Jeffrey James is a litigation attorney who has built his career fighting for plaintiffs’ rights in and out of courtrooms across Georgia. Prior to moving to Athens and joining the firm, Mr. James was a top litigator for a large plaintiff’s firm in Atlanta, Georgia where he helped manage and lead the firm’s litigation department. Mr. James found his calling as a trial attorney while in law school where he competed as a member of Barry University School of Law’s nationally ranked trial team. As a trial team advocate, he’s competed in trial competitions across the nation and gained valuable courtroom skills that he continues building on today fighting for plaintiffs in court. Along with being an active member of his law school’s trial team, he also excelled in legal research and writing and became a published law review author. Raised in Florida, Mr. James is an avid surfer and enjoys traveling with his wife to various surf destinations around the globe. He has now proudly made Athens his home where he and his wife stay busy raising their two wild toddlers.

Native to Savannah, W. Andrew Bowen is an attorney proven by years of experience in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. After completing his undergraduate studies at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, Andrew attended Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law where he earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1998. Andrew began his legal career as a Savannah personal injury lawyer representing defendants in automotive collisions, medical negligence, and other personal injury claims as well as working for a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee. Since 2001, Andrew has focused his career on representing individuals who have suffered serious injury or death. Within this specialty, Andrew has successfully tried cases involving medical malpractice, wrongful death, as well as truck, motorcycle and car accidents. Andrew is a member of the Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina Bars, and practices in the Federal Courts in the State of Georgia and South Carolina. In addition to the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., Andrew has earned admission to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia. He’s also earned admission to the 11th Circuit Court of Federal Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Andrew Bowen is currently serving as Vice-Chairman of the Automobile Law Committee and as a member of the Plaintiffs’ Policy Task Force of the ABA’s Tort and Insurance Practice Section. Andrew has also served as the Savannah Trial Lawyers Association President, and the Supreme Court of Georgia appointed him as a member of the State Bar’s Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee. In addition to his professional affiliations, Andrew is an active member of the Board of Selectmen of the Historic Midway Church and the Administrative Board of the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church. He is also President of the Washington and Lee University Alumni Chapter for the Savannah area. Andrew and his wife, Melissa Safrit Bowen, have two children—Evelyn Brooks Bowen (born 2008) and Woodrow Alexander Bowen (born 2011).

Mark began his career with a degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Dayton, where he developed a strong understanding of how technology and business intersect. That background led him to law school at Emory University, where he focused on intellectual property law and served on the Moot Court Society. After graduating in 1996, Mark joined the respected Atlanta IP firm Needle & Rosenberg, P.C., working on trademark and copyright litigation at a high level. He later became a partner in two boutique IP firms before opening Seigel iP in 2012. Today, he works directly with every client, no gatekeepers, no layers of staff. Just clear, effective counsel from an attorney who knows your matter inside and out.

Our firm is proud to work closely with Attorney Richard Sarrell of Blairsville, Georgia, in an “of counsel” relationship. This means that while Richard maintains his own independent law practice, he and Daniel collaborate on many cases in an official capacity. For our clients, this arrangement brings the best of both worlds: the personal attention of a small firm, strengthened by the combined experience, insight, and resources of two seasoned attorneys working together. Richard grew up in Blairsville, Georgia, and graduated from Union County High School. After high school, he attended Mercer University, where he graduated with honors. He then attended Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. While in law school, he participated in numerous mock trial and dispute resolution competitions and was heavily involved in student government. He began practicing law in Blairsville and has remained in Blairsville for his entire career. Outside of work, Richard enjoys cooking, watching college football, and traveling.

Keren Barrios, originally from Guatemala City, embarked on a life-changing journey when she moved to the United States at the age of 10, following a harrowing 13-day kidnapping experience. This ordeal ignited her passion for advocating for those in need and her commitment to justice. The turning point came during a trial, where Keren witnessed the transformative impact of a dedicated solicitor defending their case, vowing to echo that commitment for others. Keren’s educational journey began with her graduation from Central Gwinnett High School in 2005, at the remarkable age of 16. This early achievement laid the groundwork for her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Legal Track from Georgia State University in 2010, followed by her completion of law school at Atlanta’s John Marshall University in May 2013. Fueled by a deep desire to be a voice for the voiceless and to help others overcome obstacles, Keren is not only a lawyer but also an advocate for justice and mental health. Beyond the legal realm, she enjoys trying new recipes, reading, exploring interior design, discovering new restaurants, and cherishing moments with her family. In November 2013, Keren founded Barrios Virgüez Attorneys: Accident & Injury Law, starting with just one office and a single phone. The firm quickly outgrew its initial space, prompting a move to a second location in 2017, which also became insufficient as the firm expanded. By 2021, the firm found its current home and has since grown to a team of 40 employees, earning recognition as one of the fastest-growing law firms in Georgia. Keren’s unwavering focus remains on continued growth and providing the best possible service to her clients.

Meet Lead Attorney, Saif Ahmed. Saif has spent the entirety of his legal career fighting for injured clients throughout the State of Georgia. Saif is fluent in English, Urdu and Spanish, and serves as a comfort to clients going through challenging situations. A native of Smyrna, GA, Saif moved to Athens to pursue both an undergraduate and law degree from the University of Georgia. There, he earned a B.A. in International Affairs, a minor in Spanish and his Juris Doctorate. Saif also spent a semester studying law at Oxford in England. During law school, he interned for the torts division of the Department of Justice and Gwinnett County. Outside of work, Saif is passionate about cars and serving the local community through events where he’s able to provide pro bono services answering legal questions. Feel free to bring your legal questions to him, to ask him about his favorite classic car, or to get his opinion about which restaurant in town serves up the best gyro.

Born and raised in Winder, Georgia, Ryan Carnes is a dedicated personal injury attorney with a passion for representing individuals and families who have suffered injuries after being involved in motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, and wrongful death claims. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Ryan went on to pursue his Juris Doctorate from Mercer University School of Law. Before dedicating his career to representing injured individuals, Ryan worked in insurance defense, where he developed a deep understanding of how insurance companies operate and the strategies they use to minimize claims, giving him a significant advantage in negotiating and ligating on his client’s behalf. When he isn’t practicing law, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife Donna, as well as fishing, golfing, and listening to music. Ryan and his wife reside in Jefferson, Georgia.

Robert G. Wellon has Over 40 Years of Litigation Experience in Atlanta.

Meredith W. Germain of Turner Ross Germain Personal Injury Lawyers is dedicated to providing skilled legal representation to individuals, families, businesses, and local governments throughout the Atlanta metropolitan area. With more than two decades of legal experience, Meredith Germain has built a reputation for strong advocacy, detailed legal strategy, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. As a founding member of Turner Ross Germain Personal Injury Lawyers, Meredith represents clients in a wide range of civil matters, including personal injury claims, family law disputes, land use and zoning issues, property tax matters, and complex civil litigation. She also provides legal counsel to local governments and municipalities, assisting with ordinances, policy development, and regulatory matters. Meredith understands that legal challenges can be stressful and overwhelming. That’s why she provides personalized attention, clear communication, and strategic guidance throughout every stage of the legal process. Whether representing accident victims, homeowners, businesses, or government entities, her goal is always the same: protecting her clients’ rights and delivering effective legal solutions. If you need experienced legal representation in Georgia, contact Meredith W. Germain today to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Turner Ross Germain, LLC 1501 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100 Marietta, GA 30062