CSVL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the CSVL Diversity Committee
- Partner /
- Strategic Planning Partner
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate Attorney at the Charleston
Blake G. Abbott is an associate attorney at the Charleston office of Copeland, Stair, Valz & Lovell, where he focuses his practice on medical malpractice law. Blake previously practiced in class and mass tort litigation and is licensed in South Carolina and North Carolina, as well as United States District Courts in both states and the United States Court of Appeals for the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, and Eleventh Circuits.
Blake was a two-year cum laude graduate from Charleston School of Law where he was a Presidential Honors Scholar, a member of the Charleston School of Law Moot Court Board, and where he was awarded the CALI Award for Pleadings and Practice.
Blake enjoys golfing, going to the beach, and spending time with his Golden Retriever.
Job Titles:
- Summary Judgment for Insurance Broker Client
Job Titles:
- Member of the CSVL Diversity Committee
Job Titles:
- Paralegal ( CHS )
- Support Staff
Job Titles:
- Construction Litigation
- Partner /
- Partner in the Atlanta
Corey Mendel is a Partner in the Atlanta office of Copeland, Stair, Valz & Lovell. Her practice focuses on representation of engineers and design professionals in disputes related to the construction and design process and on defending clients in complex, multi-party, construction defects claims. A portion of her practice also focuses on general liability matters, including automobile and premises liability as well as insurance coverage and bad faith litigation.
Prior to joining CSVL, Corey worked at a boutique real estate law firm based in the southeast. She represented clients in a wide variety of complex civil litigation involving contract disputes, real estate and quiet title litigation, mortgage priority actions, and banking regulatory and compliance litigation.
Corey earned her Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law and was active in multiple student organizations. As a founding member of the Ben F. Johnson Society, she served as a new student liaison and led tours of the College of Law to applicants, donors and alumni. She served as the Alumni Outreach Coordinator of the Labor and Employment Law Association and was the Vice President of the Georgia State Association of Women Law Students. Corey received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from The University of Georgia.
Job Titles:
- Fellow
- Lead Counsel
- Partner /
- Strategic Planning Partner
Gary has served as lead counsel in over 90 jury trials of catastrophic injury or wrongful death tort actions in state and federal courts in Georgia and South Carolina. He has participated in hundreds of mediations or arbitration proceedings in the Southeastern states. He also represents clients in the Appellate Courts of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.
Since 2005, Gary has been an honoree on the Georgia Super Lawyers® list in Atlanta Magazine/Law and Politics Magazine. He is also AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Since 2013, he was selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®. In 2017, Gary was honored as The Best Lawyers 2018® "Lawyer of the Year" in Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants (Charleston).
Gary Lovell Contributes to The CLM's November 2021 Magazine, The Roundabout - Transportaion Issues In and Out of the Courtroom
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in Our Chattanooga
David Barry is an Associate in our Chattanooga office. He works in our Construction, Trucking & Transportation, and General Liability practice groups. David earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and his Juris Doctor from the Nashville School of Law. During his time at law school, David was inducted into Cooper's Inn, an honor reserved for the top 10% of the class.
Outside of his legal career, David enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as hunting, fishing, disc golf, and car reconstruction.
Job Titles:
- Dismissal of LLR Complaint Against Chiropractor
- General Counsel for Businesses
- Senior Partner in Copeland
Doug MacKelcan is a Senior Partner in Copeland, Stair, Valz & Lovell's Charleston office and Managing Partner of the firm. He represents clients throughout South Carolina in all stages of civil litigation, alternate dispute resolution, and licensure matters. He has served as lead counsel in jury and non-jury trials, and he has defended clients before the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation Professional Boards, and the South Carolina Office of Disciplinary Counsel (lawyers). He has experience handling complex litigation, class action, and derivative cases, and wrongful death/survival cases. As a leader for CSVL's Professional and Management Liability group, Doug represents attorneys, accountants, medical professionals, real estate agents and brokers, insurance agents, and other professionals. He also defends directors and officers in management liability matters, with particular experience in community association defense. He also represents clients in commercial litigation, premises liability, ERISA disability, employment practices, and he provides insurance coverage opinions.
Eric defends lawyers and legal professionals sued for professional malpractice, breach of fiduciary duties, and in proceedings before the State Bar of Georgia. He has defended lawyers involved in complex business transactions, real estate transactions, trusts and estates, and litigation matters.
Eric is a registered mediator with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. With a background representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases before doing defense work, Eric brings a "been there, done that" perspective to mediations. He is available for all types of personal injury and commercial litigation cases and he believes in the value of alternative dispute resolution for discovery matters, having used the format to resolve complex discovery issues himself over the years.
Faith Beckworth is an associate in our Atlanta office practicing Construction Litigation and General Liability. Faith graduated from Georgia State University School of Law in 2022 where she received a Sports & Entertainment Certificate and an Intellectual Property Certificate, in addition to her Juris Doctorate degree. While in law school, Faith worked as a paralegal at an Atlanta law firm and was involved in the Sports & Entertainment Law Society. She also published Case Involving Nurses Who Blew Whistle on Employer for Violating COVID Orders Moves Forward with The Legal Intelligencer in January 2021 and NFL Player Sues the New York Jets for ADA Violation in October 2019. Since graduating, she's gained experience in Insurance Litigation, Construction law, Civil Litigation & Liability, and Copyright Infringement & Intellectual Property Litigation.
