Cory Simmons
Roswell,GA
Summary
Dynamic commercial litigator with over twenty years of extensive courtroom and client engagement experience, adept at navigating complex legal challenges and delivering favorable outcomes. Proven track record in developing strategic litigation plans and fostering strong client relationships, ensuring a thorough understanding of client needs and objectives. Recognized for exceptional negotiation skills and a negotiating complex contracts.
Professional with deep expertise and readiness for leadership. Strong focus on team collaboration and delivering impactful results. Known for reliability, adaptability, strategic vision, and effective problem-solving. Skilled in business management, financial planning, and customer relations.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner and Managing Partner
Peachtree Commercial Litigators, LLC
Atlanta, GA
10.2024 - Current
- Achieved successful trial outcomes as managing partner of boutique commercial litigation firm in metro Atlanta area, providing nationwide client services. Conducted thorough discovery and depositions, enhancing case strategies in complex commercial matters.
- Oversaw paralegals and support staff to enhance operational efficiency. Developed and executed strategic marketing campaigns to increase brand visibility.
- Developed comprehensive legal strategies tailored to client needs, ensuring alignment with industry standards.
- Managed all aspects of case development, from initial consultation through trial preparation and resolution.
Lead Attorney/Partner
Morgan & Morgan, P.A. – Business Trial Group
Atlanta, GA
06.2016 - 10.2024
- I led the North Florida and Georgia Branch of Morgan & Morgan’s Business Trial Group. I exclusively litigated commercial, contractual, and business claims from filing through trial and appeal.
- Prosecution of professional malpractice claims related to pharmaceutical patenting and development valued at over $20,000,000.
- First chair in jury and non-jury trials for breach of contract, negligence, intellectual property, and fraud claims against corporations, partnerships, municipalities, law firms, and individuals in both Florida and Georgia.
- Supervision of 2 associates, 1 paralegal, and other support staff.
Senior Associate
Baumann, Gant & Keeley, P.A.
Jacksonville, FL
04.2014 - 06.2016
- As Senior Associate, I represented clients as a first chair litigator in Professional Liability, Construction Defect, and Personal Injury cases. I was the client contact for all construction defect cases, and supervised one junior associate.
- Successful representation of insurance carriers for uninsured motorist claims and declaratory actions.
- Successful representation of a general contractor in a major construction defect case in Jacksonville, Florida with 26 active parties.
- Successful representation of title and closing agents against claims of breach of fiduciary duties from the FDIC, as receiver for a failed bank, in the Orlando area, all claims in excess of $3,000,000.00.
Associate
Fulmer, LeRoy, Albee, Baumann PLC
03.2012 - 04.2014
- Defense of Wrongful Death, Personal Injury, Professional Malpractice, and First Party actions with focuses in industrial safety, real estate, and corporate transactions.
- Caseload of 25-50 cases.
- 2 successful summary judgment motions in premises liability cases.
Senior Associate
The Law Offices of Robert Shafer & Associates
01.2009 - 03.2012
- Defense of criminal cases and civil forfeitures, including jury trials as first chair; I researched, drafted, & argued motions and appeals and supervised 2 junior associates.
- 9 jury trials as first chair: 3 not guilty verdicts, 1 hung jury.
- 9 felony motions to suppress filed: 5 granted.
- 6 motions to dismiss filed: 5 granted.
- 2 appeals: all successful.
- Over 70 depositions taken.
Assistant State Attorney
Office of the State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida
08.2007 - 01.2009
- Prosecution of crimes ranging from punishable-by-life felonies to misdemeanors.
- 18 trials as first chair: 12 guilty verdicts.
- Successfully litigated 3 appeals.
Case Manager
Intensive Delinquency Diversion Program, Third Judicial Circuit of Florida
03.2003 - 12.2004
- Supervision and mentoring of at-risk youth who were referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice to my program for diversion of prosecution of misdemeanors and felonies.
- Continuous caseload of 25 juveniles, during 21 months of casework only 2 juveniles were removed from my program due to noncompliance.
- Successfully completed over 70 at-risk juveniles from my program; successful completion resulted in the State Attorney dropping all charges against the juvenile.
Education
Master of Science -
Florida Coastal School of Law
Jacksonville, FL01-2007
Bachelor’s Degrees - Philosophy and Theater
Florida State University
01-2002
Skills
- Contract drafting and negotiation
- Contract compliance with local, state, and federal law
- Discovery and litigation in cases involving metadata and ESI
- Staff oversight
- Small and medium sized business operations
- Communication skills specializing in correspondence to judges, opposing counsel, regulatory bodies, and clients
- Legal research and writing in all phases of client service
Websites
Affiliations
The Georgia Bar
The Florida Bar
American Bar Association
Timeline
Owner and Managing Partner
Peachtree Commercial Litigators, LLC
10.2024 - Current
Lead Attorney/Partner
Morgan & Morgan, P.A. – Business Trial Group
06.2016 - 10.2024
Senior Associate
Baumann, Gant & Keeley, P.A.
04.2014 - 06.2016
Associate
Fulmer, LeRoy, Albee, Baumann PLC
03.2012 - 04.2014
Senior Associate
The Law Offices of Robert Shafer & Associates
01.2009 - 03.2012
Assistant State Attorney
Office of the State Attorney, Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida
08.2007 - 01.2009
Case Manager
Intensive Delinquency Diversion Program, Third Judicial Circuit of Florida
03.2003 - 12.2004
Bachelor’s Degrees - Philosophy and Theater
Florida State University
Master of Science -
Florida Coastal School of Law
Community Service
Pro Bono Cases:, State of Florida v. Lakesha Henry (2011-MM-000124, Clay County): Record sealing, Carolyn Isales v. Ali Cosby (2007-DR-000160, Duval County): Injunction modification, David DaSilva v. State of Florida (1D16-0632, 1st DCA): Criminal appeal, The 5 & Dime Theatre Company, Inc.: Member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the Governance Committee, (2017), McKenzie’s Run 5K, McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation: Participant (2015 – 2017), Bowl for Kids’ Sake!, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of North Florida: Participant & Fundraiser (2016), Strides for Pride 5K, JASMYN: Participant & Fundraiser (2014 – 2016)
Reported Appeals
K.J.F. v. State, 44 So. 3d 1204 (Fla. 1st DCA 2010)
Other Professional Experience
- Moot Court Honor Board, Florida Coastal School of Law, 2008 - 2015:
- Coach, Frederick Douglass National Moot Court Competition National Champions
Bar & Court Admissions
- Florida, 2007
- Georgia, 2015
- United States District Court, Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida
- United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia
- United States Circuit Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida
- Florida Bar Profile: www.floridabar.org/mybarprofile/corysimmons
- Georgia Bar Profile: www.gabar.org/MemberSearchDetail.cfm?ID=MjM0MTk1