Joseph P. Farrell
Joe Farrell is a graduate from The University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University College of Law, graduating Cum Laude in 1997. After Joe had been a partner at a boutique litigation firm for approximately seventeen (17) years and having had his own practice for two (2) years prior, he now leads the Litigation Section at O’Kelley and Sorohan and assists as general counsel for the Firm.
Mr. Farrell focuses his practice primarily on real estate and commercial litigation. In real estate litigation, he has represented companies and individuals in a variety of litigation related to real estate including boundary or easement disputes, buyer-seller disputes, owner/contractor disputes, landlord/tenant cases, real estate developer representation, and HOA disputes. Mr. Farrell is an integral part of the team that represents national companies who own and lease single-family residences. In commercial litigation matters, he has focused on representing small-to-medium sized businesses in litigation and arbitration including disputes involving buy-sell agreements, noncompetes, contract disputes, etc. Additionally, Mr. Farrell has represented creditors (including financial institutions) in commercial collection cases. In such capacity, he has handled hundreds of matters including collection cases, workout agreements, lawsuits, confirmation cases, etc. He has also defended financial institutions in lawsuits or counterclaims brought against them. Mr. Farrell served as outside counsel for the FDIC during the Financial Crisis of 2007-2008.
As chair of the Pro Bono Section of the State Bar of Georgia Real and a former military member himself, Mr. Farrell has arranged for representation of dozens of military veterans seeking legal assistance. Joe is also admitted to the Southern District. Apart from the real estate and business cases, Mr. Farrell has, over the years, represented individuals in family law matters and does so upon special request and in exceptional circumstances. Mr. Farrell has also represented clients in diverse matters such as probate matters, cases against county school systems, cases against insurance companies, etc. Mr. Farrell views this experience as helpful in giving clients a broad perspective in their current circumstances.
Mr. Farrell’s Reviews
Well prepared
5.0 stars
Posted by Carrie
September 14, 2018
I had a dispossessory put on me that was false. Joe was well prepared and made me feel very secure in court. He was open to the things that I had to say and was good at thinking ahead. He handled the situation very professionally and in the end I won. I am grateful for his honesty and fairness from the moment of my first phone call.
Great people skills and resolved my legal issue in no time!
5.0 stars
Posted by Erica
July 26, 2018
This lawyer offers selfless service to active duty military if they are unable to financially afford or at discounted prices. I had an issue with my landlord that was withholding my deposit and with his assistance I was able to obtain my deposit in full. He is very professional, kind and can explain your case and laws in a way you can understand. Very great man and I recommend him highly!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Legal Advice and Legal Work
5.0 stars
Posted by Oscar
July 26, 2018
I requested, on behalf of my real estate clients, legal advice and the obtention of information that was crucial for a deal we – my clients and me, have been trying to execute in the most fair way. Joseph P. Farrell was extremely helpful, and diligent returning my calls and delivering according to his agreement with us. I am thankful for the help, the customer service and the quality of the work performed.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Professional Attorney
5.0 stars
Posted by Gary
June 7, 2018
Joe handled our case in a very professional manner. He prepared well and did an outstanding job. He took a very difficult and unusual case and made it ease for us to be successful. He allowed me to do well in the trial. He guided me through all the legal issues I faced and consider him a great attorney and a good friend.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Ethics
5.0 stars
Posted by Christopher
June 1, 2018
Although I didn’t hire Mr. Farrell, he and his colleagues spent the time to help me navigate a sensitive landlord/tenant situation.
And their advice was spot on, all worked out perfectly. Their law office didn’t want me to hire them, because the situation was not serious enough for attorneys – now that’s some honesty right there. I know who I’ll call if I end up really needing to hire an attorney one day! Thanks.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Extremely professional, confidence, and a master at what he does
5.0 stars
Posted by Willie
July 13, 2017
First and foremost, I would like to thank Mr.Farrell for his outstanding work and commitment with my case in such a short time. If you are looking for a excellent attorney, Joseph is the right person to represent you. You won’t regret hiring him to stand by your side, extremely professional, confidence, and a master at what he does. I was really excited with the outcome of my case. I am looking forward to working with him again in the near future.
David A. Martin
David Martin grew up in Johnson City, Tennessee. Dave graduated from Wake Forest University in 2002 with a B.A. in History. After graduating from the University of Georgia Law School in 2005, he started work at O’Kelley & Sorohan. Dave specializes in real estate closing transactions, managing the firm’s Conyers office. He is also a member of GRECAA and the Real Estate Section of the Georgia Bar Association.
Bobby D. Armes, Jr.
Bobby Armes is an Attorney with 34 years of Legal, Real Estate, Financial, and Business Development expertise. He joined O’Kelley & Sorohan in 2010. He is responsible for conducting Real Estate Closings in English and Spanish in the Duluth main office.
From 2008 to 2010, he worked as an Associate Attorney for Deming Parker Law Firm in Norcross, GA. From 2004 to 2008, he was a Vice President for Stewart Title and then for First American Title Insurance Company. From 2000-2004, he was a Residential Real Estate Attorney for law firms in Atlanta, GA and Northern Virginia.
