Education

Judge Marc Pilgrim is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law and has been practicing law for over twenty-eight years. He currently serves as a part time Probate Court Judge in Fulton County. His primary practice areas are criminal law, probate, estate planning, real estate and personal injury. During his extensive legal career, he has fought for the rights of his clients in front of Judges throughout the state, including the Supreme Court of Georgia. His diverse legal background allows him to identify defenses and legal strategies which gives his clients the edge during trials and in negotiations with prosecutors. As a trail attorney, Marc used his teaching gifts for making complex legal concepts easy to understand for his clients and for the courts. As a professor, Marc taught civil procedure, property law, business law and paralegal studies in the traditional setting at Morris Brown College. In addition, he taught an accelerated paralegal studies program at the University of Georgia's Gwinnett Campus, training the next generation of paralegals with practical and textbook knowledge of the legal profession. Marc's ability to simplify concepts is of great benefit to his real estate practice where new buyers often have questions about the process and the documents they are signing. His sincere desire to help them understand creates a stress free and efficient closing experience for buyers, sellers and agents. Marc believes in providing the most convenient closing experience for all parties and doesn't mind taking the closing experience outside of his office, providing mobile closing services for clients on both ends of the transaction throughout the metro area. Marc explains his client-centered approach to his real estate practice this way, “I try to work with my client's busy schedules. I let them go as fast or as slow as they need and take the closing table to them whenever closing at the office in the traditional setting is not convenient for them. When they close with me, they will feel as though they understand the documents and walk away satisfied and without losing excessive time away from their work or other obligations. In his free time, Marc enjoys listening to history podcasts and spending time with his wife and family. Marc and his wife April are active members of North Avenue Presbyterian Church in downtown Atlanta where Marc serves as an ordained Deacon. Marc's wife is also a real estate broker and when not selling real estate, she assists him in his real estate closing practice. She and Marc both know first-hand the stressors agents and their clients experience in the stressful process of buying and selling homes. You will not find a more agent accommodating closing attorney than Marc Pilgrim!

Karla Walker is part of a team of progressive and aggressive attorneys in South Georgia at the law firm of Copeland, Haugabrook & Walker. Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut Karla received her B.A. in History at the prestigious, Ivey League, Yale University, and later obtained a Doctorate of Jurisprudence at Mercer University. Upon graduating, Karla moved to Valdosta, Georgia after attaining employment with the law firm Copeland and Haugabrook. Attorney Walker has been with the firm for 17 years; 13 of which as a partner. Personal injury, (including but not limited to car accidents, slip and falls, and other forms of negligence), workers compensation, family law (including divorce, custody, legitimations, and adoptions), misdemeanors, felonies, and criminal defense are the areas of focus of Attorney Walker. She is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, Valdosta Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Association of Yale Alumni, and Habitat for Humanity. As an advocate for equality, one of the greatest challenges Attorney Walker encounters is overcoming the stereotype and stigmas of her profession. In her own words, "People often have a jaded perspective when dealing with lawyers. We are often deemed as shady or liars; although I will readily admit that there are attorneys like that, there are still many of us who operate with integrity and care about the well being of our clients." Though tough in the courtroom, Karla loves to enjoy life outside of work. She is the Youth Pastor at Path Church of Restoration and Deliverance where she is responsible for overseeing all youth activities. She is a speaker and coordinator for Hand Up Marketplace, Inc. a 501 (c) non-profit program designed to provide youth ages 16 and up with the skills needed to succeed socially, financially, occupationally, and educationally. Attorney Walker regularly speaks in many venues in the community. Karla Waker is a member of the Valdosta Lowndes Metropolitan Chapter of the National Council of Negro Woman and serves as Chair of the Entrepreneur and Community Development Committee. She also does a weekly radio segment on V96.7 Attorney Walker is currently building a program around a seminar she gives for first time probationers. During the seminar, she addresses employment, education, and other issues that young adults face while on probation. She enjoys being a positive impact on other people.

