Auto, Truck, Motorcycle, and Pedestrian Accidents

The Law Firm of Tom Kirkbride, P.C., offers a suite of employment law and human resources services that include advice and counseling, representation in litigation and agency matters, management and staff trainings, workplace investigations, drafting and review of employment policies and agreements, facilitating employee transitions, separation and severance agreements, and subject-matter expertise in transactional matters.

Employment lawsuits in Georgia have hit all-time highs, Employment litigation arising from employment disputes is difficult, emotional and costly. Our dedicated Georgia employment law team at the Law Firm of Tom Kirkbride, P.C., assist clients in a number of different employment law matters. Some of the most common kinds of cases we see include, but are not limited to: unpaid overtime, sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, whistleblower protections, hostile work environment, and retaliation cases. Our firm has broad experience in cases involving:

• Claims of discrimination/wrongful termination under the expansive federal and state regulatory system established by laws such as Title VII, ADEA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Workers Compensation and the Georgia Labor Code.

• Issues arising under individual employment contracts, severance agreements, and non-competition agreements.

• In addition, we advise our clients on how to reduce the risks of litigation through the development and modification of employment policies, by providing training programs on legal trends and judicial developments, and by giving practical advice on contemplated employment actions such has hiring, firing, or other employee discipline.

Kirkbride Law focuses on serving municipal organizations, small and medium size business clients. We learn our clients’ business, business objectives, and corporate culture. We partner with our clients to provide results-oriented employment law services that are aligned with those business and municipal fundamentals. We offer proactive strategies that are designed to minimize litigation and disruption to the business. We also provide efficient solutions when adversarial proceedings are unavoidable. Utilizing our expertise – proactively and defensively – provides better protection of a company’s bottom line and liability reduction through proactive risk-management and proactive transactional solutions.

The Law Firm of Tom Kirkbride, P.C., has extensive experience in every aspect of employment law, including claims for discrimination on the job based on race, skin color, sex (gender), pregnancy, ethnicity, age and disability. Whatever your issue, we can address your concerns and advise you as to your options and the best course of action based on your particular situation.

Litigation and Agency Representation

Kirkbride Law commonly represents companies involved in litigation with current or former employees. We have litigated actions across the involving federal and state employment law claims from pre-trial litigation, to jury trials, to appeals. Our experience also includes representing clients before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor.

Workplace Investigations

Attorney Tom Kirkbride and his team have conducted more than 100 workplace investigations, including allegations of individual discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as claims of systemic age and sex discrimination. Our ability to quickly establish trust and confidence in the integrity of the investigative process has led to the successful resolution of numerous matters for our clients, as well as the avoidance of costly litigation.

Training

Kirkbride Law puts its experience with the EEOC, to work for our clients in providing comprehensive training. We offer traditional legal seminars and training in employment-related areas, including harassment, discrimination, ethics, workplace investigations, and company employee policies. We have provided training services for lawyers, senior management and supervisory, human resources, and hourly personnel. We also conduct training in areas related to managing marginal employees, coaching and mentoring, drug & alcohol testing / compliance.

Employee Transitions

Kirkbride Law assists both companies and executives in employment transition matters, including reductions in force, WARN Act obligations, and retention agreements. We routinely assist executives successfully negotiate employment agreements and severance packages. We also advise both employers and employees on non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenant matters.

Transactional Matters

Kirkbride Law provides litigation and employment law expertise in transactional deals, particularly in due diligence and purchase agreements. We also advise on employee-transition matters and employment and severance agreements in connection with mergers and acquisitions.

Handbooks, Policies, and Agreements

Kirkbride Law assists companies in ensuring that their policies and practices are consistent with the company’s business objectives and corporate culture, as well as in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Kirkbride Law drafts employee handbooks and policies; advises on best practices; and drafts and negotiates employment and severance agreements.

Employment Practices Audits

Kirkbride Law offers employment practices audits to assist clients in proactively avoiding potential legal problems. Audits provide a deterrent to litigation and can serve as a cornerstone of a company’s “good faith defense” in future litigation. Our audits provide a comprehensive view of a company’s compliance with employment laws that relate to wage and hour, human resources practices, and employment policies and forms. More than identifying potential problems, we help clients implement solutions to avoid and, where need be, remedy potential violations.

