Thomas D. Harper, founding partner of the firm, has 29 years experience in insurance defense. He received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Mr. Harper earned his law degree from the University of Georgia, also graduating magna cum laude. He was a member of both the Georgia Law Review and Order of the Coif.
Mr. Harper has been designated as a Law Assistant Emeritus to the Supreme Court of Georgia. His civic activities include service as past Chairman of the Cobb County Board of Ethics and past Chairman of the City of Smyrna's Planning and Zoning Board.
Mr. Harper has tried eleven (11) direct actions against insurance companies involving claims for punitive damages. No plaintiff received an award of punitive damages in any of those cases, and in only one (1) was there a verdict for any penalties. Nine (9) out of the eleven (11) resulted in outright defense verdicts.
Mr. Harper has been sole defense counsel in over 250 civil jury trials and in excess of fifty (50) reported appellate decisions.