MATTHEW H. BENNETT

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Matthew Bennett graduated with honors from the University of West Georgia in 2004 with a degree in Criminology and minor in Political Science. He then attended the University of Tulsa College of Law, graduating with honors in 2008.

Since beginning practicing law in 2009, Mr. Bennett regularly handles cases concerning contract litigation, insurance coverage disputes, civil rights litigation, and personal injury cases.  As part of his business law practice, he has provided legal services to small and mid-size business on matters ranging from business formation to business succession and all matters in between.  He regularly is involved in negotiating contracts on behalf of his clients, drafting business agreements, litigating employment disputes, litigating contract disputes, advising clients on the legal ramifications of anticipated business actions, and handling bill collection actions.

Mr. Bennett has handled several cases at a variety of venues, including litigating matters before the Office of State Administrative Hearings, Probate Court, State and Superior Court, Federal District Courts, and both the federal and state appellate courts.

By serving as court appointed counsel or as a guardian ad litem, Mr. Bennett has developed a strong probate practice that centers on the creation of guardianships and conservatorships and the drafting of wills and other end of life documents.  His family law practice, which includes handling divorces, child custody modifications, child support modifications, and other matters, was a natural extension from his work in the probate courts.

Mr. Bennett has lived in the Coweta County and Fayette County area since 1996. Mr. Bennett and his wife, Jacilyn, and their son, Bryce, currently live in Fayetteville, where he is active in participating in local youth sports leagues by serving as a coach and/or board member.

Georgia State and Superior Courts

Georgia Court of Appeals

Georgia Supreme Court

U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia

U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Georgia (Pending)

U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit

Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency v. City of Sandy Springs, 337 Ga. App. 340 (2016).

City of College Park v. Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency, 313 Ga. App. 239 (2011).

Heard v. City of Villa Rica, 306 Ga. App. 291 (2010).

American Health Lawyers Association

Georgia Defense Lawyers Association

Fayette County Bar Association

Fundamentals of Healthcare Law Seminar, “Top 3 Issues: Long-Term Care”, Ga. ICLE, March 9, 2016.

Nursing Facility Resident Accounts Receivable: Prevention and Debt Collection Strategies and Issues; American Health Lawyers Association, February 24, 2016.

Protecting the City from a Dysfunctional Mayor and/or Council; Georgia Municipal Association, June 22, 2014.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA COLLEGE OF LAW, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Degree:            J.D., with Honors, May 2008

Activities:        Tulsa Law Review, Editor, 2007-2008

Order of Barristers

Competitor, Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Competition, 2008

Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society

Board of Advocates, Vice President, 2007-2008

Student Bar Association, Delegate 2007-2008

Black Law Student Association, Historian, 2006-2007; Vice President,

2007-2008

American Inns of Court, Hudson-Hall-Wheaton American Inn of Court,

Student Member

Health Law Certificate Program

THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA, Carrollton, Georgia

Degree:            Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, December 2004

Major:            Criminology    Minor: Political Science

Activities:       HOPE Scholar

MAP Certificate of Excellence for Academic Achievement, 3 years

Lambda Alpha Elipson, National Criminal Justice Association,

Vice President

Alpha Phi Sigma, Criminal Justice Honor Society, Vice President 2004

Senoia Area Athletic Association, Coach 2012-Present.

Senoia Area Athletic Association, Director, 2015 – Present.

Inman Elementary, Science Olympiad Coach 2014-2016.

Starr’s Mill Youth Football Coach, 2012 -2015.