Andy “Joel” Williams | Cobb Circuit, Post 7

Candidate Statement

I am running to represent Cobb County on the State Bar’s Board of Governors because I believe deeply in the integrity of our profession and the importance of practical, real-world voices in Bar leadership.

I am a managing partner of a Cobb County–based law firm, a trial lawyer and a lifelong advocate for ethical, client-centered practice. Like many private practitioners, I built my career by working directly with clients, earning their trust and standing beside them in moments when the justice system mattered most. Those experiences shape my belief that the backbone of our Bar is private practitioners—lawyers who balance professionalism, service and accountability every day—and that they deserve a strong, informed voice on the Board of Governors.

My service as president of the Cobb Trial Lawyers Association and as a trustee of the Cobb Bar Association has reinforced my commitment to transparent, consistent regulation that protects the public while ensuring a level playing field for ethical attorneys. Trust in our profession depends on fair enforcement of the Rules of Professional Conduct and on preserving lawyer independence in an evolving legal marketplace.

I am also deeply invested in our community, mentoring students, supporting educators and helping strengthen families across Cobb County. I bring to this role not only leadership experience, but a steady commitment to listening, collaboration and principled decision-making.

I would be honored to serve Cobb County and to advocate for a Bar that is ethical, independent and worthy of public trust.

Education

• Georgia Southwestern State University (2002)
• Samford University Cumberland School of Law (2006)

Personal/Family

• I am happily married to my wife, Courtney, who is supportive of all my Bar involvement, and a proud father to three beautiful young ladies, Addison (16), Kaitlyn (13) and Britton (11).
• I attend Northstar Church in Acworth. Outside the practice of law, I enjoy spending time outdoors and staying active with activities such as skiing, hiking, HIIT workouts at Burn Boot Camp, hunting and fishing.
• My greatest personal accomplishments are reflected in raising my three daughters, who believe that we can empathize with others while pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law. I have been fortunate to serve as president of the Delta Pi Chapter of the Chi Phi fraternity and to be selected as a Judge Abraham Caruthers Fellow at Cumberland School of Law. I have also served as Finance Team chairman at New Beginnings United Methodist Church.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• Managing partner at Williams Elleby Howard & Easter – Personal Injury Lawyers in Kennesaw
• I tried my first case with the Bessemer, Alabama, district attorneys’ office as a third-year law student. Prior to founding Williams Elleby Howard & Easter, I worked as an associate attorney at The Stone Law Group in Blakely and Law & Moran in Atlanta.
• I currently serve on the Board of Trustees for the Cobb Bar Association and as the president of the Cobb Trial Lawyers Association.
• I am committed to supporting youth education and mentorship in Cobb County, including serving as a past coach for the North Cobb High School Mock Trial team. My community involvement includes supporting organizations that strengthen children, families and educators, such as the Children’s Emergency Fund, HOG (Helping One Guy), the ABA Teachers Appreciation Tour, Kid’s Chance of Georgia, Kennesaw Parks & Recreation and the Ford Elementary School Foundation. I also support literary, music and athletic programs that promote student development at Kennesaw State University and several Cobb County schools, including Allatoona, Harrison, Kennesaw Mountain, Mount Paran Christian, North Cobb and Sprayberry High Schools.

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

The biggest issue facing the State Bar today is lack of trust in the Bar’s regulatory system and whether it is enforcing ethical rules consistently and transparently. The increasing lack of trust is a direct result of inconsistent enforcement of the Rules of Professional Conduct, particularly the perceived weak enforcement and culture of tolerance for lawyers and law firms who illegally solicit cases in violation of Rule 7.3. This must change because weak and inconsistent enforcement only benefits the bad actors and puts good, honest and ethical attorneys at a disadvantage. When dishonest rule breakers are allowed to run rampant, honest and ethical lawyers will be driven from Georgia and the public and judicial system will suffer.

Private equity investment in law firms poses a serious threat to the public. The public perceives—often correctly—that investor-driven practices encourage volume over quality, aggressive solicitation, commoditization of claims and settlement decisions driven by return on investment rather than client interests. As firms begin to resemble investment vehicles, public confidence that lawyers are loyal fiduciaries—not profit brokers—erodes. The State Bar’s duty is to protect the public and preserve the integrity of the justice system. Once nonlawyer ownership is permitted, enforcement becomes reactive and ethical violations become systemic. Georgia’s prohibition on fee-sharing and nonlawyer control reflects a hard-learned lesson: independence is the foundation of client trust, judicial confidence and the rule of law.

To restore public and member trust in the Bar, we must have uniform, transparent enforcement of ethical rules—especially solicitation violations—and meaningful discipline for repeat offenders. And, we must stay ahead of private equity and preserve lawyer independence by reaffirming Georgia’s ban on nonlawyer ownership and fee-sharing, prioritizing client loyalty, professional judgment and public confidence over outside capital.