William James Atkins

PRO

William James Atkins

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Medical malpractice Lawyer at Atlanta, GA
Practice Areas: Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Civil Rights

2740 Bert Adams Rd, Atlanta, GA

Virtual Consultation Available

About William

Biography

I am a trial lawyer experienced in wrongful death, personal injury and civil rights matters.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Medical Malpractice 50%

Wrongful Death, Brain Damage, Delayed Diagnosis and birth defect cases.

31 years

50%
Personal Injury 30%

Wrongful Death, Car and Trucking Litigation, Premises Liability, Sex Abuse of Minors.

31 years

30%
Car Accident 15%

15%
Civil Rights 5%

I represent individual in deadly & excessive force matters; false arrest matters and public sector employment matters.

31 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

33%-45%

Retainer

Sometimes

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 31 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1994

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Warshauer Woodward Atkins, LLC

2740 Bert Adams Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30339

warlawgroup.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find William online.

William James Atkins's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

5 star (10)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Joe | January 4, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

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.

Posted by Ralph | December 21, 2019 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Best first impression from an attorney

Consulted William Atkins a couple of years ago about a labor case best 30 min with an attorney I ever had which I had many very knowledgeable about the law and good attitude. Too bad couldn’t retain him due to partner conflict in interest .

Posted by RK | August 9, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

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.

Posted by David pinkney | November 7, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

He's hired

Met with Bill explained our needs and he decided to take our case. Nice professional well layout law office in an historical part of Atlanta. Recommendation from Mark Bullman.

Posted by Edward | February 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

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.

See All Client Reviews

William James Atkins's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse William
Corey M. Stern headshot
Corey Stern

Civil rights lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"There is no attorney more prepared, more knowledgeable, more realistic, more professional, or more adaptable than Bill. I'd be honored to work with him on any matter, in any venue, at any time."

Andrew Yancey Coffman headshot
Andrew Coffman

Personal injury lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Atkins and I go back many years. Few lawyers have the courtroom finesse and sharp verbal skills that Bill possesses. One of the best trial lawyers I know. He is focused on winning cases for his clients."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."

Amanda Amy Farahany headshot
Amanda Farahany

Employment and labor lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Ruppersburg headshot
Michael Ruppersburg

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Bill and I were opposing counsel on a personal injury case. He did a fine job for his client and I would recommend him to anyone in need of a personal injury or civil rights attorney."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Savannah Rose Murphy headshot
Savannah Murphy

Unknown lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Howard E. Spiva headshot
Howard Spiva

Unknown lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"William Atkins has enjoyed successes in both civil and criminal courts. His experience and skills have prepared him to diligently represent clients throughout the trial process. William takes the time to answer questions on avvo.com and his speaking engagements show his dedication to the legal profession. It is commendable that he shares his knowledge with the law community. I endorse William Atkins."

David Bruce Fife headshot
David Fife

Litigation lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I've known Bill for some time now and I can tell you no lawyer works harder for his clients. I've worked with him on a high-profile civil and criminal case and I've seen him work tirelessly on his client's behalf and find success where it seemed like there would be none. I've walked into courtrooms with him and you won't find a better prepared and better skilled litigator. He has expertise in personal injury, civil rights and criminal defense. His combination of knowledge of the law and skill in the courtroom make him a formidable adversary to anyone and a valuable advocate for his clients."

Brian Wade Johnson headshot
Brian Johnson

Litigation lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Bill is a highly skilled attorney who works hard for his clients. He also has an in-depth legal knowledge pertinent to his practice as well as a great courtroom presence. I highly recommend Bill and his work."

Terrence Lee Croft headshot
Terrence Croft

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known and worked on matters with Bill for many years. He is a fine trial lawyer, with successes in personal injury, civil rights, employment and criminal matters. He is talented and very hard working. You will be pleased with his representation. Terrence Lee Croft, Esq."

Glenn Alan Loewenthal headshot
Glenn Loewenthal

Civil rights lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill Atkins is the lawyer that other lawyers go to for advice and counsel in the area of civil rights law. His expertise in areas such as police and prosecutorial misconduct are second to none. You won't find a better advocate than Bill. I highly recommend him."

View All Endorsements
David Bruce Fife headshot
David Fife

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Wade Johnson headshot
Brian Johnson

Insurance lawyer

Terrence Lee Croft headshot
Terrence Croft

Mediation lawyer

Glenn Alan Loewenthal headshot
Glenn Loewenthal

Medical malpractice lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

1995

Best Oralist, Moot Court Society at Emory Law School

N/A

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2022 - Present

Partner, Warshauer Woodward Atkins

2014 - 2022

Partner, Edmond, Lindsay & Atkins, LLP

2011 - 2014

Member, Atkins & Fife, LLC

2008 - 2010

Member, Atkins & Attwood, LLC

2000 - 2008

Partner, Parks, Chesin & Walbert, P.C.

1999 - 2000

Associate, Drew Eckl & Farnham, LLP

1996 - 1999

Assistant District Attorney, Douglas County District Attorney's Office

Associations

2008 - Present

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - Present

Cobb County Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

Lawyers Club of Atlanta

Member

1999 - Present

Atlanta Bar Association

Member

1994 - Present

Lamar Inns of Court

Master

Sample of Legal Cases

Estate of Vincent Minor v. Fairfax Anesthesiology Group et al

Jury Verdict: $3,401,000.00

Estate of Shari Edwards v. DeKalb County Medical Center et al

$3020,330

Estate of Michael Banks v. South Atlanta Neurosurgery

Jury Verdict - $3,500,000.00

A.W., a minor child et al v. Union City, Georgia

$750,000.00

Johnson v. Chatahoochee Hills, Georgia

$600,000.00 - Settlement

Lucas v. City of Braswell, Georgia

$1,000,000.00 Jury Verdict

Keith Brancheau v. Norman Schwartz

$954,000.00 verdict, affirmed on appeal (10/14/2010)

Mark Tuggle v. Sheriff Victor Hill

$475,000.00 verdict; 172,000.00 Fee Award.

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

$268,000.00

Ellen Cauthen v. Augusta/Richmond County School Board

$288,000.00 Verdict/$430,000.00 Settlement

Marisa Bailey v. Milstead Foodmart et al

$350,000.00 Verdict; Confidential Post-Trial Settlement

Jim Tillman v. City of Ocala, FL

$884,000.00 Verdict

State of Georgia v. D'Anna Bates

Not Guilty

: Lindley v. State, 225 Ga. App. 338, 484 S.E.2d 33 (1997)

Guilty Verdict Affirmed on Appeal

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Emory University School of Law

Juris Doctor

1991

Vassar College

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

Police Liability in Georgia

False Arrest & Malicious Prosecution - State and Federal Claims

2012

Litigation Under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983

False Arrest & Excessive Force Claims

2009

2009 Annual Convention

False arrest & Malicious Prosecution

2008

Police Liability in Georgia

Retaliatory Prosecution and the First Amendment

2008

Annual Employment Law Conference

Constitutionality of Summary Judgment

2007

Annual Employment Law Conference

Employment Law - Damages Valuation

2007

Annual Convention

Qualified Immunity

2006

Annual Convention

Qualified Immunity

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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