Brian Vance Patterson is one of Northeast Georgia’s most accomplished litigators and trial attorneys having literally handled thousands of cases in his 25 years of practicing law. In an era where cases routinely “settle,” Brian has personally tried over 100 civil and criminal cases to a jury verdict and has litigated over 150 appeals, including over 80 published opinions. Brian’s practice focuses on criminal defense, divorce/family law, and civil and business litigation, and his work in high-profile cases has often been reported in the news.
Brian’s passion for the law originated from his grandfather, who was a prominent prosecutor, attorney, and politician. Brian is a proud “Double Dawg” having earned his B.B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business in 1993, and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1996. Following graduation, Brian served as a federal law clerk to the Honorable W. Leon Barfield (retired), United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Georgia. In 1998, Brian joined one of Atlanta’s most well respected law firms, Chilivis, Cochran, Larkins & Bever, LLP, where his practice centered on complex civil and business litigation in state and federal courts, white collar criminal defense, and catastrophic personal injury. In 2002, Brian joined the Office of the District for the Western Judicial Circuit where he rose to Chief Assistant District Attorney and Acting District Attorney. In those roles, Brian was responsible for prosecuting and trying the most serious, complex cases in the community, coordinating all appellate litigation, and managing an office of 39 employees. Brian is highly respected by the bench and bar and is a past President of the Western Judicial Circuit Bar Association. He frequently lectures on a wide array of civil and criminal topics. Brian and his family are members of Athens First United Methodist Church. In his free time, Brian enjoys traveling, hiking, golf, Georgia football, and spending time with family and friends.