In her free time, Faith enjoys attending sporting events and cheering on all Philadelphia sports teams as well as her Georgia Southern Eagles. She lives in the Atlanta metropolitan area with her GSD, Kelce, and loves experiencing all the city has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Member of the CSVL Diversity Committee
- Associate /
- Associate Attorney at the Chattanooga
Andrew Whitten is an associate attorney at the Chattanooga office of Copeland, Stair, Valz & Lovell with experience in commercial disputes, construction defects, employment law, automobile and trucking litigation, and general civil litigation. Andrew earned his J.D. cum laude from Belmont University College of Law. During school, he served as Editor in Chief of one of the law school's four Journals and served as Vice President of his law school's chapter of the American Constitution Society. Andrew also received a certificate in Health Law from his law school. In his spare time, Andrew enjoys running, hiking, cooking, playing pickleball, and spending time with his partner, Drew and dog, Harper.
Job Titles:
- Member of the CSVL Diversity Committee
- Partner /
Jalisa earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of South Carolina School of Law and was a member of the Labor & Employment Law Society, the Black Law Students Association, and was a part of the Konduros Leadership Development Program. She earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science at the University of South Carolina. She is a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. and volunteers for the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer Foundation and Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc.
Job Titles:
- MANAGING PARTNER
- Partner /
- Partner in Our Atlanta
Jessica Hubbartt is a Partner in our Atlanta offices, her practice is concentrated in general liability and insurance coverage and bad faith defense. Jessica has represented businesses, individuals, and insurance carriers against tort and breach of contract claims at various exposure levels, with tort claims including wrongful death, premises liability, and automobile litigation. Jessica has experience defending such claims in the State Courts of Georgia, as well as in mediation and arbitration forums.
Prior to joining CSVL, Jessica worked for another highly-respected metro Atlanta civil defense firm. Jessica earned her undergraduate degree from Wesleyan College and her M.A. in Public Administration from Bowie State University. Jessica then attended John Marshall Law School where she earned her J.D.
Job Titles:
- Partner /
- Partner in the Atlanta
John Caldwell is a Partner in the Atlanta office of Copeland, Stair, Valz & Lovell and concentrates his practice on transportation litigation and general liability defense. He routinely manages transportation and commercial automobile liability matters for regional and national logistics companies, rideshare entities, and other transportation and delivery companies. He advises clients through all stages of litigation from pre-claims to post-verdict appellate matters in all state and federal courts across Georgia. John has extensive research and motion writing experience, often alleviating the need for lengthy litigation. As a member of the Firm's transportation rapid-response team, he provides valuable protective accident investigations and offers quick and early claim evaluations.
Prior to joining CSVL, John gained experience in both civil and criminal litigation as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in three different Georgia jurisdictions. Through his service in district attorney offices, John received various honors and special recognition awards, including Attorney of the Year, Crimes against Women and Children Division. John's previous investigative experience affords him a unique perspective in defending transportation and wrongful death claims in his current practice. John also represented clients in various civil matters ranging from contract disputes to labor and employment matters. Overall, John is a seasoned litigator with over 50 jury trials in his experience.
In 2004, John earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia, and subsequently received a Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University. In his spare time, John enjoys spending quality family time with his wife and two daughters and watching or attending sporting events-especially college football.
Job Titles:
- Order Dismissing Premises Liability Suit Against Corporate Property Owner
Since 2004, Kent has been an honoree on the Georgia Super Lawyers® list published in Atlanta Magazine/Law and Politics Magazine. In 2008, 2009, and 2010, he was honored on the Georgia Super Lawyers® list as one of the top 100 attorneys in the state. Kent has been named to the list of South Carolina Super Lawyers® since 2008. Since 2006, Kent has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, and in 2015 he was named Construction Law - Lawyer of the Year, Charleston. Kent is also AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the CSVL Diversity Committee
- Senior Associate
Kierra is a senior associate in our Charleston office and enjoys a wide general liability practice which includes automobile liability and premises liability. She has represented individuals, restaurants, retail stores, hotel chains, as well as private property and small business owners. Kierra has demonstrated a commitment to litigating cases in a manner most beneficial to her clients whether it is through jury verdict, motions practice, or early settlement. Kierra was recently accepted into the National Retail and Restaurant Defense Association. The NRRDA fosters collaboration, education, and advocacy within the legal community, addressing the unique challenges faced by those representing businesses in the retail and restaurant industries.
Kristen is a partner in the Charleston office where she practices general civil litigation. Her current practice focuses on cases involving medical malpractice, medical device defects, product liability, premises liability, correctional health care, hospitality and retail liability, and insurance coverage disputes. Kristen is frequently able to reduce the cost of litigation for her clients by drafting and arguing successful motions for summary judgment. These efforts have resulted in the dismissal of multiple cases, saving her clients the extensive cost of complex and lengthy litigation. When cases proceed past the initial stages, Kristen is experienced in efficiently developing a litigation strategy through discovery and successfully resolving claims in mediation or at trial.