Special Counsel Matters

Kirkbride Law partners with other law firms, with no employment law practice, to handle employment matters and provide subject-matter expertise on their client matters. We also assist business clients in managing employment and commercial litigation. Kirkbride Law lawyers have selected local counsel; developed litigation strategy and devised suitable fee structures based on the strategy and matter; and managed counsel.

Affiliations with Subject-Matter Experts

To further its mission of providing full-service employment law services, Kirkbride Law semi-formally affiliates with subject-matter experts in employment-law related areas to form client-service teams. With the assistance of subject-matter experts, Kirkbride Law handles:

• Employee benefits

• Workers compensation

• EEO Allegations Defense

• Fair Labor and Standards (FLSA)

• Business Immigration

• Unemployment insurance

• Traditional labor matters

Call or email the Law Firm of Tom Kirkbride, P.C., to discuss our employment legal services solutions for your business, municipality, or organization

You Need a Proven Criminal Defense Attorney Who Understands Your Case - Trust 35 Years of Experience

Proper legal representation can:

• Protect your rights.

• Reduce overall expenses.

• Reduce damage to your reputation.

• Potentially keep you out of jail.

After an arrest, you have the right to an attorney before you are questioned. You should exercise this right as soon as possible. The Law Firm of Tom B. Kirkbride PC., provides aggressive and cost-effective legal representation for all of our clients who face criminal charges. We work to ensure you understand the legal, financial and personal ramifications of your legal matter. Throughout the legal process, you will be continuously informed and educated about the options available to you.

If you have been charged with a crime and do not have a lawyer, contact Kirkbride Law at (678) 719-0331 right away for a free initial consultation and assistance with your case. You can also reach us online by filling out a contact form.

Our Georgia Criminal Defense Team is Ready to Protect Your Rights

One of the primary rights of every person in the United States is the right to legal representation when facing criminal charges. This right exists in part because of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the damage a criminal conviction can do to a person’s life.

Any time you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense in Georgia, it is crucial for you to obtain assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. You should never face a criminal charge on your own. A guilty verdict can have serious consequences for your financial well-being, ability to obtain employment or education and even your very freedom.

Our defense team represent clients facing all manner of criminal charges in Georgia, including for example:

• Assault charges

• Domestic violence

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

• Drug possession and sales

• Weapon and gun charges

• Felony offenses

• Misdemeanor charges

• Probation violations

• Juvenile charges

We can also assist with the expungement of a prior criminal record.

Let Our Defense Team Get to Work on Your Case Now

It is important to remember that an arrest does not automatically lead to a guilty verdict. There are several reasons a defendant could obtain a not-guilty verdict, or a case may be dismissed and thrown out of court.

Potential Defense problems that May Need Help from Kirkbride Law may include:

• Illegal arrest

• Improper search and seizure

• Lack of Miranda rights warning (not being “read your rights”)

• Unavailable witnesses

• Unreliable witnesses

• Faulty evidence, such as an improperly conducted blood-alcohol content (BAC) test in a DWI arrest

• Evidence in the defendant’s favor

In addition to working to win a case, it is the responsibility of a felony or misdemeanor law firm to ensure that, if a case will not conclude in the defendant’s favor, it will cause the defendant as little harm as possible. A defense attorney should aggressively pursue such options as reduced charges and lesser penalties (a plea bargain), including seeking alternative sentencing such as fines, community service or probation, for example.

Getting the best available outcome after a criminal charge requires the assistance of an experienced defense attorney who not only knows what’s available to you under Georgia law, but who will do the necessary work. It also requires a lawyer who has the relationships that enable a defense lawyer to work with prosecutors on behalf of their client.

Help for People Charged with DUI in Georgia

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a very common charge in Georgia. Virtually anyone on the road could end up with a DUI charge. Although DUI charges are common, they are also quite serious. Potential penalties include heavy fines, jail time and license suspension.

Whether related to alleged alcohol impairment or impairment caused by drugs, you should take any DUI charge seriously. If you have been charged with DUI, you need help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

The Defense Team of Kirkbride Law are ready to review your situation and help you seek the best possible outcome.

