Incredible multi-story investigative reporting about the 98,000 people killed each year by medical errors and mistakes. A must read!
All of the articles are available on one website: www.deadbymistake.com
Monday, August 10, 2009
Dead By Mistake
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Senate Hearing Highlights Victim’s Medical Device Nightmare, Asks Congress to Hold Manufacturer Accountable
Contact: Jennifer Fuson
American Association for Justice
Jennifer.Fuson@justice.org
202-965-3500 x369
Washington, DC—Two years ago, Michael Mulvihill of Bettendorf, Iowa, was driving with his wife across the Midwest to visit his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren when he saw a blue light flash before his eyes. He felt his body shaking and thought it was from hitting road debris. He soon realized his heart defibrillator was malfunctioning and sending electrical shocks throughout his body while he was driving on the interstate.
His nightmare continues because he cannot hold the manufacturer of his faulty medical device accountable for their faulty product because of a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that gave the manufacturer complete immunity. Today, Mulvihill will testify before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, asking for Congress to pass the Medical Device Safety Act (MDSA), legislation that would restore the right of patients to hold manufacturers of medical devices accountable in court when their devices have malfunctioned.
Mulvihill had an irregular heartbeat, and was implanted with a defibrillator in 2006 to control his heart rhythm and pulse. The device intended to save his life nearly killed him and his wife when it malfunctioned while he was driving. The anxiety from the episode led Mulvihill into taking early retirement because his job required so much interstate travel.
A representative from Medtronic confirmed the device had shocked Mulvihill 22 times in 53 minutes. The wire that connects the defibrillator to the heart was recalled four months later after over a hundred reports of the lead malfunctioning had been reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year, Mulvihill does not have any recourse to hold the manufacturer accountable.
In February 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Riegel v. Medtronic that because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved a medical device through the pre-market approval process, patients injured by medical devices do not have any recourse to hold the manufacturers accountable. The Supreme Court ruled earlier this year in Wyeth v. Levine that patients harmed by prescription drugs can hold manufacturers accountable in state courts, creating a double standard between prescription drugs and medical devices.
“I relied on this medical device to save my life. Instead, the trauma I experienced because the device was not safe cost me my career and crippled my lifestyle,” said Mulvihill. “Medical device companies should be held accountable for the safety of the products they produce and profit from. I am asking Congress to restore my right to seek justice for myself and medical device patients everywhere.”
“Medtronic put profits ahead of patient safety. They were aware the device was failing at abnormally high rates but continued to market it, as alleged in lawsuits filed against the company,” according to Wendy Fleishman, Mulvihill’s attorney with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP. “Medtronic should not receive the benefit of a judicial doctrine granting the company immunity.”
Medtronic’s Sprint Fidelis’ lead, like Mulvihill’s, is the subject of multidistrict litigation in U.S. District Court in Minnesota. In January, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Kyle dismissed over 1,400 patients’ cases, citing the Supreme Court decision in Riegel v. Medtronic. The ruling stated, “The Court recognizes that at least some Plaintiffs have suffered injuries from using Sprint Fidelis leads, and the Court is not unsympathetic to their plight. … Plaintiffs’ remedy, therefore, lies with Congress, and not with this Court.”
MDSA, sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), would restore the right to seek justice in state courts for victims of faulty medical devices like heart defibrillators, prosthetic knees, and hips.
“The Medical Device Safety Act is necessary to protect patients from defective devices and make sure manufacturers are held accountable,” said Linda Lipsen, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the American Association for Justice. “The Supreme Court has affirmed that state law offers an important layer of consumer protection, and Congress should make clear that this applies not just in cases of pharmaceutical drugs, but also medical devices approved by the FDA that are later faulty or malfunction.”
For copy of Mulvihill’s testimony, please contact kyle.murphy@justice.org.
