bartlett started Benton & Benton after years of working as a defense attorney representing insurance companies and corporations in personal injury lawsuits. Bartlett always wanted to one day represent people injured in accidents, so early in his career he decided to work as a defense attorney to learn how insurance companies and corporations defend and evaluate cases. With this inside knowledge, he now knows what insurance companies and corporations fear and what makes them settle cases.

Attorney Oliver Ladd represents injured and disabled workers throughout North Georgia with a focus on Worker’s Compensation claims. Oliver and his team will fight on your behalf to get the maximum benefits you are owed under the law.

Too often, injured workers give up the fight for what they are owed because the system is so stressful and confusing. Don’t let it happen to you. Call Oliver today for a free consultation at (770) 534-5265.


Stow, Garvin & Glenn is based in Gainesville, Georgia and has been serving the community for more than 50 years. Our community is important to us...