It is important to recognize that DUI charges result in two matters: an administrative license revocation hearing and a separate criminal case. Kirkbride Law is prepared to assist you in both matters to help you minimize the effects on your driving privileges and seek the best possible resolution to the criminal charges.

As with any criminal matter, people who have been charged with DUI have rights. However, you have to use your rights. We are ready to stand up for you if you are facing DUI charges or other criminal charges in Georgia.

The Law Firm of Tom B. Kirkbride, P.C. is ready to support and defend those public safety officers who have been involved in an deadly force encounter, an officer involves shooting (OIS), or defending your law enforcement certification and professional ability to work in the field of law enforcement or corrections in all matters before the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T)  Attorney Tom Kirkbride has been a P.O.S.T. certified peace officer since 1989, a federal agent, and a law enforcement supervisor, manager, executive and is uniquely qualified to represent you in all matters before the Georgia P.O.S.T. Council.

Though few officers will be directly involved in a hostile shooting situation during their careers, many more may experience the impact of one; the effects of such events touch not only the officer involved, but the department and the community as well. Because of the gravity of officer-involved shootings or deadly force encounters, it is vitally important to ensure that the agency and its officers are prepared in advance for such an event.

Officers should be familiar not only with agency policies and procedures, but with their individual rights, including the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights and departmental rights and privileges that may be conferred. It is also important that officers understand the differences between criminal and administrative investigations and their rights during each of these processes. THIS INCLUDES HAVING A LAWYER WHO REPRESENTS YOUR BEST INTRESTS.

Involved officer responsibilities

The initial responses of involved officers at the scene, and the steps taken, and decisions made thereafter by first responders, supervisors, and investigative personnel, often determine whether an accurate and complete investigation occurs. As such, it is critical to have protocols in place that agencies can immediately activate should an OIS, other deadly force, or in-custody death incident occur.

Despite the incredibly stressful nature of an officer-involved shooting event, it is important for officers involved to take initial steps to protect their safety and the safety of others, preserve evidence, and when possible, to perform those actions that will help the investigation of the incident. If the officer is physically capable and circumstances permit, there are (4) four areas of concern which require immediate attention after the confrontation has ended.

1. Welfare of the officers and others at the scene

The safety and well-being of the involved officer(s) and innocent bystanders is the first priority. On- scene personnel should ensure that the subject is not a threat, to include disarming, handcuffing, or otherwise securing the person. An officer should never assume that because a subject has been shot or otherwise incapacitated, he or she is unable to take aggressive action. Officers should render medical aid as circumstances allow and to the degree reasonably possible, pending the arrival of trained medical personnel. Officers should handcuff all suspects, unless doing so would hinder the performing of emergency life-saving activities; in this event, an armed officer must be present at all times. Officers must secure in place all firearms and other weapons in the vicinity. If an officer must physically secure a weapon, its exact position should be marked. Officers must secure in place all firearms and other weapons in the vicinity, marking their exact positions.

If the primary officer has not already done so, on-scene personnel should summon emergency service providers, regardless of whether or not any officer or subject is injured. Injuries may not always be apparent, and the rush of adrenaline under these circumstances can mask them. Additionally, the stress of such an incident creates severe elevations in blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration, and body temperature, all of which can be dangerous.

2. Apprehension of suspects

In general, it is better for the officer to remain at the incident scene than leave it to pursue suspects, unless the officer can apprehend the subject readily. Even if the officer was not injured, actions such as foot pursuits are taxing and inherently dangerous, especially when compounded by the stress of the incident. By remaining at the scene, the officer can summon backup, await emergency medical assistance, assist the injured, protect evidence, and identify witnesses. Instead of pursuing the subject, the officer should provide the agency’s communication center with information on any subject or suspicious persons who may have left the area, including their physical description, mode and direction of travel, and whether they were armed.