###
American Association for Justice
Jennifer.Fuson@justice.org
202-965-3500 x369
Senate Hearing Highlights Victim’s Medical Device Nightmare, Asks Congress to Hold Manufacturer Accountable
Iowa Patient Testifies in Favor of Legislation to Restore Legal Rights
Through Civil Justice System
Through Civil Justice System
Washington, DC—Two years ago, Michael Mulvihill of Bettendorf, Iowa, was driving with his wife across the Midwest to visit his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren when he saw a blue light flash before his eyes. He felt his body shaking and thought it was from hitting road debris. He soon realized his heart defibrillator was malfunctioning and sending electrical shocks throughout his body while he was driving on the interstate.
His nightmare continues because he cannot hold the manufacturer of his faulty medical device accountable for their faulty product because of a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that gave the manufacturer complete immunity. Today, Mulvihill will testify before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, asking for Congress to pass the Medical Device Safety Act (MDSA), legislation that would restore the right of patients to hold manufacturers of medical devices accountable in court when their devices have malfunctioned.
Mulvihill had an irregular heartbeat, and was implanted with a defibrillator in 2006 to control his heart rhythm and pulse. The device intended to save his life nearly killed him and his wife when it malfunctioned while he was driving. The anxiety from the episode led Mulvihill into taking early retirement because his job required so much interstate travel.
A representative from Medtronic confirmed the device had shocked Mulvihill 22 times in 53 minutes. The wire that connects the defibrillator to the heart was recalled four months later after over a hundred reports of the lead malfunctioning had been reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year, Mulvihill does not have any recourse to hold the manufacturer accountable.
In February 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Riegel v. Medtronic that because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved a medical device through the pre-market approval process, patients injured by medical devices do not have any recourse to hold the manufacturers accountable. The Supreme Court ruled earlier this year in Wyeth v. Levine that patients harmed by prescription drugs can hold manufacturers accountable in state courts, creating a double standard between prescription drugs and medical devices.
“I relied on this medical device to save my life. Instead, the trauma I experienced because the device was not safe cost me my career and crippled my lifestyle,” said Mulvihill. “Medical device companies should be held accountable for the safety of the products they produce and profit from. I am asking Congress to restore my right to seek justice for myself and medical device patients everywhere.”
“Medtronic put profits ahead of patient safety. They were aware the device was failing at abnormally high rates but continued to market it, as alleged in lawsuits filed against the company,” according to Wendy Fleishman, Mulvihill’s attorney with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP. “Medtronic should not receive the benefit of a judicial doctrine granting the company immunity.”
Medtronic’s Sprint Fidelis’ lead, like Mulvihill’s, is the subject of multidistrict litigation in U.S. District Court in Minnesota. In January, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Kyle dismissed over 1,400 patients’ cases, citing the Supreme Court decision in Riegel v. Medtronic. The ruling stated, “The Court recognizes that at least some Plaintiffs have suffered injuries from using Sprint Fidelis leads, and the Court is not unsympathetic to their plight. … Plaintiffs’ remedy, therefore, lies with Congress, and not with this Court.”
MDSA, sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-CA), would restore the right to seek justice in state courts for victims of faulty medical devices like heart defibrillators, prosthetic knees, and hips.
“The Medical Device Safety Act is necessary to protect patients from defective devices and make sure manufacturers are held accountable,” said Linda Lipsen, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the American Association for Justice. “The Supreme Court has affirmed that state law offers an important layer of consumer protection, and Congress should make clear that this applies not just in cases of pharmaceutical drugs, but also medical devices approved by the FDA that are later faulty or malfunction.”
For copy of Mulvihill’s testimony, please contact kyle.murphy@justice.org.
###
Monday, July 20, 2009
NAF Settlement Underscores Need for Congress to Pass Arbitration Fairness Act
For Immediate Release: July 20, 2009
Contact: Kerri Axelrod
202-965-3500 x369
AAJ Press Room
NAF Settlement Underscores Need for Congress to Pass Arbitration Fairness Act
The following is a statement from American Association for Justice President Les Weisbrod regarding the settlement by the Minnesota Attorney General with the National Arbitration Forum:
“The appalling business practices of the National Arbitration Forum (NAF) illustrate how forced arbitration fails to protect consumers from predatory financial lenders and other negligent corporations.
“The NAF operated by creating an economic incentive to rule against consumers in favor of credit card companies and debt collectors; a far cry from the ‘fair’ and ‘unbiased’ forum they marketed.
“While the settlement with the attorney general is a major win for consumers, the NAF is not the only company that uses forced arbitration against consumers. This settlement underscores why Congress must pass legislation that makes arbitration voluntary, not forced upon consumers by slipping it into the fine print of everyday contracts.
“Attorneys have long used voluntary arbitration and mediation as an effective and efficient manner to resolve disputes. But when arbitration is forced upon consumers in a pre-dispute, non-negotiable contract, it becomes an abusive weapon.
“The NAF settlement should convince all skeptics that forced arbitration is biased, one-sided, and operates to accommodate predatory corporations at the expense of consumers. The time has come for Congress to ban forced arbitration once and for all.”
Two bills have been introduced in Congress to stem the abusive practice of forced arbitration. The bipartisan Arbitration Fairness Act (S. 931 / H.R. 1020), sponsored by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), would ensure that the decision to arbitrate is made voluntarily and after a dispute has arisen, so corporations cannot manipulate the arbitration system in their favor at the expense of consumers and employees. The bipartisan Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act (S. 512 / H.R. 1237), introduced by Sens. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), would eliminate forced arbitration clauses in nursing home contracts.
On Wednesday, a House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the use of forced arbitration in consumer debt collections. Invited to testify is the Minnesota Attorney General and the COO of NAF.
Forced arbitration clauses are hidden in the fine print of everyday consumer contracts from job applications and nursing home agreements to credit card billing inserts and mortgage loans. To learn more, visit www.justice.org/forcedarbitration.
As the world's largest trial bar, the American Association for Justice (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) works to make sure people have a fair chance to receive justice through the legal system when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others—even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations. Visit http://www.justice.org/newsroom.
Contact: Kerri Axelrod
202-965-3500 x369
AAJ Press Room
NAF Settlement Underscores Need for Congress to Pass Arbitration Fairness Act
The following is a statement from American Association for Justice President Les Weisbrod regarding the settlement by the Minnesota Attorney General with the National Arbitration Forum:
“The appalling business practices of the National Arbitration Forum (NAF) illustrate how forced arbitration fails to protect consumers from predatory financial lenders and other negligent corporations.
“The NAF operated by creating an economic incentive to rule against consumers in favor of credit card companies and debt collectors; a far cry from the ‘fair’ and ‘unbiased’ forum they marketed.
“While the settlement with the attorney general is a major win for consumers, the NAF is not the only company that uses forced arbitration against consumers. This settlement underscores why Congress must pass legislation that makes arbitration voluntary, not forced upon consumers by slipping it into the fine print of everyday contracts.
“Attorneys have long used voluntary arbitration and mediation as an effective and efficient manner to resolve disputes. But when arbitration is forced upon consumers in a pre-dispute, non-negotiable contract, it becomes an abusive weapon.
“The NAF settlement should convince all skeptics that forced arbitration is biased, one-sided, and operates to accommodate predatory corporations at the expense of consumers. The time has come for Congress to ban forced arbitration once and for all.”
Two bills have been introduced in Congress to stem the abusive practice of forced arbitration. The bipartisan Arbitration Fairness Act (S. 931 / H.R. 1020), sponsored by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), would ensure that the decision to arbitrate is made voluntarily and after a dispute has arisen, so corporations cannot manipulate the arbitration system in their favor at the expense of consumers and employees. The bipartisan Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act (S. 512 / H.R. 1237), introduced by Sens. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), would eliminate forced arbitration clauses in nursing home contracts.
On Wednesday, a House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the use of forced arbitration in consumer debt collections. Invited to testify is the Minnesota Attorney General and the COO of NAF.
Forced arbitration clauses are hidden in the fine print of everyday consumer contracts from job applications and nursing home agreements to credit card billing inserts and mortgage loans. To learn more, visit www.justice.org/forcedarbitration.
###
As the world's largest trial bar, the American Association for Justice (formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America) works to make sure people have a fair chance to receive justice through the legal system when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others—even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations. Visit http://www.justice.org/newsroom.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Consumer Financial Protection Agency Bill is Right to Address Forced Arbitration, Says Coalition
For Immediate Release: July 14, 2009
CONTACT:
Angela Bradbery, Public Citizen
202-588-7741, abradbery@citizen.org
Kerri Axelrod, American Association for Justice
202-965-3500 x740, kerri.axelrod@justice.org
Consumer Financial Protection Agency Bill is Right to Address Forced Arbitration, Says Coalition
Today, the Senate Banking Committee will hear testimony on the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency. The following is a statement from David Arkush* of the Fair Arbitration Now Coalition regarding the House draft of the bill (H.R. 3126), sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass):
Washington, DC – “The new Consumer Financial Protection Agency should provide a critical check on the unscrupulous practices of the financial industry that have inflicted economic hardship on American families.
“We are encouraged that the House bill addresses forced arbitration. Ending this predatory practice in consumer financial contracts is critical to protecting consumers and restoring accountability in the financial marketplace.
“Forced arbitration clauses are hidden in the fine print of everyday consumer contracts from job applications and nursing home agreements to credit card billing inserts and mortgage loans. Corporations use these one-sided arbitration clauses as a shield to avoid accountability and a sword to hound consumers for debts they may not even owe.
“We look forward to working with members of Congress in the coming weeks to strengthen the House language and ensure that the legal rights of Americans are safeguarded against predatory financial corporations.”
The Fair Arbitration Now Coalition has over 70 members and supporters, representing consumers, employees, homeowners and franchise holders. The groups range from Public Citizen, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, the National Employment Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice to Consumers Union and Consumer Federation of America.
Two other bills have been introduced that would stem the abusive practice of forced arbitration. The bipartisan Arbitration Fairness Act (S. 931 / H.R. 1020), sponsored by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), would ensure that the decision to arbitrate is made voluntarily and after a dispute has arisen, so corporations cannot manipulate the arbitration system in their favor at the expense of consumers and employees. The bipartisan Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act (S. 512 / H.R. 1237), introduced by Sens. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), would eliminate forced arbitration clauses in nursing home contracts.
* David Arkush is the Director of Public Citizen’s Congress Watch Division.
For more information, visit www.FairArbitrationNow.org.
###
CONTACT:
Angela Bradbery, Public Citizen
202-588-7741, abradbery@citizen.org
Kerri Axelrod, American Association for Justice
202-965-3500 x740, kerri.axelrod@justice.org
Consumer Financial Protection Agency Bill is Right to Address Forced Arbitration, Says Coalition
Today, the Senate Banking Committee will hear testimony on the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency. The following is a statement from David Arkush* of the Fair Arbitration Now Coalition regarding the House draft of the bill (H.R. 3126), sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass):
Washington, DC – “The new Consumer Financial Protection Agency should provide a critical check on the unscrupulous practices of the financial industry that have inflicted economic hardship on American families.
“We are encouraged that the House bill addresses forced arbitration. Ending this predatory practice in consumer financial contracts is critical to protecting consumers and restoring accountability in the financial marketplace.
“Forced arbitration clauses are hidden in the fine print of everyday consumer contracts from job applications and nursing home agreements to credit card billing inserts and mortgage loans. Corporations use these one-sided arbitration clauses as a shield to avoid accountability and a sword to hound consumers for debts they may not even owe.
“We look forward to working with members of Congress in the coming weeks to strengthen the House language and ensure that the legal rights of Americans are safeguarded against predatory financial corporations.”
The Fair Arbitration Now Coalition has over 70 members and supporters, representing consumers, employees, homeowners and franchise holders. The groups range from Public Citizen, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, the National Employment Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice to Consumers Union and Consumer Federation of America.
Two other bills have been introduced that would stem the abusive practice of forced arbitration. The bipartisan Arbitration Fairness Act (S. 931 / H.R. 1020), sponsored by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), would ensure that the decision to arbitrate is made voluntarily and after a dispute has arisen, so corporations cannot manipulate the arbitration system in their favor at the expense of consumers and employees. The bipartisan Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act (S. 512 / H.R. 1237), introduced by Sens. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) and Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), would eliminate forced arbitration clauses in nursing home contracts.
* David Arkush is the Director of Public Citizen’s Congress Watch Division.
For more information, visit www.FairArbitrationNow.org.
###
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Public Safety at Risk
Safety Research & Strategies, inc. has published a new report, "Public Safety at Risk: Bankruptcies Leave Legacy of Defects, Injuries and Deaths." The report was prompted by the Chrysler/ GM bankruptcy plan that allowed for the car companies to shed any accountability for the injury or death of a Chrysler/GM driver-- even if the injury or death was caused by a manufacturer's defect.
Over the last weekend, a Bankruptcy Judge OKed the plan-- leaving only mere days for the chance at appeal.
Over the last weekend, a Bankruptcy Judge OKed the plan-- leaving only mere days for the chance at appeal.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Asbestos-- a public health emergency
President Obama's administration declared a public health emergency today. Clean-up of the town of Libby, Montana began 10 years ago, yet is still incomplete. As of now there are 200 deaths and over 1,000 illnesses caused by asbestos reported. The town will receive enhanced help for clean-up and medical assistance.
Check out the CNN article to learn more.
Check out the CNN article to learn more.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
The list of GA Supreme Court nominees keeps getting longer
The Fulton County Daily Report provided yet another updated list this morning. Nominations for the post closed yesterday. It's quite a field:
Lynn M. Akeley-Alderman
Enotah Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Josh Turner, chairman of the White County Republican Party (June 4)
Alvin L. Bridges Jr.
Managing attorney for automobile insurer in Atlanta
Nominated himself (June 4)
Anne Proffitt Dupre
Law professor at the University of Georgia
Nominated by Kellie Casey Monk, director of advocacy at the University of Georgia School of Law (June 4)
David F. Guldenschuh
Attorney in Rome
Nominated by Michelle S. Tyree, paralegal at Guldenschuh & Associates (June 4)
Laurens C. Lee
Byron City Judge and Peach County Magistrate
Nominated by his brother, Louis B. Lee (June 4)
Marc A. Mallon
Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County
Nominated by Atlanta attorney S. Fenn Little Jr. (June 4)
George P. Shingler
Shareholder at Casey Gilson in Atlanta
Nominated by his law partner, Joyce Gist Lewis (June 4)
Cheryl F. Custer
Executive Director of the Judicial Qualifications Commission
Nominated by Frank Love Jr. of Bryan Cave Powell Goldstein (June 3)
Rocco E. Testani
Litigation partner at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan in Atlanta
Nominated by Charles T. Lester Jr., of counsel at Sutherland (June 3)
Elizabeth P. Archer
State Inspector General
Nominated by Michelle M. Rothenberg-Williams, partner at Balch & Bingham in Atlanta (June 3)
S. Phillip Brown
Macon Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated by retired teacher Frankie Brule (June 3)
Michael J. Bowers [DECLINED NOMINATION]
Partner at Balch & Bingham in Atlanta
Nominated by Atlanta lawyer Henry A. Hibbert (June 3)
Christopher C. Edwards
Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Griffin Superior Court Chief Judge Paschal A. English; Griffin Superior Court Judges Johnnie L. Caldwell Jr. and Tommy R. Hankinson; Griffin District Attorney Scott Ballard; Griffin Public Defender Joseph J. Saia; Fayette County State Court Judge W. Fletcher Sams; State Sen. Ronnie Chance, R-Tyrone; State Reps. David Knight, R-Griffin, Virgil Fludd, D-Tyrone, Matthew L. Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, John Yates, R-Griffin, and Billy Maddox, R-Cairo; Fayette County Solicitor Jamie Inagawa, Spalding County Solicitor Griffin E. Howell III, Fayette County Attorney Scott Bennett; Spalding County Attorney James R. Fortune Jr.; Pike County Attorney Robert Lamar Morton; Upson County Attorney Truitt A. Mallory; Meansville City Attorney Thomas H. Morton; Fayette County Commission Chairman Jack Smith; Spalding County Commission Chairman Edward Goss; Pike County Commission Chairman Doug Mangham; Upson County Commission Chairman Maurice A. Raines; Fayette County Sheriff Wayne Hannah; Spalding County Sheriff Dee Stewart; Pike County Sheriff Jimmy Thomas; Upson County Sheriff Don Peacock; and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Board Member Alton W. Knight (May 28)
Steven K. Leibel
Dahlonega personal injury lawyer
Nominated by Atlanta lawyer Leon Pomerance (June 3)
Christopher J. McFadden
Decatur appellate lawyer
Nominated by Atlanta lawyer Guy E. Davis Jr. (June 3)
Dawn H. Taylor
Gwinnett County Assistant District Attorney
Nominated by Stuart E. Walker of Martin Snow in Macon (June 3)
J. Robert Persons
Atlanta civil defense lawyer at Smith Moore Leatherwood
Nominated by Atlanta lawyers W. Seaborn Jones, C. David Butler and Paul M. Talmadge Jr. (June 2)
Joshua C. Bell
Bainbridge lawyer
Nominated by Damon E. Elmore, vice president at NAPA Rayloc (June 2)
William G. Hamrick III
State Senator, R-Carrollton
Nominated by state Sen. Ross Tolleson, R-Perry (May 28)
David Ralston
Attorney and State Representative, R-Blue Ridge
Nominated by State Rep. Doug Collins (June 2)
Richard S. “Rick” Thompson
Partner, Drew Eckl & Farnham
Nominated by Drew Eckl partner John G. Blackmon Jr. (June 1)
Barry A. Fleming
Partner, Fulcher Hagler
Nominated by Brian Epps of Kilpatrick Stockton (June 1)
John K. Larkins Jr.
Partner, Chilivis, Cochran, Larkins & Bever
Nominated by John K. Larkins III (June 1)
Jeannette L. Little
Troup County State Court Judge
Nominated by state Rep. Randy Nix (June 1)
Stephen Louis A. Dillard
James, Bates, Pope & Spivey
Nominated by state Sen. Cecil Staton (June 1)
Michael P. Boggs
Waycross Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated himself (June 1)
James R. Osborne
Paulding County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by W. Thomas Cable of Talley, Richardson & Cable (June 1)
Bruce M. Edenfield
Dahlonega attorney
Nominated by Robert E. Hicks of McKenna Long & Aldridge (June 1)
Kenneth L. Shigley
Chambers, Aholt & Rickard
Nominated by George M. Weaver (May 29)
Zena E. McClain
Savannah attorney
Nominated herself (May 29)
David E. Nahmias
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Nominated by David J. Burge (May 28), Frank C. Jones (May 29), Jeffrey S. Cashdan (May 29), Larry D. Thompson (June 1)
M. Yvette Miller
Chief Judge, Court of Appeals of Georgia
Nominated by Benjamin A. Davis Jr. (May 28)
Cynthia J. Becker
DeKalb County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Robert F. Dallas, director of Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (May 28)
Peggy H. Walker
Douglas County Juvenile Court Judge
Nominated herself (May 9)
Mary E. Staley
Cobb County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by herself (May 28)
Stephen B. Farrow
State Transportation Board Member
Nominated James H. Bisson III, a colleague at the North Georgia firm of Minor, Bell & Neal (May 27)
James P. Kelly III
Atlanta solo practitioner
Nominated by Atlanta lawyer Harry W. MacDougald of Caldwell & Watson (May 26)
J. David McDade
Douglas County District Attorney
Nominated by Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney Garry T. Moss (May 26)
William M. Ray II
Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Augusta lawyer David P. Dekle (May 22)
Craig L. Schwall Sr.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Troutman Sanders partner Mark H. Cohen (May 22)
Thomas D. Harper
Atlanta insurance defense lawyer at Harper, Walden & Craig
Nominated by Athens lawyer Craig C. Avery (May 22)
C. Wilson DuBose
Georgia Public Defender Standards Council Chairman
Nominated by himself (April 29) and Atlanta lawyer Terrence L. Croft of King & Croft (May 27)
Patrick H. Head
Cobb County District Attorney
Nominated by former DeKalb County District Attorney J. Tom Morgan (April 16)
Samuel D. Ozburn
Alcovy Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated by State Sen. John Douglas, R-Social Circle (February 12)
Garland R. Hunt
State Board of Pardons and Paroles Member
Nominated by political consultant Tim Echols (December 26)
Benjamin W. Studdard III
Henry County State Court Chief Judge
Nominated by Mercer Law Professors Jack L. Sammons (December 19) and Joseph E. Claxton (January 12)
Lynn M. Akeley-Alderman
Enotah Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Josh Turner, chairman of the White County Republican Party (June 4)
Alvin L. Bridges Jr.
Managing attorney for automobile insurer in Atlanta
Nominated himself (June 4)
Anne Proffitt Dupre
Law professor at the University of Georgia
Nominated by Kellie Casey Monk, director of advocacy at the University of Georgia School of Law (June 4)
David F. Guldenschuh
Attorney in Rome
Nominated by Michelle S. Tyree, paralegal at Guldenschuh & Associates (June 4)
Laurens C. Lee
Byron City Judge and Peach County Magistrate
Nominated by his brother, Louis B. Lee (June 4)
Marc A. Mallon
Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County
Nominated by Atlanta attorney S. Fenn Little Jr. (June 4)
George P. Shingler
Shareholder at Casey Gilson in Atlanta
Nominated by his law partner, Joyce Gist Lewis (June 4)
Cheryl F. Custer
Executive Director of the Judicial Qualifications Commission
Nominated by Frank Love Jr. of Bryan Cave Powell Goldstein (June 3)
Rocco E. Testani
Litigation partner at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan in Atlanta
Nominated by Charles T. Lester Jr., of counsel at Sutherland (June 3)
Elizabeth P. Archer
State Inspector General
Nominated by Michelle M. Rothenberg-Williams, partner at Balch & Bingham in Atlanta (June 3)
S. Phillip Brown
Macon Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated by retired teacher Frankie Brule (June 3)
Michael J. Bowers [DECLINED NOMINATION]
Partner at Balch & Bingham in Atlanta
Nominated by Atlanta lawyer Henry A. Hibbert (June 3)
Christopher C. Edwards
Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Griffin Superior Court Chief Judge Paschal A. English; Griffin Superior Court Judges Johnnie L. Caldwell Jr. and Tommy R. Hankinson; Griffin District Attorney Scott Ballard; Griffin Public Defender Joseph J. Saia; Fayette County State Court Judge W. Fletcher Sams; State Sen. Ronnie Chance, R-Tyrone; State Reps. David Knight, R-Griffin, Virgil Fludd, D-Tyrone, Matthew L. Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, John Yates, R-Griffin, and Billy Maddox, R-Cairo; Fayette County Solicitor Jamie Inagawa, Spalding County Solicitor Griffin E. Howell III, Fayette County Attorney Scott Bennett; Spalding County Attorney James R. Fortune Jr.; Pike County Attorney Robert Lamar Morton; Upson County Attorney Truitt A. Mallory; Meansville City Attorney Thomas H. Morton; Fayette County Commission Chairman Jack Smith; Spalding County Commission Chairman Edward Goss; Pike County Commission Chairman Doug Mangham; Upson County Commission Chairman Maurice A. Raines; Fayette County Sheriff Wayne Hannah; Spalding County Sheriff Dee Stewart; Pike County Sheriff Jimmy Thomas; Upson County Sheriff Don Peacock; and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Board Member Alton W. Knight (May 28)
Steven K. Leibel
Dahlonega personal injury lawyer
Nominated by Atlanta lawyer Leon Pomerance (June 3)
Christopher J. McFadden
Decatur appellate lawyer
Nominated by Atlanta lawyer Guy E. Davis Jr. (June 3)
Dawn H. Taylor
Gwinnett County Assistant District Attorney
Nominated by Stuart E. Walker of Martin Snow in Macon (June 3)
J. Robert Persons
Atlanta civil defense lawyer at Smith Moore Leatherwood
Nominated by Atlanta lawyers W. Seaborn Jones, C. David Butler and Paul M. Talmadge Jr. (June 2)
Joshua C. Bell
Bainbridge lawyer
Nominated by Damon E. Elmore, vice president at NAPA Rayloc (June 2)
William G. Hamrick III
State Senator, R-Carrollton
Nominated by state Sen. Ross Tolleson, R-Perry (May 28)
David Ralston
Attorney and State Representative, R-Blue Ridge
Nominated by State Rep. Doug Collins (June 2)
Richard S. “Rick” Thompson
Partner, Drew Eckl & Farnham
Nominated by Drew Eckl partner John G. Blackmon Jr. (June 1)
Barry A. Fleming
Partner, Fulcher Hagler
Nominated by Brian Epps of Kilpatrick Stockton (June 1)
John K. Larkins Jr.
Partner, Chilivis, Cochran, Larkins & Bever
Nominated by John K. Larkins III (June 1)
Jeannette L. Little
Troup County State Court Judge
Nominated by state Rep. Randy Nix (June 1)
Stephen Louis A. Dillard
James, Bates, Pope & Spivey
Nominated by state Sen. Cecil Staton (June 1)
Michael P. Boggs
Waycross Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated himself (June 1)
James R. Osborne
Paulding County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by W. Thomas Cable of Talley, Richardson & Cable (June 1)
Bruce M. Edenfield
Dahlonega attorney
Nominated by Robert E. Hicks of McKenna Long & Aldridge (June 1)
Kenneth L. Shigley
Chambers, Aholt & Rickard
Nominated by George M. Weaver (May 29)
Zena E. McClain
Savannah attorney
Nominated herself (May 29)
David E. Nahmias
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Nominated by David J. Burge (May 28), Frank C. Jones (May 29), Jeffrey S. Cashdan (May 29), Larry D. Thompson (June 1)
M. Yvette Miller
Chief Judge, Court of Appeals of Georgia
Nominated by Benjamin A. Davis Jr. (May 28)
Cynthia J. Becker
DeKalb County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Robert F. Dallas, director of Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (May 28)
Peggy H. Walker
Douglas County Juvenile Court Judge
Nominated herself (May 9)
Mary E. Staley
Cobb County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by herself (May 28)
Stephen B. Farrow
State Transportation Board Member
Nominated James H. Bisson III, a colleague at the North Georgia firm of Minor, Bell & Neal (May 27)
James P. Kelly III
Atlanta solo practitioner
Nominated by Atlanta lawyer Harry W. MacDougald of Caldwell & Watson (May 26)
J. David McDade
Douglas County District Attorney
Nominated by Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney Garry T. Moss (May 26)
William M. Ray II
Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Augusta lawyer David P. Dekle (May 22)
Craig L. Schwall Sr.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge
Nominated by Troutman Sanders partner Mark H. Cohen (May 22)
Thomas D. Harper
Atlanta insurance defense lawyer at Harper, Walden & Craig
Nominated by Athens lawyer Craig C. Avery (May 22)
C. Wilson DuBose
Georgia Public Defender Standards Council Chairman
Nominated by himself (April 29) and Atlanta lawyer Terrence L. Croft of King & Croft (May 27)
Patrick H. Head
Cobb County District Attorney
Nominated by former DeKalb County District Attorney J. Tom Morgan (April 16)
Samuel D. Ozburn
Alcovy Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge
Nominated by State Sen. John Douglas, R-Social Circle (February 12)
Garland R. Hunt
State Board of Pardons and Paroles Member
Nominated by political consultant Tim Echols (December 26)
Benjamin W. Studdard III
Henry County State Court Chief Judge
Nominated by Mercer Law Professors Jack L. Sammons (December 19) and Joseph E. Claxton (January 12)
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