Jeb Butler

Bar / Professional Activity

• Board Member, Center for Auto Safety, 2018
• Member, Atlanta Bar Association, 2022
• Member, Atlanta Bar Association, 2021
• Member, Atlanta Bar Association, 2020
• Member, Atlanta Bar Association, 2019
• Steering Committee, GTLA Directed Giving, 2022
• Steering Committee, GTLA Directed Giving, 2021
• Steering Committee, GTLA Directed Giving, 2020
• Steering Committee, GTLA Directed Giving, 2019
• Board Member, Center for Auto Safety, 2022
• Board Member, Center for Auto Safety, 2021
• Board Member, Center for Auto Safety, 2020
• Board Member, Center for Auto Safety, 2019
• Civil Justice PAC Board Member, 2022
• Civil Justice PAC Board Member, 2021
• Civil Justice PAC Board Member, 2020
• Civil Justice PAC Board Member, 2019
• Barrister, Lamar Inn of Court, 2018
• Board Member, GTLA Civil Justice PAC, 2018
• Executive Committee, AAJ Product Liability Section, 2018
• Summer Associate, Bondurant Mixson & Elmore, 2007
• Board Member and Acting Communications Director, Center for Auto Safety, 2016
• Trial Attorney, Clayton County District Attorney's Office, 2010
• Board Member, Civil Justice PAC, 2017
• Member, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, 2010 - present
• L.E.A.D. Executive Committee (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2015
• Executive Committee Member, AAJ Product Liability Section, 2017
• L.E.A.D. Executive Committee (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2013
• Insurance Subcommittee (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2014
• Leadership Academy Graduate (Georgia Bar Association), 2013
• Trucking Subcommittee (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2015
• Co-Chair of New Lawyers' Track, Annual Seminar (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2013
• Chairman, AIEG YLC, 2016
• Law Clerk, District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood, 2008
• Board Member, Civil Justice PAC, 2016
• Member, Atlanta Bar Association, Litigation Section, 2011 - present
• L.E.A.D. Executive Committee (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2014
• Executive Committee Member, AAJ Product Liability Section, 2016
• Chairman, AIEG YLC, 2015
• Co-Chair of New Lawyers' Track, Annual Seminar (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2014
• Trucking Subcommittee (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2014
• Insurance Subcommittee  (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2012
• Board Member, American Association for Justice Product Liability Section
• Summer Associate, Troutman Sanders, 2007
• Board Member and Acting Communications Director, Center for Auto Safety, 2017
• Lumpkin Inn of Court (Barrister), 2014
• Board Member, GTLA NLD, 2017
• Member, State Bar of Georgia, 2008 - present
• Insurance Subcommittee (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2013
• Lumpkin Inn of Court (Barrister), 2013
• Trucking Subcommittee (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2013
• Trucking Subcommittee (Georgia Trial Lawyers Association), 2012
• Board Member, Center for Auto Safety, 2015

