Atlanta’s civil litigation market is among the most active in the Southeast, driven by the city’s large commercial base, dense population, and the presence of both state courts and federal courts in the Northern District of Georgia that handle high-value civil disputes. Civil law encompasses a broad range of disputes outside of criminal prosecution, including breach of contract, fraud, business torts, property disputes, personal injury, and constitutional civil rights claims. The Fulton County State Court and Fulton County Superior Court together handle thousands of civil cases annually, with the federal courts adding complex commercial litigation, class actions, and civil rights matters on top of that volume. Atlanta’s status as a corporate headquarters city for major companies in retail, logistics, finance, and media means many high-stakes commercial disputes with national implications are filed and litigated here.
When choosing a civil law attorney in Atlanta, determine whether the attorney has experience in the specific type of civil dispute you face — business litigation, personal injury, property disputes, and civil rights claims each require distinct expertise and familiarity with different bodies of law. Ask about their experience in the specific court where your case is or will be filed, since local court procedures and judge-specific practices vary. For complex commercial matters, look for attorneys who have handled similar cases through trial, not just to settlement, as the credibility of a trial threat often drives better pre-trial resolution terms. Red flags include attorneys who cannot give you a realistic assessment of the risks and costs of litigation, those who over-promise outcomes, and firms where the attorney assigned to your case has significantly less experience than the partner who pitched the engagement.
Top Civil Law Attorney Companies in Atlanta
1. Garland, Samuel & Loeb, P.C.
Leadership: Edward Garland, Donald Samuel, Robin Loeb, John Garland, Amanda Clark Palmer
Address: Garland Law Building, 3151 Maple Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: (404) 262-2225
Website: https://www.gsllaw.com
Services:
- Civil litigation
- Business disputes
- Personal injury
- Criminal defense
- Appeals
- Constitutional litigation
About: With a history tracing to founder Reuben Garland in the 1920s, Garland, Samuel & Loeb has over 70 years of continuous Atlanta civil and criminal litigation practice. The firm’s dual expertise in civil and criminal law gives it a distinctive combination of skills in cases that have overlapping civil and criminal dimensions, such as fraud matters, civil rights violations with potential criminal exposure, and business disputes arising from potentially criminal conduct. Partner Don Samuel is the author of publications recognized as definitive references for litigators, reflecting the firm’s scholarly depth alongside its trial practice. The nine-attorney firm handles matters in both Georgia state courts and the Northern District federal courts.
2. Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP
Website: https://www.bbwmlaw.com
Services:
- Civil rights litigation
- Employment discrimination
- Constitutional claims
- Class action litigation
- Federal civil rights (Section 1983)
About: Buckley Bala Wilson Mew is one of Atlanta’s leading civil rights and employment law firms, with a practice that extends from individual discrimination claims through landmark civil rights litigation at the Supreme Court level. The firm’s 2020 Supreme Court victory in Bostock v. Clayton County established federal employment protection for LGBTQ+ workers nationwide, demonstrating the firm’s capacity and willingness to litigate novel civil rights questions at the highest level. Their attorneys practice in both state and federal courts throughout Georgia with particular strength in the Northern District of Atlanta. The firm represents individuals in civil claims against employers, government entities, and private parties whose conduct violates federal civil rights statutes.
3. Martin & Martin Law
Website: https://www.martinandmartinlaw.com
Services:
- Employment civil litigation
- Discrimination and harassment claims
- Retaliation and civil rights
- Wrongful termination
- Wage and hour litigation
About: Martin & Martin Law is a boutique Atlanta civil litigation firm founded by the father-daughter team of Tom Martin and Kimberly Martin, who bring over 35 years of combined civil litigation experience to workplace and employment disputes. The firm achieved a notable result by securing the second-highest jury verdict in Georgia for a sexual harassment and retaliation case tried in federal court in Atlanta, demonstrating genuine trial capability in contested civil litigation. Their focused practice on civil employee rights allows them to develop deep expertise in a defined area rather than spreading across a general civil litigation practice. They represent employees throughout the Atlanta metro area in both state and federal civil proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the statute of limitations for civil claims in Atlanta?
A: Georgia civil statutes of limitations vary by claim type. Personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years of the injury. Breach of written contract claims have a six-year limitations period. Fraud claims must typically be filed within four years. Federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 borrow Georgia’s two-year personal injury limitations period. These deadlines are strictly enforced, and missing them bars the claim entirely regardless of its merits. Consulting an Atlanta civil attorney as soon as you believe you have a viable claim is essential to preserve your rights.
Q: How much does a civil attorney in Atlanta typically charge?
A: Fee structures in civil litigation vary by case type. Personal injury and civil rights cases are typically handled on contingency with no upfront fees. Commercial litigation and contract disputes are typically billed hourly, with rates ranging from $200 to $500 per hour depending on the attorney’s experience and the firm’s market position. Many firms require a retainer of $5,000 to $25,000 before beginning complex commercial litigation. Some matters, particularly smaller contract disputes, may be handled for a flat fee. In cases where fee-shifting is available under the applicable statute, the losing party may be required to pay the prevailing party’s attorney’s fees.
Q: Should I try to resolve a civil dispute in Atlanta before filing a lawsuit?
A: Attempting to resolve a civil dispute through negotiation, mediation, or demand letters before litigation often saves significant time and expense, and Georgia courts actively encourage early mediation. Many commercial contracts also include mandatory mediation or arbitration clauses that must be exhausted before litigation can proceed. However, pre-suit negotiations should not delay past applicable statutes of limitations, and some defendants will only negotiate seriously once litigation is actually filed. An experienced Atlanta civil attorney can evaluate whether pre-suit demand is likely to produce a reasonable result or whether filing is necessary to demonstrate seriousness and preserve your legal rights.
Conclusion
Civil litigation in Atlanta’s state and federal courts requires attorneys with specific knowledge of local court practices, procedural rules, and the particular body of law governing your dispute. Garland, Samuel & Loeb brings over 70 years of Atlanta civil and criminal litigation history and recognized scholarly depth. Buckley Bala Wilson Mew offers nationally distinguished civil rights litigation credentials anchored by a landmark Supreme Court victory. Martin & Martin Law provides focused plaintiff-side civil litigation in employment and discrimination matters with proven trial results. Contact any of these firms to evaluate your civil matter.