Juris Doctor - Emory University School of Law, 1994

Bachelor of Arts - Vassar College, 1987. Major: History

Defeating Qualified Immunity: Excessive Force & False Arrest Cases (2007)

2007 GTLA Annual Convention

Representing Citizens Against Law Enforcement in the Eleventh Circuit (2012)

ICLE Seminar: Litigation under 42 U.S.C. § 1983

Using Depositions Testimony to Avoid Summary Judgment (2014)

GTLA Seminar – Depositions: From Good To Great To Winning

Ministerial Duty Claims Under Georgia Law (2015)

ICLE Seminar: Litigation under 42 U.S.C. § 1983

Death by a Thousand Cuts: The Expansion of Qualified Immunity Threatens the Continued Viability of Constitutional Torts (2020)

GTLA’s Verdict Magazine – Winter 2020

NOTABLE PUBLISHED OPINIONS

In Re: J.S.J., 253 Ga. App. 174, 558 S.E.2d 763 (2002)

Finding Juvenile Court acted without jurisdiction to declare child deprived.

Laura Skop v. City of Atlanta, 485 F.3d 1130 (11th Cir. 2007)

Reversing grant of summary judgment in §1983 false arrest case.

Bates v. Harvey, 518 F.3d 1233 (11th Cir. 2008)

Establishing law on entry into home without a warrant to search for minor on “Pick Up Order.”

Randall v. Scott, 610 F.3d 701 (11th Cir. 2010)

Establishing “right to candidacy” as basis for 1st Amendment Retaliation claim.

Jim Tillman v. City of Ocala, Florida (2005). Verdict: $884,000.00

United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida – Ocala Division

42 U.S.C. § 2000(e) (Title VII) & 42 U.S.C. §1981

Race Discrimination & Retaliation (Plaintiff)

Ellen Cauthen v. Richmond County BOE (2006). Verdict: $268,000.00

United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Augusta Division

42 U.S.C. § 2000(e) (Title VII) & 42 U.S.C. §1981

Race Discrimination & Retaliation (Plaintiff)

Mark Tuggle v. Sheriff Victor Hill (2008). Verdict: $475,000.00

United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division

42 U.S.C. § 1983 – 1st Amendment (Retaliation) (Plaintiff)

Robert Lucas v. City of Braswell et al (2010). Verdict: $1,000,000.00

United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Rome Division

42 U.S.C. § 1983 – 4th Amendment (False Arrest) (Plaintiff)

Valencia Warren v. Fulton Co, GA et al (2014). Verdict: $192,500.00

United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division

42 U.S.C. § 1983 – 4th Amendment (False Arrest)

Estate of Michael Banks v. South Atlanta Neurosurgery, PC (2015). Verdict: $3,500,000.00

State Court of Clayton County

Personal Injury – Medical Negligence

Estate of Shari Edwards v. DeKalb MC et al (2017). Verdict: $3,000,000.00

State Court of DeKalb County

Personal Injury – Medical Negligence

Bronley v Tapazoglu, et al (2019). Verdict: $3,450,000

Fairfax Circuit Court, Virginia

Personal Injury – Medical Negligence

• Georgia Bar Association (1994-present)
• Georgia Supreme Court (1994-present)
• Georgia Court of Appeals (1994-present)
• 11th Circuit Court of Appeals (2001-present)
• United States District Court – Northern District of Georgia (2001-present)
• United States District Court – Middle District of Georgia (2001-present)
• United States District Court – Southern District of Georgia (2012-present)
• Georgia Trial Lawyers Association - Executive Board Member 2017-present (2008-present)
• Lamar Inn of Court (1994-present)
• Lawyers Club of Atlanta (2004-present)

Amazing!

"We won the case and Bill did an amazing job with his team to provide justice for my name. Bill is professional, kind, and helpful, everything you want in an attorney.” 

–Joe

Great Lawyer!

"From the moment we first met Bill Atkins, we felt relief, and that things would soon be resolved. He not only demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the law, but he was passionate, and determined to get us the best possible outcome. Our family is truly grateful to him for his tireless work to get us a positive resolution to our case. Legal matters can be stressful, so hiring an attorney that cares and has the legal expertise you need cannot be emphasized enough.”

–RK

Responsive, highly competent, and very reliable. Squarely on the side of his client.

"I highly recommend Mr. Atkins to help one in a time of need. I was employed for several years in a mid-management position at a multi-billion company. The company’s workforce consisted of approximately thousands of employees across the US, and internationally. Although the footprint was expansive, workforce diversity was lacking. I was one of only three African American mid-managers in the company (less than 1% of all company managers). The three of us were fortunate in that we reported to a Division President (1 of several company division presidents) who provided everyone with opportunities based upon their ability. In 2014 my boss was promoted to head the company’s new markets group. A new Division President was assigned to lead our team. Almost immediately, the diverse climate changed within our division. The new division president fired two of the three African American managers; refused to consider me for a vacant VP position; and allowed blatant/open racist comments to be made by VP’s and others within the division. Only white males were hired to replace my two former colleagues, while African Americans in non-management positions were also terminated at rates significantly higher than others. By mid-2015, my new boss had gained enough knowledge about my responsibilities for him to move forward with his attempts eliminate my employment. He went on a campaign to mischaracterize my contributions, insult me in public forums, and disparage my personal reputation. It was at this time that I contacted/hired Mr. Atkins requesting his help. This was a very stressful time for me and my family. I had never been subject to such aggressive treatment by an employer. Mr. Atkins took a holistic approach to my situation by providing me and my family with realistic options, and forcefully requesting that my employer cease their egregious actions. Mr. Atkins was never intimidated by this powerful company. Mr. Atkins made senior company leaders (CEO, HR VP, Legal VP…) aware of the actions of my boss, however; these company leaders refused to step in and correct the situation. For several months Mr. Atkins worked tirelessly with the company, and ultimately obtained a generous settlement for me and my family. I have since left the company and moved on to other opportunities. Today my family is in a much better emotional and financial position as a direct consequence of the determined and unwavering efforts of Mr. Atkins. As previously mentioned, I highly recommend Mr. Atkins to help anyone with their legal needs.”

–Edward