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Hunter v Martin Robbins et al. Our clients' mother died because the Georgia Department of Transportation and two of its contractors, Martin Robbins Fence Company and Arcadis, failed to keep the guardrail along Interstate 85 in Atlanta maintained.  Instead, GDOT and its contractors allowed the guardrail to remain so badly damaged that it was no longer "reasonably functional" for at least eight months.  We settled the case for the policy limits of $20.5 million., 2023
• Minor v. Cherry. Our client's mother was killed in a car accident, but Allstate failed to accept our firm's offer to resolve the case for the at-fault driver's liability policy limits.  We took the case to trial.  While the jury was deliberating, we settled the case with Allstate for $10 million, well above the liability limits.  Multiple jurors told us afterward that they had been ten seconds away from returning a verdict of $23 million, with 75% of the fault apportioned to the defendant., 2023
• Paxton v Georgia Power. Our client's son was a commercial driver who drowned while working inside Oliver Dam, a hydroelectric dam on the Chattahoochee River owned and operated by Georgia Power.  He died because Georgia Power failed to close a valve that allowed water to pass rapidly through the area in which he was diving.  After years of litigation, we settled the case at mediation for a figure that is confidential at Georgia Power's insistence., 2023
• Friedman v. Marler.  Our client was walking across the street when a driver ran into her, knocking her down and fracturing both of her wrists.  We settled the case for $2.3 million., 2023
• MacNamara v. Brown.  Our clients' father was helping to hitch a peanut wagon to the back of a pickup truck when he was pinned between the wagon and truck, causing his death.  We settled the case for the policy limit of $2 million., 2023
• Johnson v. Wilson.  A vehicle backed into our client's father in a grocery store parking lot, causing his death.  We settled the case for the policy limit of $1.5 million., 2023
• Altman v. Arch Insurance.  A box truck pulled out in front of our client, causing a collision in which our client's leg was broken.  We settled the case for $1 million., 2023
• Turnbull v Parsons*:  Our client was rear-ended on his motorcycle and catastrophically injured.  Although it was dark and his taillight did not comply with the Georgia code and a nonparty, unidentified driver had run over our client after he was ejected from his motorcycle, we were able to resolve the case for $45 million. *Names changed for privacy., 2022
• Goitom v Builders FirstSource.  Confidential settlement in trucking collision., 2022
• Weisehan & Keesler v Stellantis.  Settlement in confidential amount in case arising from defect in Jeep vehicles that caused death by fire., 2022
• Grubbs & Sharpe v. Cohen.  Settlement of $450,000 in dog attack case., 2022
• Hall v. Forrest.  Settlement of $1.5 million in motor vehicle collision., 2022
• Holloway v. Pike Electric LLC.  Confidential settlement arising from maintenance issues in trucking case., 2021
• Whittle v. Broadwater Crane.  Confidential settlement in case arising from death in tree-cutting industry., 2021
• Glass v. Cassano.  Settlement of $1.25 million in pedestrian collision case., 2021
• JA & AB v Youth Villages.  Confidential settlement in case involving sexual abuse of minor patients at psychiatric treatment facility., 2021
• Filto v. Paradise Rental Boats.  Settlement of $4 million in boating liability case., 2021
• Marinnie v. Smooth Movers et al.  Settlement of $750,000 in trucking accident case., 2021
• Jordan v. Evans Delivery Company.  Settlement of $2 million in trucking collision case., 2021
• Gilreath v Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.  Settlement in confidential amount in case arising from defect in Jeep vehicles that caused death by fire., 2020
• Jackson v. Clemons.  Verdict of $500,000 in trial against pastor who sexually abused underage member of congregation., 2021
• Zelaya v King Bird Fireworks.  Verdict of $15.95 million in case arising from defective firework., 2021
• White v. Pemberton Truck Lines et. al: Our client was driving a garbage truck for his employer when a tractor-trailer made an illegal passing attempt on a two-lane road and collided with him.  He sustained injuries to his arm, shoulder, and head.  When the trucking company, Pemberton Truck Lines, refused to compensate our client for the injuries that it had caused, we took the case to trial in the Newnan Division of the Northern District of Georgia.  After opening statements, the defense settled the case for $750,000, significantly more than the highest pretrial offer., 2018
• Ellis v JJ's of Atlanta, LLC: Our client was walking across Peachtree Street, in the crosswalk and with the 'walk' signal, when he was struck by a speeding bicyclist.  The collision knocked him to the ground.  We found a nearby surveillance camera which showed that the bicyclist worked for Jimmy John's.  Extensive research, including many witness interviews and surveillance, revealed that this Jimmy John's location had long allowed its bicyclists to drive recklessly in their efforts to collect more tips.  We took the case to trial in the State Court of Fulton County and obtained a verdict of $167,000, significantly higher than the highest pretrial offer., 2018
• Sexual abuse trial, Jackson v. Clemons et. al: When she went to his church as a teen in need of guidance, our client trusted Pastor Lewis Clemons.  He betrayed that trust, sexually abusing her for years and years.  We brought the case in the Superior Court of Muscogee County against Pastor Clemons, Wynnton Road LLC (his church), and the Church of God in Christ (the denomination).  The case against Wynnton Road LLC has resolved, and the case continues against the other two defendants., 2018
• Taylor v Howse: Our client had been injured in an automobile collision, sustaining injuries to his back, neck, and head.  When his own insurer, Nationwide, refused to pay him the damages to which he was entitled, we took the case to trial in the State Court of Fayette County.  We obtained a verdict for Mr. Taylor of $960,000.  That figure was substantially higher than the highest pretrial offer, and we believe that it is the highest verdict ever in Fayette county., 2018
• Hindash v. Dominguez: Our client was a passenger in an Uber when her driver changed lanes at the last minute, then got struck in the rear by a pickup truck.  Our client hit her head on something in the car, but believed she would be ok.  Weeks later, however, the pain in her head became intractable and she went to a doctor, where she learend that she had an internal hemorrhage that required emergency surgery.  Her medical bills were about $100,000.  We resolved the case against several defendants and insurers for a total exceeding $600,000., 2017
• Ford v. RJ Hayne et al.  Our client was struck from behind by a commercial truck. We took the case to trial. On day one of the trial, the truck company settled with our client for $460,000, which was more than 13 times his past medical bills.  It was not our firm's biggest result of the year, but I am able to share the information here because this settlement was not confidential., 2016
• Walden v. Chrysler: Chrysler designed the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 1993-2001 Jeep Cherokees, and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberties with fuel tanks located low and behind the rear axle. Predictably, when the vehicles are hit from the rear, the tanks can rupture. When the Jeep Grand Cherokee in which my clients' son was riding was rearended, the tank ruptured, fuel spilled, and the vehicle burned. My clients' son was killed in the fire. We took the case to trial. The jury determined that Chrysler acted recklessly and failed to warn of a known danger, and imposed a verdict of $150 million. Of that verdict, 99% was apportioned to Chrysler, and 1% to the striking driver. Verdict, 2015
• Smith v. Ajuzie: Malcom Smith, an eighteen-year old college student and professional dancer, was riding in the back seat of a friend's car when another driver made an illegal left turn. The car smashed into the car Malcom was riding in, paralyzing him from the waist down. We took the case and prepared for trial. We were ready. On the Saturday night before a trial specially set for Tuesday, the defendants gave in and agreed to a confidential settlement that will provide funds to Malcom for the rest of his life. The amount exceeded the defendant's policy limits by a substantial amount.  Resolved, , 2014
• Hatfield v. Ford Motor Co., TFX Inc.: As Mrs. Hatfield and her family drove down Interstate 16 in a 2002 Mercury Grand Marquis, a tractor-trailer merged into their lane struck the car in the rear. The car was forced off the road, then it rolled over. Tragically, Ford Motor Company had manufactured the car with a defectively weak roof. When the roof hit the ground, the portion over Mrs. Hatfield caved in and struck her in the head, forcing her head forward and down. The collapsing roof broke her neck, leaving Mrs. Hatfield paralyzed from the neck down. On behalf of Mrs. Hatfield and her husband, we filed suit against the trucking company and Ford Motor Company. We took the case all the way through trial, completing a 2.5-week trial on October 2. When the jury announced that it had reached a verdict, but before the jury could announce what the verdict was, Ford made an offer to settle the case. The Hatfield family accepted. The amount of the settlement is confidential at Ford's request.  Resolved, 2013
• Sheppard v. CSRA, Inc.: Two employees of a commercial motor carrier were putting speed ahead of safety as they drove though rural Washington County one night. As a result they collided with my clients, a father and son returning from the son's band practice. We located the witnesses who proved that the motor carrier was at fault, and the company decided to settle before we brought the matter to trial.  Resolved, 2012
• Bates v. Michelin North America: Johnny Earl Bates and his wife Patricia were driving to visit family on Christmas Day when their Uniroyal Laredo tire--which had been manufactured by Michelin--failed. The tread separated from the tire carcass, causing the vehicle to swerve and roll over. In the wreck, Mr. Bates suffered brain damage and quadriplegia. During the course of the litigation, as a result of Michelin's misconduct, the Court entered issue preclusion sanctions, determining as a matter of law that the tire was defective and unreasonably dangerous. Michelin settled just before trial. The settlement amount is confidential at Michelin's request.  Resolved, 2012
• State v. Calderon: Jose Calderon was involved in a gang trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States.  He was operating a "stash house" in Clayton County.  When authorities raided the house and found millions of dollars worth of drugs, Calderon denied any connection to the home.  Despite a skillful performance by a very good defense lawyer, we proved that Calderon was responsible.  After a multi-day trial, the jury convicted him on multiple counts of drug trafficking.  Verdict, 2010
• State v. Johnson: Michael Eugene Johnson was initiating a prospective member of his gang by guiding him through the armed robbery of an older convenience store owner.  When they ran, they didn't run far enough, and police caught them.  Despite the adverse testimony of the would-be gang member, we proved at trial that Johnson had committed armed robbery.  After a multi-day trial, the jury convicted him.  Verdict, 2010