Bobby is a graduate of Howard Law School in Washington, DC, (1998). He has an MBA in Finance from the University of Scranton, in Scranton, PA (1996). He previously worked for Ernst & Young in Corporate Finance. He was a Licensed Financial Consultant (Series 7, 63, and 65) from 1991–1994. Bobby is also a graduate of the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD (1985), and is a retired Commander in the US Navy Reserves. From 1985-1990 Bobby served on active duty on 2 U.S. Navy ships as a Division Officer (USS Newport LST-1179 and USS Iowa BB-61).
Bobby was born in Panama. His wife is from Caracas, Venezuela. They have three children, and reside in Buford.
He is a member in good standing of the Bar in Georgia (2003), Connecticut (1999), and in Washington, DC (2001). His community involvement includes being a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Chapter in Atlanta, GA. Member of National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Member of Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA). He is active in his Church.
Lindsay D. Smithson
Lindsay Smithson joined the Law Offices of O’Kelley & Sorohan, Attorneys at Law, LLC in 2010. She was named a Member of O’Kelley & Sorohan in 2016. She currently manages the firm’s Duluth office. Ms. Smithson primarily focuses her practice in the areas of real estate closings, title clearance, and contract drafting and review. She enjoys teaching residential real estate classes as well as working closely with real estate agents, investors and lenders.
Ms. Smithson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a minor in Sociology from the University of Georgia in 2003 where she graduated Cum Laude. Following graduation from The University of Georgia, Ms. Smithson went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law in 2007. While in law school Ms. Smithson was selected to participate in the Certificate Program for Advanced Legal Writing, Research and Drafting. She earned the CALI Award of Excellence for Advanced Legal Research and Writing.
Ms. Smithson is admitted to the Georgia State Bar as a member of the Real Property Law Section and The Young Lawyers Division. She has served on the Board for Women’s Council of Realtors and is an affiliate member of the NAMAR Board of Realtors and the Georgia Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association.
Carmen B. Blakeslee
Carmen Blakeslee has primarily focused her practice in the areas of real estate closings, title clearance, contract review, and post-closing dispute resolution. She has twenty three years of real estate experience. Ms. Blakeslee was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, and has lived in the Atlanta area since 1979. She earned her undergraduate Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Georgia State University in 1988. At Georgia State University, Ms. Blakeslee majored in Marketing. After graduating from Georgia State University, Ms. Blakeslee worked for Home Depot in their litigation department prior to attending law school. Ms. Blakeslee then attended Samford University Cumberland School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 1992. Ms. Blakeslee joined the Law Offices of O’Kelley & Sorohan, Attorneys at Law, LLC as an associate attorney in 2009. Ms. Blakeslee now practices law in the Midtown office of O’Kelley & Sorohan.
Ms. Blakeslee is admitted to the Georgia State Bar and is a member of the Real Property Law Section and the Georgia Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association.
Ashley N. Connor
Ashley Connor was born in Pontiac, Michigan and grew up in Suwanee, Georgia. She graduated summa cum laude from The University of Alabama in 2013, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Political Science and General Business. Ashley went on to earn her Juris Doctor from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2016. In law school, she was a member of the Moot Court Board, the Saul Lefkowitz Intellectual Property Moot Court Team, and the Law & Psychology Review. Her article “Social Media Selection: How Jury Consultants Can Use Social Media to Build a More Favorable Jury” was published in 2015. Ashley was admitted to the Georgia State Bar in 2016. She practices in the firm’s Johns Creek and Peachtree Corners offices.
Lisa F. Dallas
Lisa F. Dallas joined O’Kelley & Sorohan in 2013 and practices in the firm’s Athens/Watkinsville Office. She focuses her practice on residential real estate closings. Lisa is a member of the Real Property Law Section of the Georgia Bar.
Richard B. Dobkin
RICHARD B. DOBKIN, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; admitted Pennsylvania Bar 1974, Georgia Bar 1979. Education: Tulane University (B.A. History and Political Science 1971), Emory University School of Law, 1974. Member: State Bar of Pennsylvania, State Bar of Georgia ( Real Estate Section, Bankruptcy Section), Georgia Real Estate Closing Attorneys Association. Serves as general counsel to builders and real estate brokerage firms. Practice concentration is residential real estate including builder, developer, and lender representation.
Carlton M. Johnson
Carlton M. Johnson, was born in Pensacola, Florida. Carlton received his undergraduate degree from Auburn University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administrator in Political Science. Upon graduating, Carlton then earned his Juris Doctor degree from Samford University, Cumberland School of Law. Carlton was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 2017 and the State Bar of Georgia in 2018. Carlton practices in the firm’s Dekalb/Tucker office where he concentrates on residential real estate transactions.
Joel B. Katz
Joel B. Katz concentrates his practice in residential real estate transactions and has been involved in all aspects of titles and closings in the Metro Atlanta and Athens areas since 1974. A resident of Athens since 1997, he is a member of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of Georgia and the Illinois State Bar Association.