Marietta Personal Injury Attorney Darl Champion is a dedicated trial lawyer who is passionate about fighting for his clients to ensure that they are fully compensated when they are harmed by someone else’s negligence. His philosophy is to provide client-centered representation that is aggressive and thorough so that the client can get the best possible result. Because Darl is a firm believer that good communication between the lawyer and the client is essential to obtaining the best possible result, he makes it a priority to be accessible to his clients. “Darl was excellent in representing me in my case. He was in constant contact with me and my case, and kept me informed constantly.” The results Darl has obtained for his clients demonstrate that he is willing to work tirelessly to achieve justice on their behalf. In just the last few years alone, he has helped obtain over $60 Million in recoveries for his clients in Marietta, Atlanta, and throughout the state of Georgia – including a $10.2 Million settlement in 2020. In recognition of his success, the National Trial Lawyers organization has consistently selected Darl as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Georgia, and as a Top 40 Under 40. In addition, in each of the last ten years, Georgia Super Lawyers has recognized him as a Rising Star, an honor given to the top 2.5% of Georgia lawyers under age 40 or those in practice for ten years or less. Originally from North Carolina, Darl graduated summa cum laude from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He then attended Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in Macon, Georgia. After obtaining his law degree magna cum laude, he was honored to serve in a highly coveted federal judicial clerkship with the Honorable Hugh Lawson in the Middle District of Georgia. Darl presently lives in Smyrna with his wife Julia and their two children, Elizabeth and Daniel. When he’s not practicing law, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, reading, traveling, watching sports, and volunteering in the community.

Born in Ilion, New York, Attorney Chester J. "Chet" Gregg graduated from the State University of New York, College at Oswego in 1993 with a B.S. in Secondary Education. In 1995 Mr. Gregg moved to Boston, Massachusetts and attended law school at the New England School of Law. As a law student Mr. Gregg worked with multiple government organizations including the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and the Committee for Public Counsel Services (public defender). Mr. Gregg also gained experience in personal injury law through employment at the law firm of Roche, Heifetz, Murphy & Wholley, in Boston, MA, and at the law offices of Kenneth Halpern and Associates in Newton, MA. Mr. Gregg also served as a Case & Note Editor for the New England Law Review. Mr. Gregg graduated from law school in 1998, Magna Cum Laude. After law school Mr. Gregg was employed by a small computer software company, Forefield, Inc., in Worcester, Massachusetts. While at Forefield Mr. Gregg worked as a staff writer, production manager and worked on various corporate legal matters. In 2000 Mr. Gregg moved to San Antonio, Texas where he was employed at Standard Aero, Inc., as a government contracts specialist. Mr. Gregg joined the U.S. Army JAG Corps in 2001 and was stationed with the 3d Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Mr. Gregg initially served as a legal assistance attorney helping soldiers resolve consumer issues such as a landlord tenant law and military administrative issues. He then served as a military prosecutor for the next two years, trying cases involving drug use, assault, firearms, desertion and theft. Mr. Gregg deployed to Kuwait and Iraq with 2d Brigade, 3d Infantry Division, and was the first military JAG to arrive in Baghdad in April 2003. In May 2004 Mr. Gregg was appointed to be a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) responsible for prosecuting civilian crimes under Federal Law committed on Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield. In that role Mr. Gregg prosecuted a wide variety of crimes ranging from driving under the influence (DUI) to attempted murder. His most notable case involved the prosecution of a civilian working as a contractor in Iraq under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA). Mr. Gregg's military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Combat Action Badge. Mr. Gregg is admitted to the state bars of Massachusetts, Florida, and Georgia. He is also admitted to the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

Early in his career, Ronny defended big insurance companies at large law firms before devoting his practice solely to helping injured people win claims against insurance companies. Ronny focused his legal education in insurance law, graduating second in his class, magna cum laude from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law, where he was elected to Law Review, inducted into the Brainerd Currie Honor Society, and won the Guerry R. Moore Insurance Law Award. Recruited by Georgia’s top insurance defense firms, Ronny learned what insurance companies fear and what makes them pay fair compensation to injured parties. Recently, Ronny received state-wide recognition for obtaining a $1 million recovery for a high school track coach struck by a truck while jogging with her students. He recovered ten times the available policy limit after the insurer refused to treat his client fairly. More recently, Ronny represented a pedestrian who was killed when a vehicle left its lane on I-985, and recovered over $1.9 million for the victim’s family.

Mr. Balberman graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Economics in 1978 and was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1983 after attending the University of Detroit School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, in both state and federal courts

Craig R. Fiederlein was born in New Rochelle, New York. He attended Mahopac High School, where he was a member of the Honors Society and excelled in varsity Baseball, Soccer, & Tennis. After graduating in 1989, he went on to pursue his education in the legal field. For nearly two decades, Flint attorney, Craig Fiederlein, has been devoted to his clients, assisting them with matters of estate planning and real estate law. At Christenson & Fiederlein, PC, we provide all potential clients with a free initial consultation where we analyze your case, the costs and expenses of litigation, and the possibility of obtaining a settlement. After hours appointments with Mr. Fiederlein are also available. Craig R. Fiederlein is a 1993 graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration Pre-Law. He graduated cum laude, making the Deans list 9 times in his 4 years at MSU. He was honored by the Golden Key National Honors Society and Beta Gamma Sigma Honors Society for graduating in the top 5% of the business school. While at MSU, Craig pursued his interest in Real Estate law and Finance taking course work in Accounting, Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Constitutional law. He worked as a landlord tenant counselor volunteer and was a member of the campus Judiciary team and President's Counsel for Wonder's Hall. Due to Craig's graduation at MSU, he bleeds green and white and enjoys MSU football and basketball as a season ticket holder. After law school, Craig Fiederlein, began his career working in a small firm in Clarkston, Michigan where he became partner within 3 years. He was mentored by attorney C. Dan Harry, learning the nuances of complex civil litigation, handling cases in the District and Circuit Courts of the State of Michigan and Federal Courts on several areas of the law including real estate and business disputes. He also handled the firm's probate and estate planning practice and bankruptcy matters. Due to the issues with the economy in Michigan, Craig has assisted clients with credit problems, collections and bankruptcy. Further, the firm created a short sales department to assist clients with the sale of their houses and negotiating with their mortgage company. While at Harry, McMillen & Fiederlein, PC, Craig moved to Grand Blanc in 1999 where he still lives with his wife and two beautiful girls. He expanded the firms practice network to include Genesee County and the Flint area.

Attorney Charles Ali Everage has more than 20 years of experience as a civil litigator. He is a passionate advocate for injured workers, the disabled applying for Social Security Disability benefits, and families experiencing a wrongful death. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, he was admitted to practice in Alabama in 1998 before relocating to Charlotte in 2003. Mr. Everage is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University in 1995 and graduated law school from Georgetown University Law in 1998. In addition to being licensed in Alabama and North Carolina, Mr. Everage is admitted to practice in all three federal courts in North Carolina and Alabama, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Faucette Law Firm attorneys have represented individuals charged with murder, death by motor vehicle, armed robbery, burglary, kidnapping, extortion, embezzlement, statutory and forcible rape, complex cyber crimes, drug trafficking and all lessor drug crimes, theft and property crimes, DWI and all lessor traffic matters. Let founding attorney Matt Faucette help you avoid a prosecution in your matter. The first thing we need to find out for you, however, is whether Mr. Faucette's brother, who has been an Assistant DA in Wake County for 20 years, is the prosecutor. If so, Mr. Faucette can still represent you, but he will need to get your informed consent on the issues related to representing a client against a family member. Secondly, Mr. Faucette's philosophy is to get your side of the story, as well as important information about you as a PERSON, not just as a name on a police report, in front of the prosecutor. Mr. Faucette's goal is to assist the prosecutor in seeing the facts of the case through your eyes, so there is a better chance at a favorable outcome like a dismissal of all charges.

Attorney Vance Jennings joined Brent Adams & Associates in 2004 and is now an owner/partner in the law firm. His practice mostly concentrates on Social Security Disability law, ERISA short and long-term disability claims, and private short and long-term disability claims. Vance is certified by the NC State Bar as a Board Certified Specialist in Social Security Disability law. Only a select number of attorneys receive this honor. It is not easy to become a Board Certified Social Security Benefits Specialist. Attorneys must pass a written test and take continuing education courses. They must be recommended by their peers and work substantially on cases in the Social Security Disability field. Attorney Jennings rose to the challenge and has been a specialist in this area of law since 2010. He uses his expert SSDI legal knowledge to prepare organized, strong cases for hearings and appeals. He has successfully represented thousands of clients.