Quick snapshot: I am the Managing Attorney for Environmental Litigation and Policy at Southern Company. Prior to that, I managed a group of lawyers at Georgia Power, and I began my career as an environmental lawyer at Morris, Manning & Martin. Before working as a lawyer, I was a newspaper reporter. I graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Journalism, from Columbia University with an M.S. in Journalism, and from the University of Michigan for law school. I sit on the board of the Chattahoochee Nature Center, which is one of the most beautiful spots in metro Atlanta, and just retired from the board of Buckhead Christian Ministry, a wonderful ministry that provides assistance to the working poor.

How did you get involved with AVLF? I participated in a Domestic Violence (now Safe Families) training 10 years ago and was hooked. I had prior volunteer experience as a domestic violence crisis counselor, and AVLF offered a great opportunity to serve that community that was so close to my heart.

Rho Thomas, Special to the Daily Report (Reprinted with permission)

Georgia’s security deposit law is crystal clear: Once the tenant vacates, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit or to notify the tenant of the reasons for withholding it. The law does not allow landlords to withhold security deposits out of spite or malice. But as I listened to my new client, Sade Dixon, tell me her story, I wondered if her former landlord did exactly that.

Quick snapshot: I attended Georgia Southern University beginning in 2007. I have been working with TrustPoint International for 2 years, specializing in litigation support for law firms and corporations. I joined AVLF’s Junior Board of Directors in early 2015.

How did you get involved with AVLF? It was through my involvement with TrustPoint that I learned about AVLF and its purpose. From the first moment I met Marty Ellin, I knew I had to be involved. His passion was infectious. Through the gracious time and recommendations of Jennifer Jackson, Liz Whipple and Michael Lucas, that involvement became a reality.

Jenny A. Mendelsohn, Special to the Daily Report (Reprinted with permission)

One recent Saturday morning, over black coffee in a paper cup, Ms. Crawford softly told me her story. A few months before, she was happily moving into her new Atlanta rental home with her fiancé and 6-year-old daughter. She dreamed of starting a new life with her small family and a second child who was on the way.

November 12, 2015: Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation seeks to hire a Development Director. The Development Director will report to the Executive Director and work interactively with the AVLF staff, volunteer […]

How did you get involved with AVLF? I first learned about AVLF about 8 years ago via the Domestic Violence Project and was hooked. When I met Marty Ellin, I knew I had to do whatever I could to further the efforts of AVLF and I have been joyfully involved since that time.

An Atlanta judge convicted real estate developer Rick Warren on two counts of housing code violations in Atlanta Municipal Court on September 22.

CAREY KERSTEN | September 23, 2015 The mission of Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation is to create safe and stable homes and families by inspiring attorneys to fight for equal justice. It […]

Mark S. VanderBroek, Special to the Daily Report (Reprinted with permission)

Imagine this scenario: A young couple struggling to make ends meet falls behind in paying the water bill for the townhouse they are renting. They eventually make payments to bring the account current, but shortly after that the water is shut off. The water account is in the landlord’s name, and he refuses to do anything to get the water turned back on.

Who, what, where? Jane Warring; Graduate of Emory University Law School; Started career at Holland & Knight, moved to Robins Kaplan Miller and Ciresi (now Robins Kaplan) in 2008. Left in 2013 with three other colleagues to start the Atlanta office of Clyde & Co US LLP. The Clyde & Co Atlanta office now has 10 attorneys and 6 staff members. I am the current President of the Junior Board of AVLF.

Marty Ellin and Kenisha Wade recently appeared on Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner’s TV show, The District. Watch it here.

Angela Waldrop, Special to the Daily Report (Reprinted with permission)

Mr. S. was a 54-year-old veteran and former long-distance truck driver who was finally ready to settle down in one place. In early 2013, he found what he thought was the perfect Atlanta apartment.