Federal Courts in Georgia as a Dispute Resolution Center. Todd M. Baiad, Esq.

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1 Federal Courts in Georgia as a Dispute Resolution Center Todd M. Baiad, Esq.

2 Savannah Pays Tribute to Ireland Savannah has long been enthused about its residents with Irish heritage Savannah s St. Patrick s Day parade is the second largest in the United States It s an honor to bring a little bit of Savannah back to Ireland

3 Georgia Peaches and Litigation Georgia is home to many international corporations. There are two commercial centers Atlanta and Savannah. Atlanta is the logistical hub of the southeastern United States. It contains the world s busiest airport and is home to multiple Fortune 100 companies.

4 The Coastal Empire Savannah, situated on the coast, serves as one of the world s busiest commercial seaports. The Ports of Savannah and Brunswick are the fourth busiest in terms of volume and TUs in the United States. The Port of Savannah s proximity to major railroads and Interstate 95 position it perfectly to serve as a gateway for commercial movement of materials.

5 Federal Courts Federal Courts in Georgia are comprised of three districts: the Northern District of Georgia, the Middle District of Georgia, and the Southern District of Georgia.

6 The Southern District Savannah is located in the Southern District of Georgia. It has been affectionately termed the rocket docket. Federal courts in the Southern District only allow for 140 days of discovery, and extensions are rarely granted. Cases move quite rapidly through the Southern District of Georgia, and it is accordingly a good place to litigate matters that need quick resolution.

7 Home district of Atlanta. The Northern District Given it is home to many large corporations, federal judges there are well-versed in all aspects of complex commercial litigation. Like the Southern District, it has a series of local rules designed for the quick and efficient resolution of disputes. Discovery extensions are rarely, if ever, granted.

8 Additional Benefits in Georgia s Federal Courts Potential jurors are pooled from a greater geographical pool than State courts, which generates a more conservative jury pool. Federal judges are better versed in examining Daubert standards to determine if a potential expert s testimony should be admissible. Federal judges are typically more inclined to grant a Motion for Summary Judgment, which could dispose of a case prior to a trial.

9 The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Atlanta, hears any federal appeals arising in Georgia. The 11th Circuit was established by Congress in 1981 and has jurisdiction over cases originating in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. The Circuit includes nine District Courts and locations throughout the southeast and has 11 full-time (active) and eight senior judges who can help render decisions. Given that it oversees several major port cities, including Savannah and Miami, the 11th Circuit is well versed in admiralty matters. The 11th Circuit only reverses 8.9% of decisions. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals

10 Summary Federal Benefits Conservative, business-friendly judges Courts that understand Daubert, are familiar with maritime law, and are willing to grant a motion Speedy resolution of cases Better jury pool Friendly appellate jurisdiction