William M. Brownell Jr.

PRO

William M. Brownell Jr.

also known as Bill Brownell

5.0
19 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 40 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Gainesville, GA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Family

500 Spring Street SE, Suite 204, Gainesville, GA

About William

Biography

Over 30 years of trial experience. Our goal: MAXIMUM CLIENT SATISFACTION!

10 years as a Felony Prosecutor. 20 years defending criminal charges. RETAIN REAL EXPERIENCE!

Over 20 years advocating for the rights of the injured. Millions recovered for our clients.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 35%

Going the extra mile to ensure your freedom. All Felonies and Major Felonies including Murder charges, Serious Misdemeanors, Appeals, Probation Revocations. Call today!

41 years | 700 cases

35%
Personal Injury 35%

Motor Vehicle Accidents, Slip and Fall, Wrongful Death, Hazardous Conditions. Free Consultation

31 years | 300 cases

35%
Family 30%

Divorce, Child Custody, Modifications, Contempt and Enforcement.

31 years | 300 cases

30%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2013

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 40 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1984

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of William M. Brownell Jr.

500 Spring Street SE, Suite 204, Gainesville, GA, 30501

brownelllaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find William online.

William M. Brownell Jr.'s Reviews

5 star

(9)

4 star

(0)

3 star

(0)

2 star

(0)

1 star

(0)

Posted by Anna | July 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

100# HIRE BILL

100% hire Bill! He is extremely knowledgeable about the law and court processes, and it shows in every step of how he handles a case. His courtroom demeanor is professional, confident, and composed, and he approaches every matter with careful attention to all aspects involved. Bill handled my custody... case and helped bring about major improvements for the wellbeing of my daughter — something I will always be grateful for. He’s also incredibly responsive to emails and phone calls, which made a big difference during a stressful time. His attorney fees are very reasonable, and I truly felt like I got what I paid for — without being overcharged like so many other attorneys. Highly recommend!

Posted by Vicky | March 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great attorney

Mr. Brownell represented me in my case for grandparents rights. He was very thorough and professional throughout the entire process. He cared about my case, and in the end, he won my case. I am more than happy with the outcome, and I highly recommend Mr. Brownell. I am extremely satisfied with how I ...was represented, and will never forget Mr. Brownell's kindness and professionalism. He is fantastic!

Posted by Tammy | December 7, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommend his Services

Bill Brownell is a very knowledgeable attorney. He will walk you through every aspect of your legal needs. He always stayed in contact with me as to keep me up to date with each step in my case. His legal fees are very reasonable and he was always very straight forward. Mr Brownell was always very ni...ce and made me feel comfortable when asking questions I needed more information about.

Posted by Leigh Ann | July 23, 2015

Money and time well spent!

My case isn't over yet, but I felt compelled to go ahead and write a review. When I called Mr. Brownell's office seeking representation for my Divorce, HE answered the phone. I was dumbfounded! He spoke to me for a while, asking excellent questions, and then quoted me a reasonable retainer fee. I... immediately scheduled an appointment. Every meeting I have had with him since has left me feeling at ease and confident about my case. I know he is a very busy man, but he makes me feel like I am his only client. I have never felt rushed. Mr. Brownell is very intelligent, knowledgeable about the law, and he sincerely cares about his clients. I could not have asked for a better attorney to represent me. Truly a good man and a good attorney!!!!!

Posted by Jordan | January 28, 2015

Very Satisfied

Mr. Brownell recently represented me in my divorce, he was absolutely GREAT!!! He was in constant contact with me throughout every step of the way, which I feel is VERY important!! He was sure to inform me of every detail of my case. He responded to all my calls and emails in a very timely manor. He ...was professional, caring, understanding, encouraging and fair. I am beyond satisfied with his representation and would recommend him to anyone seeking legal counsel.

See All Client Reviews

William M. Brownell Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse William
Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. Brownell. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first."

Travis Ashley Newton headshot
Travis Newton

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John (Bob) Coleman headshot
John Coleman

Family lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Bill Brownell for well over twenty years as a fellow practicing attorney. We have had many dealings with each other - mostly as opposing counsel. Although Bill is always a strong advocate for his client, I have always found him to be honest and professional with opposing counsel and with the courts. And without compromising his client's interests, he actively looks for ways to settle cases thereby avoiding unnecessary time delays and expenses for all parties involved."

Lydia Jackson Sartain headshot
Lydia Sartain

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Bill for 30 years. he is very dedicated to his practice. he prepares his cases and does good work for his clients. He is very professional in his interactions with clients, the courts and other lawyers."

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Unknown lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Brownell. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos"

James Michael Adam headshot
James Adam

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Bill for many years and have found him to be ethical, reliable and competent in all his areas of practice."

Alan Futch Pilcher headshot
Alan Pilcher

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He has extensive experience in criminal law and always comes to court fully prepared. He's easy to work with and is a person of high integrity."