3. Preservation of evidence and protection of the incident scene

After an incident, many, if not most officers, will experience a period of mental confusion and disorientation. Under such conditions, it is often unreasonable to expect an officer to perform all but the most essential of duties required. Therefore, to the degree reasonably possible and appropriate, the officer should attempt to focus on just a few key matters. For example, he or she should note immediate surroundings and conditions, such as lighting; persons and vehicles present or recently departed from the scene; potential witnesses, suspects, or accomplices; and other factors. When possible, the involved officer should protect the scene from incursion by bystanders and secure in place or mentally note items of evidentiary value. The involved officer should also be aware of emergency medical personnel and firefighters as they arrive, as they who may unknowingly move or even inadvertently destroy evidence while performing their duties.

Principal among evidentiary items are firearms. The officer should ensure the safety and securing of his or her firearm until investigators examine it. The firearm should not be moved if dropped, nor removed if holstered, nor opened, reloaded, or tampered with in any manner. Ideally, officers should ensure that all weapons and expended cartridge casings remain in place undisturbed.

4. Identification of witnesses

When possible, the officer should identify potential eyewitnesses, separate them, and ask them to re- main present to provide a brief statement. If a witness wishes to leave, the officer should obtain contact information for future communications, or provide their supervisor’s contact information and request that they contact him or her. If capable of doing so, assisting officers may use photographic or video recordings to document any onlookers present for possible future identification and questioning, should they leave the incident scene.

Request Medical Evaluation and Call YOUR ATTORNEY

An officer should provide a “thumb-nail” outline of what happened to responding officers and investigators and should request to be medically evaluated before any formal interview is given. You should contact you’re your attorney before giving a formal interview and this call should be made as soon as the scene has been secured and or you have been transported for medical evaluation. Cooperate with medical providers, tell them what you were feeling, what you experienced, did you suffer from auditory exclusion, tunnel vision, was your heart racing, did you experience involuntary urination, were you scared? All of these things are NORMAL responses and noting to be ashamed of. This will also give you time to think, to provide separation from the traumatic event, and allow you attorney to meet with you.

Do Not Go Through This Alone!

Attorney Tom Kirkbride and his team of law enforcement professional are here for you!  In most cases, the officer will be cleared and returned to duty after the case is No Billed by your local Grand Jury and a fitness of duty evaluation has been made. Participate in provided EAP and mental health counseling.  You have experienced a traumatic event, let out team be there for you, we you were there for our community. Contact the Law Firm of Tom B. Kirkbride, P.C. to discuss your P.O.S.T. case.  Before Tom became an attorney, he walked a beat, he kicked in doors, he served high-risk narcotics warrants, he has been there and done that. Let his experienced team be there for you. Call today 678-719-0331. There is also an emergency response number monitored 24/7 that will have an attorney to you quickly, that number is (678) 719-0331 Please put it in your smart phone for reference for you or another officer.

Injured in A Fall On Dangerous Property In Georgia?

Georgia property owners — including large companies, individual store and restaurant owners, landlords and ordinary citizens — have a legal obligation to keep their property safe for all those who are lawfully on that property. If you have fallen and suffered injury on unsafe property, you may have a premises liability claim such as a slip & fall, dog bite case, victim of a crime while on the property of another contact Kirkbride Law now. Evidence gets “gone,”” video tape is “erased,” witness “forget,” and you see your case just disappear.

Solid Experience Helping People Pay Medical Costs and Replace Lost Income

Our Firm will take decisive action to maximize compensation in all manner of slip-and-fall accidents, including:

• Taking on major national retailers in the event of a slip-and-fall due to negligence — such as wet floors — that cause unsuspecting shoppers to fall

• Recovering damages from property owners or managers who fail to maintain sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and stairwells.

• Take action against a homeowner’s insurance policy for injuries suffered in a dog attack

• Representing clients with all types of injuries related to faulty maintenance of property, including loose carpet, uneven sidewalks, unsafe railings and improperly lit stairwells

• Crime victims, injured on a mother persons property.

Taking fast action can be very important after a slip-and-fall accident — because property owners may quickly remove evidence and correct a dangerous condition. Others will deny any problem existed. Unfortunately, hidden hazards on property can cause serious injuries, including:

• Back, neck and spine injuries

• Brain injuries

• Broken bones

• Torn ligaments

Our Firm work tirelessly to help injured people recover fair and full compensation for such injuries. we will evaluate your potential claim free of charge. In fact, if we are able to pursue your case in the effort to recover damages for you, you will owe no attorney fees whatsoever unless we succeed. Our Firm is prepared to empathize with your situation and evaluate your case whether your fall was caused by hazardous conditions in a store, at a restaurant, at a private residence or in an apartment complex accident.

Free, No-Risk Consultation with Honest Guidance

We represent people who live in or were injured in Georgia.  If you have been injured and need a hardworking lawyer to take a look at your potential premises’ liability case, call (678) 719-0331 or email me today.

Straightforward communication and results-oriented philosophies are appreciated by our local government clients as they face an increasing number of legal issues. Kirkbride Law represent a wide variety of local governmental entities throughout Georgia as general counsel and special counsel. We serve as general legal counsel to local governmental entities, as well as special counsel for individual projects. Tom serves as city solicitor in several jurisdictions.

Kirkbride Law assist and advise our clients in writing and enforcing ordinances addressing a wide variety of subjects. We also advise local governments on issues including open records and open meeting laws, election issues, and litigation matters.

RELEVANT LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED:

• Administrative Law

• Condemnation & Eminent Domain

• Election & Campaign Finance Law

• Food, Hospitality & Liquor Law

• Freedom of Information Act

• Governmental Relations

• Library Law

• Licensing – Professional – Business – Government

• Municipal & Public Entity

• Municipal Law

• Municipal Prosecution

• Open Meetings Act

• Property Tax

• Telecommunications

• Utility Law

• Zoning & Land Use

General, Special, and Litigation Counsel to Municipalities

At Kirkbride Law we offer a full range of legal services to our numerous municipal clients including towns, cities, and other local governmental entities.  Kirkbride Law serve as general counsel, special counsel and litigation counsel to these various entities and their officials and employees.  Because the Law Firm of Tom B. Kirkbride, PC. devotes a majority of its practice to serving the specific needs of municipal entities, the firm prides itself in two principles underscoring our dedication to these clients and our small firm values:

“As a general rule, we do not represent citizen groups in matters involving municipal matters.”

          “As an absolute rule, we never represent developers.”

Municipal law is probably one of the broadest areas of legal practice.

Municipal law covers a wide range of issues, including everything from interpreting the open meetings law; responding to public records requests; drafting ordinances; prosecuting violations; implementing special assessments and special charge; reviewing and drafting contracts; zoning code interpretation and enforcement; land division regulation and property taxes issues as well as all areas of litigation.

On a daily basis, The Kirkbride Law Firm offers extensive knowledge and experience in the broad array of complex legal issues facing all levels of municipal government, public entities and public officials and employees:

Please contact Kirkbride Law today to learn more about our practice and how we help government entities operate effectively and efficiently, and to find out how we can help you fulfill your mission of providing necessary public services, while balancing representative due diligence and fiscal responsibility.

Large corporations and public entities typically benefit from the expertise of in-house legal teams, with a lead attorney known as the General Counsel, Chief Counsel, or Chief Legal Officer, who directly advises the CEO on legal matters. This arrangement enables such organizations to seamlessly integrate legal considerations into their strategic planning, problem-solving, and risk management, ensuring a significant strategic advantage.

Recognizing the value of accessible, high-quality legal advice, the Law Firm of Tom B. Kirkbride, P.C., introduces our innovative Outsourced General Counsel Program, designed expressly for small and mid-size businesses, non-profits, and governmental agencies & authorities throughout Georgia. Our program is crafted to offer the comprehensive benefits of having a dedicated General Counsel and legal team, but without the substantial expenses associated with employing a full-time in-house legal department.

Participating in our Outsourced General Counsel Program means your organization gains a dedicated legal advisor—a team of attorneys skilled in business transactions, litigation, and employment law. Acting as an integral part of your executive team, we immerse ourselves in understanding your mission, brand, vision, and challenges. Our goal is to provide bespoke General Counsel services that align with your organization’s evolving needs, offering predictability and affordability through monthly or annual billing options. Our program is committed to delivering focused, superior legal support that rivals or surpasses that of traditional in-house or external legal services.

For inquiries about how the Law Firm of Tom Kirkbride, P.C., can enhance your organization's legal strategy with our Outsourced General Counsel services, please contact us.