Mark Lefkow is a partner in Copeland Stair's Atlanta office, representing clients in various areas of civil litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as in transactional matters.
Job Titles:
- Service As President of Rotary - Sponsored Organization for Young Professionals, Chattanooga TN
Job Titles:
- Partner /
- Partner in the Atlanta
Melissa Greene is a partner in the Atlanta office of Copeland, Stair, Valz & Lovell, LLP, who focuses her practice in the area of general liability defense. Within her area, she specializes in premises and automobile liability, but also has experience handling trucking and transportation litigation, medical malpractice litigation, as well as workers' compensation, and insurance coverage disputes. Prior to joining CSVL, Melissa worked at another Atlanta area civil litigation firm where she gained valuable insurance, general business, and employment-related litigation experience.
Melissa earned her Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law, where she was actively involved in Mock Trial and Moot Court. She was also a recipient of the CALI Award for Excellence for the Highest Grade in the Study of Civil Procedure. Melissa received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia.
Job Titles:
- Defense Counsel in Chicago Mock Trial
- Partner /
- Talent Partner
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate in Our Chattanooga
- Member of the Chattanooga Bar Association
Michelle Chiles is an Associate in our Chattanooga office, focusing her practice on Professional Liability and Construction Litigation. Prior to joining CSVL, Michelle graduated cum laude from The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey's School of Law and was a Judicial Law Clerk for Justice Page of the Tennessee Supreme Court from 2022 - 2024. While in school, Michelle received CALI Awards in Immigration, Professional Responsibility, and Bar Prep. She was also Notes Editor of the University of Memphis Law Review.
Michelle is an active member of the Chattanooga Bar Association and the American Bar Association. Outside of her legal career, she enjoys spending time with her pets, a cat and two dogs, reading, and Pilates.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate Attorney in the Atlanta
Olivia Bowman is an Associate Attorney in the Atlanta office focusing her practice in civil litigation defense. Admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2021, she holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law and has been practicing for three years.
Previously focusing on family law, Olivia is currently practicing civil litigation defense. She was recently selected as a 2024 Georgia Super Lawyers Rising Star. Beyond her legal career, Olivia enjoys photography.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate Attorney in Our Atlanta
Pamela Bispo da Silva is an Associate Attorney in our Atlanta office, practicing civil litigation. Prior to working with CSVL, Pamela earned a Bachelor of Law from Methodist University of Piracicaba in Brazil. She passed the Brazilian bar exam in 2016 with a 9.9 out of 10, the highest grade in her class, and practiced civil litigation in Brazil before moving to the U.S. Pamela attended Emory University School of Law to earn a Master of Laws in December 2023. In May 2024, she received the Master of Laws Leadership Award from Emory. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and cherishing moments with her dog, Charlie.
Raina R. Azarkhail is an Associate attorney at our Atlanta office, focusing her practice in General Liability and Design Professional. She is barred in Georgia and Florida, and is a member of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association and a member of the Iranian American Bar Association.
Ryan Dixon is a Partner in the firm's Atlanta office and is a member of the General Liability, Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Litigation, and the Trucking and Transportation Litigation practice groups. Ryan primarily focuses on Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith litigation, handling all aspects of coverage claims and provides guidance to insurance carriers regarding bad faith claims. He also represents rideshare companies, motor carriers of persons and property, drivers, owner-operators and insurers and handles all aspects of claims and losses in the transportation field. He assists clients efficiently with issues involving initial accident investigation, personal injury, cargo loss, and indemnification claims in a cost-effective manner.
Prior to joining CSVL, Ryan was a trial attorney for a prominent insurance company where he defended personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, slips and falls, and dog bites. Ryan has extensive trial experience as lead counsel, and has tried numerous jury trials and bench trials to verdict in State and Federal Court. Ryan earned his Juris Doctor from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and was an active Moot Court Board Member. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, graduating cum laude and was on the National Dean's List.
When he's not practicing law, Ryan is an active leader in his church where he oversees the ministering and welfare of several church members. He is an accomplished pianist, and enjoys spending time outdoors and attending his children's numerous sporting events.
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Professor
- Partner /
Skyler also serves as an Adjunct Professor at his alma mater the Charleston School of Law. Skyler teaches classes related to legal writing and analysis. He spends his spare time with his wife and two dogs, Mac and Reginald, and enjoying all Charleston has to offer.
Taylor has been recognized as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers for Business Litigation in 2022. Each year, no more than 2.5% of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.
Job Titles:
- Emeritus Partner /
- Retired
Since 2005, Wade has been an honoree on the Georgia Super Lawyers® list in Atlanta Magazine/Law and Politics Magazine. From 2007 to 2019, he was honored on the Georgia Super Lawyers list as one of the top 100 attorneys in the state. Wade is also AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell.