ANGELA MORELOCK
Columbus,GA
Summary
Highly accomplished client advocate possessing over two decades of experience trying a diverse range of criminal felony cases at state and federal levels. Expertly manages high-volume caseloads and multi-defendant and multi-attorney cases. Successfully overturned a death penalty case via habeas corpus action. Comprehensive understanding of pre-trial motions, trials, negotiations, sentencing options, post-conviction litigation, and mediation. Over 100 cases, criminal and civil, tried to completion. Experienced in law office management. Adept at coordinating and managing attorneys and discovery in multi-defendant cases at the federal level.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Asst. Public Defender IV
Chattahoochee Judicial Cir.
Columbus, GA
09.2019 - Current
- Defend clients accused of felony crimes in Superior Court.
- Prepare and argue Motions in Limine, demurrers, bond motions, motions for psychological evaluations and all other pre-trial motions.
- Achieved high case closure rate through effective case management and client communication.
- Expertly researches client’s personal history to achieve the best outcome in case.
- High case closure rate.
- Evaluate clients for referral to Accountability Courts.
- Manage a high volume courtroom.
- Provided mentorship to less experienced attorneys, guiding them in legal practices and case strategies.
Assistant Public Defender
Rome Judicial Cir.
Rome, GA
10.2018 - 08.2019
- Defend clients accused of felony crimes in Superior Court.
- Managed active caseload of over 300 cases, ensuring each client's rights were vigorously defended.
- Maintained a high case closure rate to ensure timely resolution of legal matters.
- Researched client’s personal history to inform defense strategies and optimize case outcomes.
- Prepare and argue Motions in Limine, demurrers, bond motions, motions for psychological evaluations and all other pre-trial motions.
- Evaluate clients for referral to Accountability Courts.
- Facilitated efficient courtroom management in a high volume setting to support timely hearings.
- Mentor less experienced attorneys.
Attorney / Owner
Angela R. Morelock, Attorney at Law
Knoxville, TN
06.2003 - 09.2018
- Developed client relations, risk management strategies, staff leadership initiatives, marketing plans, case investigation protocols, and partnerships with government entities to enhance service delivery.
- Managed caseload of 75-100+, serving as lead attorney in over 500 criminal and civil cases, ensuring effective representation and client advocacy.
- Practice areas: criminal law, employment law, social security disability, bankruptcy, and 42 U.S.C § 1983 claims.
- Represented clients in post-conviction litigation, including direct appeal, habeas corpus actions and claims pursuant to 28 U.S. § 2255.
- Collaborated with defense counsel in multi-defendant federal criminal cases to formulate comprehensive defense strategies.
- Argued cases before the Sixth Cir. Court of Appeals.
Attorney / Owner
Morelock & Associates
Augusta, GA
01.2000 - 07.2003
- Represented indigent clients charged with felonies as a contract attorney (prior to the creation of the GA Public Defender Council).
- Advised clients on criminal and civil litigation strategy, pleadings, and case progression.
- Drafted and argued motions in criminal and civil cases.
- Drafted contracts, correspondence, and settlement agreements with precision.
- Represented clients in trials, hearings, negotiations, and court proceedings.
- Researched statutes, case law, and procedural rules to support legal arguments.
- Managed a paralegal, law clerk, and an attorney.
- Evaluated claims and legal risks to guide informed client decisions.
Education
JURIS DOCTOR -
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
Bachelor of Science - undefined
East TN State University
Graduate -
Carl Vinson Inst. of Gvt. UGA Leadership Academy For Public Defenders
05-2024
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Teamwork
- Collaboration with other state and community agencies
- Trial of criminal and civil cases (100 cases)
- Risk management
- Client education
- Accountability
- Plea Negotiations
- High volume case load management
- Death Penalty trained
Accomplishments
- John Doe vs. State of TN. Case of first impression, electronic monitoring for sex offenders as ex post facto punishment. Writ denied by U.S. Supreme Court.
- David McNish vs. Ricky Bell, 2:00-CV-95, Habeas Corpus action, death penalty vacated by court order February 2016. U. S. District Court, Eastern District of TN at Knoxville.
Timeline
Asst. Public Defender IV
Chattahoochee Judicial Cir.
09.2019 - Current
Assistant Public Defender
Rome Judicial Cir.
10.2018 - 08.2019
Attorney / Owner
Angela R. Morelock, Attorney at Law
06.2003 - 09.2018
Attorney / Owner
Morelock & Associates
01.2000 - 07.2003
Bachelor of Science - undefined
East TN State University
JURIS DOCTOR -
Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School
Graduate -
Carl Vinson Inst. of Gvt. UGA Leadership Academy For Public Defenders