Videos

• Client Stories: Malcom Smith, 2014
• Client Testimonial, 2022
• Client Testimonial, 2021
• Client Testimonial, 2021
• Client Testimonial, 2016
• Jeep Fire Product Liability Cases, 2020
• Police Brutality Case, 2021
• Cross Examination of Sexually Abusive Pastor, 2020
• Introduction to Butler Law Firm, 2021
• Giving Project, 2018
• Giving is great--but like anything else, it can be done well or done poorly.  The difference between the two is tremendous.  In this video, Jeb Butler speaks at First Baptist Church in Shellman, Georgia about his philanthropic trip to India during the Christmas season and what it means to give well.  Link available, Give Well, 2013
• Jeb Butler discusses $150 million verdict on national news outlet., 2015
• Cross Examination of Trucking Company's Safety Director, 2017
• Cross Examination of Motor Carrier's Vice President, 2015
• Welcome to Butler Tobin LLC, 2014
• Cross Examination of Hired Medical Expert, 2016
• Opening of National Museum of Tort Law, 2016
• Butler, Wooten & Fryhofer handled a trucking and product liability case on behalf of a woman who had been rendered a quadriplegic in a car wreck.  Jeb Butler conducted the direct examination of the first live witness called in the case, a paramedic who treated his client.  Link available, Direct Examination of Paramedic, 2013
• Meet Jeb Butler, 2015
• Cross Examination of Defendant's Rule 30(b)((6) Designee, 2016
• Cross-Examination of President of Security Company, 2017

Pro bono / Community Service

• Helped client obtain property damage settlement from obstreperous insurer
• Butler Kahn donated $100,000 in the way that it would accomplish the most good following the principles of effective altruism., 2022
• Butler Law Firm donated $100,000 to charities among GiveWell.org's "Top Charities," measured by effectiveness of each dollar donated.  Our firm's Giving Project is described at https://butlerfirm.com/blf-giving-project., 2021
• Butler Law Firm donated $100,000 to charities among GiveWell.org's "Top Charities," measured by effectiveness of each dollar donated.  Our firm's Giving Project is described at https://butlerfirm.com/blf-giving-project., 2020
• Butler Law Firm donated $100,000 to charities among GiveWell.org's "Top Charities," measured by effectiveness of each dollar donated.  Our firm's Giving Project is described at https://butlerfirm.com/blf-giving-project., 2019
• Butler Tobin donated $100,000 pursuant to our firm's Giving Project, as described at www.butlertobin.com/bt-giving.  We donated $33,334 to each of the Against Malaria Foundation, Evidence Action's 'Deworm the World Initiative,' and GiveDirectly., 2018
• Assessed manner in which a charitable food distributor could redistribute unused prepackaged food under federal law
• Helped tenant in dangerous apartment complex move out before end of lease term in conjunction with Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers' Foundation
• Traveled to homes where former victims of human trafficking were recuperating and presented cases as a means of demonstrating what a career in law is like
• Created and managed social media profiles for Center for Auto Safety
• Tried cases and argued motions during six months as volunteer prosecutor, obtaining multiple convictions
• Assisted impoverished tenants in negotiating difficulties with landlords

Educational Background

• BA, Cum Laude, Vanderbilt University, 2004
• Mock Trial, England Competition, UGA School of Law, 2007
• JD, Magna Cum Laude, University of Georgia School of Law, 2008
• Law School Association Scholarship, UGA School of Law, 2006
• Moot Court, Nationals Team, UGA School of Law, 2008
• Stanford Graduate School of Business Summer Institute, 2004
• Moot Court, Intrastate Team, UGA School of Law, 2007
• Law Review, Note Published, UGA School of Law, 2007

