David Benton Purvis
also known as David Purvis, David B. Purvis
About David
Biography
David Purvis advocates for families in Southeast Georgia and beyond as a partner at The Manely Firm, P.C., with practice areas that include divorce, child custody, support, and international Hague matters. He has successfully argued before Georgia’s appellate courts, tried international abduction cases in federal district courts, and frequently accepts pro hac vice appointments for complex disputes nationwide. David served as a Special Assistant Administrative Law Judge for the State’s Child Abuse Registry, was adjunct faculty at Savannah Law School (2015–2019), and presents continuing-education programs on current family-law trends and assisted-reproduction and surrogacy law. Based adjacent to Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, he has deep experience with military family-law issues and is committed to assisting service members and veterans. An active community leader, David chairs the Wilmington Island Presbyterian Preschool Board, serves as an elder, has been an ambassador for the Savannah Chamber, and has earned recognition from Savannah Magazine, Connect Savannah, Savannah Morning News, Georgia Trend’s Legal Elite, and Super Lawyers. He holds a B.A. (2001) and J.D. (2010) from Georgia State University.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Georgia for 15 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 2010
No misconduct found
Location
The Manely Firm, PC
2 E Bryan Street, Suite 1000A, Savannah, GA, 31401
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David Benton Purvis's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
23 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Nj | July 18, 2018 | Divorce & Separation
Amazing!
Mr. Purvis is among the very best! He is a kind, compassionate, insightful, knowledgeable, and an overall amazing attorney. He listens intently and provides the best possible council for the case. Having consulted others, I was impressed by his ability to accurately understand my concerns, to explain...
Posted by Jon | April 17, 2015
Extremely helpful and professional!
Mr. Purvis is a very understanding person, not just your average lawyer. He kept me informed throughout the entire process,and answered every question with a very thorough answer. Not only was he able to take my case he also made me feel like I had somebody looking out for my best interest! If I ever...
Posted by Paul | April 13, 2015 | Divorce & Separation
The other reviews are very old.
He may have been on top of his game when he was fresh, but my experience wasn't anywhere near as good as the reviews I found. (Which is why I hired him) I liked his demeanor, and he seemed quite confident. He knew my wife's attorney, and I believe that was the downfall for my case. He kept saying tha...
David Purvis
Replied last April 13, 2015Mediation was court-mandated in this case, as it is in almost every domestic relations case in this jurisdiction. The $225 mediation fee charged by this jurisdiction and paid to the mediation office is far lower than what mediation costs parties in most every other jurisdiction in the state. That said, I cannot somehow force the opposing party to agree to our offers any more than they can force my client to accept theirs. The statement that mediation could have been avoided is as far from the truth as it could possibly be. Quite frankly, there were a number of facts specific to this case that caused the parties to be at polar opposite ends in their definitions of what would be a “fair and reasonable” resolution. The case will be decided by a judge. That’s what happens when the parties cannot reach an agreement at court-ordered mediation. Additionally, this client’s statement that there were 5-10 emails total is completely false. This client emailed myself and my staff 34 times in a 3 month period. There were 40 emails from myself and the paralegal to this client in the same time period. I responded to almost all of this client’s emails within an hour of receiving them. To my knowledge, I did not miss a phone call from this client. That said, as my time is billed, unless I need something from a client, I don’t tend to initiate contact, but I do respond in a very timely manner when they need something from me. This client emailed me six days before mediation wanting to meet beforehand. As with the majority of our communications I responded within an hour and scheduled a phone conference to address his remaining questions about mediation. Our consultations are free. We believe in allowing potential clients the opportunity to meet with our attorneys with no strings attached. This client, like all others, had no obligations to us. He decided to retain us. What he overlooks in this review is that not only were our fees reasonable compared to others in the area, they were a full 40% less than opposing counsel’s in this case. Despite that, I knew every document (some 500-600 pages total) in this case and knew every detail relevant to the case. There were, in fact, significant assets at issue in this case. All that said, if opposing counsel’s “demands were far too absurd to even consider negotiating” (negotiation being the key aspect of a mediation), there’s not much else that could be done at mediation. Nothing happened to this client. We attended court mediation which did not yield a settlement. That happens sometimes. The next step is to have the judge or a jury decide the issues of this case. This client elected to proceed to that next step without me as his attorney, which he is free to do.
Posted by Michael | November 20, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
Military Divorce
Mr. Purvis was always very helpful and honest when it came to dealing with my case. He never tried to drag out or extend the process to try to get more money out of me. He was always able to answer all my questions quickly and would work with my schedule to meet to discuss any matters to hand. My ...
Posted by Emil | July 02, 2014 | Child Custody
David Purvis was caring, experienced, and trustworthy...Most importantly , HE WON MY CASE!
David Purvis is an excellent choice for an attorney to represent you. My child and home were taken from me and David got both back! He is extremely knowledgeable, tenacious, professional and personable. As difficult as my situation was, he somehow made me feel comfortable knowing that he would repr...
David Benton Purvis's Lawyer Endorsements
"I've known Dave since law school. He's one of the most ethical and responsible attorneys that I know. He was always a leader in our class and someone you count on. He's had a unique range of experience in different legal fields that really help in the practice of family law. I highly recommend him for any one with family law or divorce issues."
"I endorse this lawyer. David Purvis is an excellent attorney, skilled and professional in all areas of litigation. I highly recommend Mr. Purvis for your family law needs."
"Attorney David Purvis is a truly exceptional attorney, advocate, professor, co-worker, and friend. His skills and knowledge in family law, military related issues, and IVF related issues provide his clients the comfort of knowing they are in great hands!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Professor/Attorney Purvis is intelligent, compassionate, and knowledgeable. He is well established in his community and has a great reputation. Two thumbs up."
"I endorse this lawyer. David is a thoughtful and committed attorney who will fight for your rights."
"Mr. Purvis is a wonderful advocate for his clients, and a pleasure to have as opposing counsel. He treats everyone he meets with kindness and professionalism."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Purvis is an excellent attorney, committed to his clients and his practice. He is very knowledgeable and brings his experience into his practice. I highly recommend this attorney."
"David Purvis is one of the best family law attorneys and best divorce lawyers in Savannah. His knowledge and experience has been acknowledged by his recent selection as a professor for the Savannah Law School."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. David is an intelligent, hard-working, and caring attorney. He is an excellent attorney. He is a law professor and is very knowledgeable, especially regarding military issues within family law."
"I endorse David without hesitation. I have known David since he began practicing in Savannah. David is one of the most well prepared and diligent attorneys that I know. Even though I practice Family Law, I have referred clients to David. I know David will do his very best to fight for his client."
"I have known David Purvis since he relocated to Savannah. During that time I have had the pleasure to observe him in court on numerous occasions. David always conducts himself with the utmost sense of professionalism and courtesy to all - clients, other counsel and the court. He is intelligent, ethical and very personable. I often recommend David to clients seeking an attorney for divorce, and/or custody matters. Furthermore, I would retain David Purvis to represent me."
"I highly endorse David without reservation. Great guy and great lawyer!"
"I've known David since law school. He was an excellent student back then, and his litigation skills now are equally impressive. His background in various types of law is key for family law, and I know he will excel there in the future."
"I endorse this lawyer. I met David Purvis several months ago when he first moved to Savannah to practice law. David is an extremely caring attorney who is very professional and goes above and beyond in order to help his clients with difficult situations."
"I have known David Purvis since law school and now have the pleasure of working with him. David is dedicated to representing clients in family law cases, which he does with great passion. David is an excellent lawyer and a great person in general."
"I am proud to endorse David. David is an exceptional fellow Family Law attorney who always puts his clients first. He is quickly gaining a reputation for his unique and resourceful ways of thinking through tough and unique cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. David brings his considerable knowledge of the law to work effectively for his clients with great success."
"I endorse this lawyer. David has a passion for family law and mature, compassionate approach to his clients and their families. David's trial skills are exceptional. He can cut to the heart of the matter which saves the clients money and greatly reduces drama. I recommend David Purvis wholeheartedly."
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Estate planning lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
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Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2010
Patrick J. Wiseman Award, Georgia State University Moot Court Board
2010
President, Student Bar Association
2010
Mr. GSU Law, Georgia State University College of Law Student Body
2004
Outstanding Service Award, Guitar Center Stores
2003
Outstanding Service Award, Guitar Center Stores
2001
Outstanding Service Award, Guitar Center Stores
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Partner, The Manely Firm
2017 - 2020
Special Assistant Administrative Law Judge, Office of State Administrative Hearings
2015 - 2020
Adjunct Professor, Savannah Law School
2013 - 2013
Attorney, Purvis Attorneys, LLC
2012 - 2013
Assistant Solicitor, City of Gainesville, Georgia
2011 - 2013
Attorney, Breakfield & Associates, Attorneys
2008 - 2010
Law Clerk, Haskin Law
Associations
2014 - Present
Savannah Area Chamber of CommerceChamber Ambassador
2013 - Present
Savannah Bar Association
2014 - 2015
Arts Resource Collective SavannahBoard of Directors
2012 - 2012
Gainesville-Northeastern Bar AssociationYoung Lawyers Division Senator
2011 - 2013
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2011 - 2013
Northeast Georgia Bar Association
2008 - 2010
Moot Court Honor Society
2007 - 2010
Student Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Obtained primary custody of child for client and returned client to her home
Able to track down custodial parent and child, enforce visitation, and lower client's child support obligation by almost half.
Showed the judge he had been misled and secured the return of the child to the custodial parent.
Favorable plea.
Case Dismissed
Negotiated payment
Education
2010
Juris Doctor
2001
B.A
Speaking Engagements
2019
Bringing Up Baby: The Changing Face of Family: ART, IVF, and Surrogacy
2016
Access to Justice CLE Panel
2016
Family Law Case Law Update
2010
Publications
2016
2014
2014
2014
2014
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2013
2011
2011
2011
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides