GOWER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Atlanta, GA
Adriane Sammons joined Gower Wooten Darneille as a Partner in 2021 from another firm in the Atlanta area. Adriane has been a practicing attorney in the state of Georgia for 22 years and her areas of law include the following: Appellate Practice, Catastrophic Injury, Civil Liability for Criminal Acts, Healthcare Law, Insurance, Nursing Home Litigation, Premises Liability, Product Liability, Toxic Torts and Trial Practice.
Adriane graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS in International Affairs and received her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law with High Honors. She is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Atlanta and American Bar Associations, the Defense Research Institute, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, the Lawyers Club of Atlanta and the Georgia Hospital Association. In addition to her practice within the state of Georgia, Adriane is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Finally, Adriane is listed in the Civil Trial Practice, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Defense, Medical Malpractice and Product Liability Law section of the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers.
Married with two children, Adriane enjoys spending time with her family.
A graduate of Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, Ainsley started her legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable James P. Doherty, Jr. at the Twenty-Seventh Judicial District Court in Opelousas, Louisiana. Ainsley joined Gower, Wooten & Darneille in June 2023.
Prior to law school, Ainsley worked as a Student Affairs Associate with the Office of International Students and Scholars at Tulane University. She previously worked as a litigation adjuster for a national insurance carrier which gave her a unique perspective for current handling of defense litigation. She also worked as an associate at Caffery, Oubre, Campbell & Garrison, a civil defense firm, in Lafayette, Louisiana. While at Loyola, Ainsley served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Loyola Maritime Law Journal and competed on the national trial advocacy team.
A South Louisiana native, Ainsley enjoys spending time outdoors, going to sporting events, and cooking her favorite Cajun dishes.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- of COUNSEL / Philadelphia, PA
Alessandra "Sandra" Berger received her law degree from Temple University School of Law in 1998. Sandra has been licensed and practicing in New Jersey for over 22 years and Pennsylvania for 20. Sandra primarily focuses her practice on insurance defense litigation.
EDUCATION
Temple University Beasley School of Law - 1998
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- of COUNSEL / Indianapolis, in
Amanda Dinges is a graduate of Ball State University, Cum Laude, and received her joint degree, a Juris Doctorate and Masters in Business Administration, from Stetson University College of Law. She began her career as a civil litigation attorney for the City of Indianapolis defending the city in numerous areas of practice in both federal and state court. While at the city, she defended high-dollar lawsuits and took several cases to jury trial with all defense verdicts.
After gaining valuable experience as the Chief Litigation Counsel, she continued public service at the federal government level defending a Department of Defense agency in employment law matters, accounting and commercial law issues, and advising the General Counsel in various areas of federal practice.
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Atlanta, GA
A graduate of the University of Georgia and Whittier Law School, Anne Gower began her career at Atlanta firm Crim & Bassler. While there, she was lead counsel on more than 500 litigated files and has tried to verdict more than 35 cases. Often, Anne was brought in to resolve cases others viewed as too challenging.
Anne remained with Crim & Bassler until forming Gower Wooten & Darneille in August 2015. Today, the majority of Anne's practice involves non-standard carriers and assisting in the resolution of time demands pursuant to O.C.G.A § 9-11-67.1. She also helps carriers determine the value of a case and try the case on its merits.
Married with two daughters, Anne enjoys tennis and spending time at the beach with her family.
Job Titles:
- of COUNSEL
- of COUNSEL / Houston, TX
Arturo "Art" Aguilar received his law degree University of Houston Law Center in 2017 and has been practicing ever since in Texas. Art's experience includes commercial litigation, construction litigation, insurance coverage litigation, assisting in appellate proceedings, and his favorite (bread and butter practice) personal injury. He has experience representing insurance carriers in catastrophic personal injury, and wrongful death cases.
Job Titles:
- ATTORNEY
- ATTORNEY / Atlanta, GA
Job Titles:
- ATTORNEY
- ATTORNEY / Atlanta, GA
My name is Brad Rutledge, and I am an associate attorney. I am from Jasper Georgia. I just graduated from law school at Georgia State University. While in law school I worked as a student attorney with a family/criminal law firm called Grisham, Poole, and Carlile(first Year). Also worked as a law clerk at a personal injury law firm called The Law Offices of Edgar Crossett (second and Third year). Also worked as an intern for Congressman Chuck Fleischmann who one summer at the capital(during undergrad).
Job Titles:
- of COUNSEL / BATON ROUGE, LA
Brenden comes from a long line of attorneys. In 2009, he became the fourth successive generation of the Craig family to graduate with his Juris Doctorate from Louisiana State University Law School. In the fall of 2009, after passing the bar, Brenden went into private practice with the Rothkamm Law Firm, handling personal injury, family, and criminal matters.
In late 2011, Brenden joined the Ambeau Law Firm, also handling personal injury, family, and criminal law. In 2013, Brenden decided to hang out his own shingle. Since then, he has continued to practice in the areas of personal injury and criminal defense. As part of his career, Brenden has appeared on CNN Headline News and articles concerning his cases have appeared in newspapers throughout the world. Since 2009, Brenden has represented thousands of clients in matters throughout the state of Louisiana.
Brenden's years of experience on the plaintiff's side of tort law are a tremendous benefit to his representation of his clients in insurance defense. Having built many relationships within the plaintiff's bar as well as his practical knowledge of insurance defense from practicing plaintiff's work provide a unique asset to our clients at Gower, Wooten, and Darneille.
Brenden is licensed in all state courts of Louisiana as well as the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and all Federal Districts of Louisiana.
A graduate of the University of Georgia and Mercer Law School, Carrie Coleman began her career as a law clerk for Judges Wallace Cato and J. Kevin Chason of the South Georgia Judicial Circuit. While there, Carrie assisted on both civil and criminal matters.
In January of 2014, Carrie became a Special Victims Prosecutor in the District Attorney's Office for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit. During her six years with the District Attorney's Office, she prosecuted over 750 cases, and tried to verdict over 35 cases.
In June of 2019, Carrie moved into civil litigation at Drew Eckl and Farnham. Carrie began work with Gower, Wooten & Darneille in April of 2021. Carrie's practice involves motor vehicle liability, products liability, and premises liability. Carrie handles all aspects of litigation from initial investigation through resolution. Carrie was recently named one of the Ones to Watch by Best Lawyers in Labor and Employment Law.
Carrie is a member of the Junior League of the Golden Isles. Carrie has one son. In her off time, Carrie enjoys baking, spending time at the beach with her son, and refurbishing antique furniture.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Member of the Pennsylvania
- of COUNSEL / Philadelphia, PA
Christina (Christy) Pitchford graduated Summa Cum Laude from West Chester University of Pennsylvania in 2005. Christy received her Juris Doctorate from Villanova University School of Law, graduating in the top third of her class.
Christy is a member of the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Bars. Christy is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, as well as the United States Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Job Titles:
- of COUNSEL
- of COUNSEL / Columbus, OH
David Goldstein received his Business Administration degree from The Ohio State University in 1991, concentrating his business efforts in Accounting. He graduated from Capital University Law School obtaining his Juris Doctorate in 1994. David is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio, the Southern District of Ohio Federal Court, the Northern District of Ohio Federal Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
David has been lead counsel in over 100 injury trials involving automobile accidents, slip and fall cases, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and bad faith allegations. He is Martindale- Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, the highest rating achievable in his profession by his peers.
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Columbus, OH
David graduated in 2003 with his Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School. During law school, David clerked for an Ohio insurance defense firm handling auto and commercial insurance defense and bad faith litigation. David passed the Ohio bar exam in November of 2003 and participated in his first jury trial that same month. In the past 19 years, David has tried over 35 jury trials and dozens of bench trials in the State of Ohio. David has also argued before the 10 th Dist, Ohio Court of Appeals and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
In 2008, David practiced as staff counsel for Allstate's Central Ohio office. In 2009 to 2012, David managed claims regulatory compliance for Safe Auto and then transitioned to their Office of General Counsel where he built and managed Safe Auto's first staff counsel program until 2017. Since 2018, David left Safe Auto to design and operate a unique "panel counsel" insurance defense law firm to serve the carrier's need for defense cost containment and reduction of cycle time.
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Atlanta, GA
An Atlanta native, Elizabeth Simmons graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies entitled "Political Communication: A Cross Cultural Perspective." Prior to law school, Elizabeth worked as a paralegal at an Atlanta civil defense firm where she assisted the attorneys with all aspects of litigation from intake to trial.
For law school, Elizabeth attended Georgia State University College of Law. While in law school, Elizabeth was a Graduate Research Assistant for Professor Jack F. Williams with whom she coauthored "Financial Distress and the Culture of Sports" which was published in the double-blind peer-reviewed Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Journal. (2013) 8(1) ANZSLJ.
After law school, Elizabeth began her pre-litigation practice at an Atlanta firm where she assisted one of the nation's largest insurance companies with responding to time demands pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 9-11-67.1 and facilitating pre-litigation settlements.
Today, the majority of Elizabeth's practice involves non-standard carriers and assisting in the resolution of time demands and facilitating pre-litigation settlements. She also advises carriers on coverage denials and coverage opinions.
In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys watching sports, hiking with her yellow lab Butter, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- of COUNSEL / Cleveland, OH
For the last twenty-five years, Gregory "Greg" Boop has litigated insurance and corporate defense cases for some of the largest corporations in the world. Greg loves to resolve complex issues. Greg is a native Clevelander, who is well-known in Ohio state and federal courts. He is a member of the American Inns of Court and several national, state and local bar associations.
EDUCATION
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law - 1997
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- Founders of Gower Wooten & Darneille
- PARTNER / Atlanta, GA
Jason Darneille began his legal career clerking for the Honorable Truman M. Hobbs, Jr., in Montgomery, Alabama. Later, he practiced with two law firms in Montgomery before moving to Atlanta in 2008 and joining Crim & Bassler.
While there, Jason handled construction defect, automobile accident, and premises and liability cases, going before a jury several times and obtaining favorable verdicts in traditionally plaintiff friendly counties. He also wrote the majority of appeals for the firm.
As one of the founders of Gower Wooten & Darneille, Jason has developed an active insurance coverage practice and regularly advises carriers on policy construction, including drafting and rewording of policy exclusions.
Married with two daughters, Jason enjoys fly fishing and spending time with his family at the lake and the beach.
Job Titles:
- of COUNSEL
- of COUNSEL / Atlanta, GA
Jeffrey "Jeff" Schwartz received his law degree from Nova University Shepard Broad College of Law in 1991 and has practiced for over 30 years in the state of Georgia. Jeff currently handles Insurance Litigation, Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death, Trucking and Common Carrier, Premises Liability, and Complex Civil Litigation.
EDUCATION
Indiana University Kelley School of Business, B.S., Business Analysis 1984
Nova University Shepard Broad College of Law, J.D. 1991
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Birmingham, AL
John B. Welsh has been handling cases in the field of civil litigation throughout the State of Alabama at both the trial and Appellate levels since 2002. He has spent the majority of his career working with, advising and representing individuals and employers as well as insurance carriers and third-party administrators in a variety of insurance and employment-related matters.
John received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University in 1999 before obtaining his J.D. in 2002 from the University of Alabama, where he was awarded the Academic Excellence Scholarship. John served as a Litigation Department Head and Managing Attorney for Workers Compensation in his last position before joining Gower Wooten and Darneille.
John is a lifelong resident of Birmingham Alabama. When he is not in the Courtroom advancing the interests of Alabama insurance carriers, and individuals, employers, he spends most of his time with his two boys, Jack & Henry.
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Montgomery, AL
John is a graduate of Auburn University and Cumberland School of Law. He began his career as an appellate lawyer and as a corporate lawyer representing large federally regulated banks. After gaining valuable private practice experience, John was honored to serve as a law clerk to U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins.
Upon completing his federal clerkship, John returned to private practice where he represented real estate developers and contractors in East Alabama and represented some of Alabama's premier insurance and workers' compensation carriers. His cross training in several areas of the law allows him to provide creative and unique perspectives to his clients.
John is a well-regarded civil litigator, both at the trial level and the appellate level. John holds the "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, and he was recently selected as one of the Top-Rated Lawyers in Insurance Law. John also serves on the Alabama State Bar Character & Fitness Committee, helping ensure the integrity of the legal profession.
John and his wife Mallory have two children. In his free time, John enjoys playing tennis, coaching his kids' teams, and watching Auburn sports.
Job Titles:
- ATTORNEY
- ATTORNEY / Atlanta, GA
Julie Barnes graduated from Georgia State University College of Law in 2003. Before joining Gower Wooten & Darnielle, she practiced in several areas of law including Consumer Defense, Criminal Defense, and Landlord-Tenant litigation. She has tried cases in Magistrate, State and Superior Courts all over Georgia.
EDUCATION
Georgia State University College of Law
Job Titles:
- ATTORNEY
- ATTORNEY / Michigan
Before joining Gower, Wooten & Darneille, Kate represented insurance companies in subrogation suits in a high-volume, plaintiffs' litigation practice which gave her a unique perspective for her current handling of defense litigation in similar automobile accident matters. Kate handles a large caseload and has tried over a dozen Magistrate Court cases and several jury trials to verdict.
Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time with her two daughters. She is an avid seamstress with a diverse portfolio in interior décor and costumes. Kate also works with a local animal shelter to trap, neuter, and release feral cats in her community.
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Atlanta, GA
A graduate of the University of Maryland and University of Georgia School of Law, Lia Melikian began her career working for non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta where she focused on research, policy, and compliance. Lia later began her pre-litigation practice at an Atlanta firm where she assisted insurance carriers in responding to time demands pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 9-11-67.1 and facilitating pre-litigation settlements.
Lia joined Gower Wooten & Darneille in 2021. Today, the majority of Lia's practice involves non-standard carriers and assisting in the resolution of time demands and facilitation of pre-litigation settlements.
Lia is also a first-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and a former boxing instructor. In her spare time, she enjoys watching sports, playing classical guitar, and hiking with her husband and dog.
Job Titles:
- of COUNSEL
- of COUNSEL / Atlanta, GA
A graduate of Washington and Lee University and Mercer University School of Law, Mary Trammell began her career at an Atlanta firm where she represented clients in all stages of litigation, including trying several cases to verdict. Mary later served as a judicial staff attorney in the Superior Court of Gwinnett County. She began her pre-litigation practice at an Atlanta firm where she assisted insurance carriers in responding to time demands pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 9-11-67.1 and facilitating pre-litigation settlements.
Today, the majority of Mary's practice involves non-standard carriers and assisting in the resolution of time demands and facilitation of pre-litigation settlements. She also is trained and certified as a civil mediator through the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution.
An Atlanta native, Mary enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her husband Mark and their two children, Rosemarie and George.
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Valdosta, GA
N. Matthew Monroe ("Matt") is a trial attorney with nearly 15 years of experience. He has tried numerous cases as lead counsel before a jury, obtaining favorable verdicts in the vast majority of them. Matt also worked at the Lowndes County Public Defender's Office from 2013 to 2016 where he gained valuable experience as a litigator. Matt has argued countless motions and navigated the nuances of the pre-trial process on behalf of his clients.
Matt's diverse criminal and civil litigation background has uniquely positioned him to be able to effectively advocate for his clients in any proceeding. Matt also serves as a part-time Lowndes County Magistrate Court judge.
Matt and his wife, Jennifer, who is also an attorney, live in Valdosta, Georgia, with their twin children. He is a member of the Valdosta United Methodist Church and is a 2016 graduate of the Leadership Lowndes program.
Michael "Mike" J. Maginnis is a highly experienced insurance defense attorney located in Mandeville, Louisiana. Mike attended the University of Alabama and completed his undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. Thereafter, Mike attended Louisiana State University School of Law and received a Juris Doctorate degree in 1973. Mike is admitted to practice in all State and Federal Courts in Louisiana, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third, Fifth, Eighth, and Eleventh Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court.
Job Titles:
- ATTORNEY
- ATTORNEY / Atlanta, GA
Olivia de Quesada began her career at Fidelity National Law Group, where she practiced Real Estate Title Litigation, before joining Gower Wooten & Darneille in September 2023.
While in law school, she was a member of the Georgia Student Bar Association, Hispanic Law Students Association (HILSA), and Women in Law. During her third year, Olivia also served as the Vice President of her class.
An Atlanta native, Olivia enjoys spending time traveling, spoiling her dog, Cash, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
Job Titles:
- of COUNSEL
- of COUNSEL / Pittsburgh, PA
Robert "Rob" Richman received his law degree from University of Pittsburg College of Law in 2001 and has practiced over 20 years in the state of Pennsylvania. Rob is also licensed in the state of Ohio. Rob currently handles insurance litigation, wrongful death, insurance coverage and construction litigation.
EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh College of Law - 2001
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Atlanta, GA
Robert Johnson began his career at Crim & Bassler, where he tried Magistrate Court cases, as well as taking and defending depositions, before joining Gower Wooten & Darneille.
While in law school, he was a member of the Mercer Law Review and the Lead Articles editor his third year. During his third year, Robert was also a member of the William A. Bootle American Inn of Court.
A member of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, where he serves on the Young Lawyers Committee, outside of work Robert enjoys watching football and spending time in the outdoors.
Job Titles:
- PARTNER
- PARTNER / Atlanta, GA
Before working in private practice, Sean Gill was with the City of Atlanta Law Department, as a member of its federal litigation practice group. There, he focused on defending the City and its departments against alleged civil rights violations and wrongful termination.
After changing his career focus in 2007, Sean has primarily represented insurers in claims involving motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, and negligent construction issues. He has litigated and resolved hundreds of cases where the liability exposure ranged from several thousand to several million dollars.
Sean was selected to the Georgia Super Lawyer Rising Stars List in 2012, 2013, and 2015, a peer-nominated honor open to only 2.5 percent of eligible attorneys.
Job Titles:
- of COUNSEL
- of COUNSEL / Dallas, TX
Tina graduated magna cum laude from Texas Wesleyan School of Law in 2006, number seven (7) in a class of over three hundred. Tina is an aggressive litigator with excellent communication skills, specifically in the courtroom. Tina has prosecuted and defended personal injury litigation from assignment to trial and even appeal. Tina has litigated over forty (40) trials and multiple appeals, even in front of the Texas Supreme Court.
Tina is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in the Northern and Eastern Federal Districts of Texas. Tina is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Fort Worth Bar Association, and the Arlington Bar Association.
Job Titles:
- ATTORNEY
- PARTNER / Atlanta, GA
Trent represents clients in all aspects of civil litigation, from automobile collision cases to construction defects. He is also experienced in defending clients in Magistrate, State, and Federal Court cases.
While in law school, Trent was a Graduate Research Assistant in the Georgia State University College of Law's research and writing department, as well as a student attorney in the Phillip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic.
Outside work, Trent enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing golf, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- of COUNSEL / Indiana
William "Bill" Burnham received his Bachelor's Degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University in 2000. After graduation, Bill attended Suffolk University Law School at night while working at a family-owned law firm during the day. He obtained his J.D. from Suffolk in 2004. Upon graduation, Bill passed the Kentucky and Indiana Bar Exams. He is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in Kentucky and Indiana, as well as, the United States Sixth and Seventh Circuit Courts of Appeal.
Bill is experienced in defending individuals and corporations in premises liability, products liability, health care and long- term care litigation, auto and trucking litigation, construction litigation, and toxic tort matters. He has experience in all aspects of civil litigation through arbitration, jury trial, and appellate practice.