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• Spoke to CAALA in Las Vegas about effective cross-examination at trial and in deposition., Speaker, Effective Cross-Examination, California Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles, 2018
• I spoke to a UGA Law class about trial practice., Speaker, Trial Practice, 2022
• I spoke at the organization's gala., Speaker, Center for Auto Safety, 2020
• I spoke about product liability cases., Speaker, CVN Webinar, 2020
• I spoke on the subject, "Cross Examination: Stirring Successes and Some Big Stinking Failures.", Speaker, Litigation: Soup to Nuts, 2020
• I spoke on the subject of cross-examination., Speaker, Medical Malpractice Liability Institute, 2019
• I spoke on the subject of cross-examination (again)., Convention Speaker, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles ("CAALA"), 2018
• I spoke on the subject of cross-examination., Convention Speaker, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles ("CAALA"), 2019
• Speaker, Depositions for Use at Trial, ICLE, 2017
• Chair, New Lawyers' Division Track, GTLA Annual Convention, 2014
• Author, Trial Practice and Procedure, 65 Mercer L. Rev. 277, 2013
• Speaker, Voir Dire Strategy & Tactics, Strafford Publications, 2017
• Speaker, Jury Selection in Personal Injury Litigation, Strafford Publications, 2014
• Author, Haeger v Goodyear: Just Place the Cookie Back in the Jar, Law360, 2017
• Author, Trial Practice and Procedure, 64 Mercer L. Rev. 305, 2012
• Recent trial wins., Speaker, FRG Breakfast Seminar, 2018
• Author, Tire Tips: 10 Ways to Avoid Blowing Your Tire Case, The Verdict, Journal of Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, 2012
• Trial Tactics and Taylor v. Howse., Speaker, Montlick & Associates CLE, 2018
• Author, Death Cases: What Duties are Owed and To Whom, The Verdict, Journal of Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, 2012
• Personal Injury Cases, Atlanta Bar Association, 2017
• Author, Trial Practice and Procedure, 63 Mercer L. Rev. 359, 2011
• "Stuff that Matters," focusing on the importance of professional integrity and calling out lawyers who try to cheat the civil justice system, Speaker, GTLA NLD, 2018
• Author, Unearthly Microbes and the Laws Designed to Resist Them, Georgia Law Review, 2007
• Spoke about cross-examining Rule 30(b)(6) witnesses., Speaker, AIEG, 2017
• Spoke about taking depositions for use at trial., ICLE, 2017
• Speaker, Do You Sell Drugs? and Other Important Voir Dire Issues, GTLA Annual Seminar, 2013
• Speaker, Finding and Using Hot Docs, Seminar, 2013
• Speaker, Give Well, First Baptist Church of Shellman, Georgia, 2013
• Speaker, Finding and Using Whistleblowers, Seminar, 2012
• Speaker, Wrongful Death Cases, Atlanta Bar Association Litigation Section, 2014
• Speaker, What I Learned from Juries: The Real World Comes First, Lumpkin Inn of Court, 2014
• Author, The Fiery and Predictable Consequences of Rear-Mounted Fuel Tanks, The Verdict, Journal Of Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, 2014
• Speaker, Spoliation & Surveillance Videos, Lumpkin Inn of Court, 2014
• Speaker, Winning a $150 Million Verdict in Walden v. Chrysler, AIEG, 2015
• Speaker, Lessons Learned from Walden v. Chrysler, GTLA Annual Convention, 2015
• Panelist, Experience in Opening a New Firm, GTLA Annual Convention, 2015
• Speaker, Experts on Experts: How to Prepare, Defend, and Attack Experts in Complex Cases, AIEG, 2015
• Speaker, Cross Examination at Trial and Deposition, GPB, 2016
• Speaker, The Story of Walden v Chrysler, ICLE, 2016
• Speaker, Advanced Deposition Strategies, AIEG, 2016
• Speaker, Using Experts at Trial, AIEG, 2016
• Host, Experts Webinar, GTLA, 2016
• Speaker, Wrongful Death and Section 1983 Cases, Georgia Bar Association, 2016
• Speaker, Insurance in Trucking Cases, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, 2016
• Author, Trial Preparation: The Grind is Worth It, Atlanta Bar Association, 2016
• Speaker, Closing Argument, Atlanta Bar Association Litigation Section, 2016
• Speaker, Personal Injury Trials, ICLE, 2016
• Speaker, Expert Witness Webinar, American Association For Justice, 2017
• Speaker, Depositions, Trial & Error Seminar, 2017

Honors

• Rising Star, Super Lawyers
• Clients' Choice Award, Avvo
• Top 100, National Trial Lawyers
• Legal Elite, Georgia Trend Magazine
• On the Rise / 40 Under 40, Daily Report
• Young Litigator of the Year, Young Lawyers Division

“Jeb won a huge $150 million verdict this year. He is a gifted trial attorney.”

“professional, humble and smart”

“Jeb is an excellent attorney, very smart and credible, and in my opinion one of the top personal injury lawyers in Georgia.”

“Exceptional in every way.”