View All Endorsements
Anne M. Bishop headshot
Anne Bishop

Family lawyer

Mark V. Clay headshot
Mark Clay

Immigration lawyer

Travis Ashley Newton headshot
Travis Newton

Unknown lawyer

John (Bob) Coleman headshot
John Coleman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Lydia Jackson Sartain headshot
Lydia Sartain

Unknown lawyer

James Michael Adam headshot
James Adam

Family lawyer

Jerry C. Carter Jr. headshot
Jerry Carter

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2025

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Best Attorneys Online, www.bestattorneysrankings.com

2017

15 Year Anniversary of "Distinguished" Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

BV Distingushed Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

BV Distinguished Attorney, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

30 Years Community Serice, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Top Contributor Award, AVVO

2013

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

BV Distiguished Atorney, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

BV Disinguished Atorney, Martindale-Hubbell

1982

Graduation with Honors, University of West Florida

1981

President's List, University of West Florida

1979

Honorable Discharge, U.S. Navy

1978

Captain's Letter of Comendation, U.S. Navy

1978

Good Conduct Medal, U.S. Navy

Work Experience

1995 - Present

Owner, The Brownell Law Office

1996 - 2000

County Attorney, Lumpkin County, Georgia

1994 - 1994

Chief Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney's Office, Enotah Judicial Circuit

1984 - 1994

Senior Assistant District Attorney, District Attorney's Office, N.E. Judicial Circuit

1979 - 1984

Two jobs, two companies while obtaining BA and JD degrees

1974 - 1979

Second Class Petty Officer, United States Navy

Associations

2004 - Present

State Bar of Georgia - Worker's Compensation Section

Member

1998 - Present

United States Supreme Court

Member

1995 - Present

State Bar of Georgia - Family Law Section

Member

1995 - Present

State Bar of Georgia - Tort & Insurance Section

Member

1990 - Present

State Bar of Georgia - Criminal Section

Member

1984 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

1984 - Present

Georgia Court of Appeals

Member

1984 - Present

Georgia Supreme Court

Member

American Bar Association

Member

Gainesville-Northeastern Circuit Bar Association

Member

2007 - 2009

Drug Free Coalition of Hall County

Board of Directors

1996 - 1998

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Board of Directors

1996 - 2000

State Bar of Georgia - Government Attorneys Section

Member

1995 - 1999

Georgia Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. J.H.

Acquittal

State v D. A. G.

Dismissed

R.R. v Juana Quitero

$70,00.00 Uninsured motorist settlement.

N.B. v Curriculum Development

$77,400.00 structured settlement

State v B.P.

Dismissed

State v W.H.

Dismissed

State v MB

Dismissed

M.W. v Samuel Sartain

$100,000.00 policy limits settlement

C.B. v Joseph Barrett

$80,000.00 settlement

State v C.P.

Dismissed

T.D. v Toby Tatum

$135,000.00 settlement

B.B. v Danielle Chambers

$500,000.00 settlement

State v L.G.

Dismissed

L.O. v Jim Oday

$200,000.00 policy limits settlement

State v J.F.

Dismissed

W.S. & B.S. v Ann Marie Peck

$100,000.00 policy limits settlement ($50,000 per person)

State v W.N.

Acquittal

State v W.N.

Acquittal

R.T. v. HALL COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

$110,000.00 settlement

D.V. v Curt's Detail Shop and Towing

$250,000.00 settlement

S.S. v Amarech Abebe and Nationwide Insurance

$150,000.00 liability and UM settlement.

State v D.M.

Acquittal

L.B. v CVS Pharmacy

$95,000.00 Setttlement

S.S. v A Abebe

$150,000.00 settlement

T.P. v JASON PEARSON CONSTRUCTION

$225.000.00 settlement

W.A. v Upstate Curb, Inc.

$127,000.00 settlement

G.D. v James Eller

$100.000.00 policy limits settlement

H.L. v Kaufman Tire

$650,000.00 settlement

T.L. v Advantech Solutions

$260,000.00 Settlement

L.B. v E.T.

$100,000.00 policy limit settlement

S.G v DEPENDABLE PLUMBING, INC., et al

$310,000.00 settlement

State v Duarte

Dismissed

G.H. v J. Matson

$152,000.00 settlement

C.M. v Johnny R. Martin Grading Co.

$321,000.00 settlement

State v Arellano

Dismissed

State v R.P.

Dismissed

M.C. v John Odegaard

$100,000.00 policy limits settlement

P.B. v Johnny Martin Grading Co., Inc.

$148,000.00 settlement

J.T. v Jonathan Stewart

$100,000.00 policy limit settlement

State v A.T.

Dismissed

State v D.E.

Dismissed

State v J.D.

Acquittal

State v B.L.

Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1984

University of Georgia School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1982

Univerity of West Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Association of Hall County Municipalities

Social Hosting

1994

Hall County Middle Schools

Constitutional Law

1992

Hall County High Schools

The Legal Profession

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

William earned significant contribution points in 2013.

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution