Firm News

Georgia Jury Returns $1.7 Billion Punitive Damages Verdict Against Ford Motor Company

Today a jury in Gwinnett County Georgia answered the question left pending by their verdict rendered yesterday: what amount of punitive damages should be imposed against Ford Motor Company for selling 5.2 million “Super Duty” trucks with a dangerously weak roof that would crush down on occupants during a rollover wreck. The unanimous jury imposed $1.7 billion in punitive damages against Ford. Yesterday the jury returned a verdict for Plaintiffs Kim and Adam Hill for the wrongful deaths of their parents, Voncile and Melvin Hill, and for pain & suffering by their parents after the rollover wreck of their 2002… read more

James E Butler Courtroom Dedication Ceremony at University of Georgia School of Law held on 11/11/2016

The UGA School of Law recently dedicated the James E. Butler Courtroom in the school’s Rusk Hall, honoring three generations of the Butler family: James E. Butler, 1977 alumnus James E. “Jim” Butler Jr. and 2008 alumnus James E. “Jeb” Butler III. Jim Butler has had a large impact on the legal profession both inside and outside the courtroom. Jim Butler also has been a generous donor to the law school, establishing the James E. Butler Scholarship. “Jim Butler’s investment in the School of Law is an investment in the people whom it produces and the values they will reflect… read more

“An Amazing Impact on Consumer Safety:” Meet the Lawyer with Seven $100M Verdicts

See the original article on firm founder Jim Butler’s track record of wins in ALM’s Daily Report Online or 2022-01-07 FCDR- ‘An Amazing Impact on Consumer Safety’_ Meet the Lawyer With Seven $100M….

$127M New Year’s Verdict in Eight Year Seat Belt Case

An eight-year product liability case resulted in a $127M order and judgement. See the original article on ALM’s Daily Report Online or download a PDF copy here.

Butler Wooten & Peak Splits Into Three New Firms

See the original article on firm founder Jim Butler’s track record of wins in ALM’s Daily Report Online or download a pdf copy here.

BP LLP to Co-chair False Claims Act Summit

BP LLP is pleased to co-chair the Second Annual False Claims Act Summit on Wednesday, December 9. The seminar will be virtual this year.  Click on the link below for more info & registration info about the CLE. In 2019 alone, under the False Claims Act (“FCA”), the federal government recovered over $3 billion against those who defrauded the federal government, and paid $265 million to the whistleblowers who exposed that fraud and abuse.   You can learn more about these cases and what it takes to pursue one at the 2nd Annual (virtual) FCA Summit on Wednesday, December 9 at… read more

Georgia Watch Selects Tedra Cannella as Vice President of Board

Congratulations to BP LLP Partner Tedra Cannella, who was recently selected to serve as Vice President of the Board of Directors of Georgia Watch. Georgia Watch is the State’s leading consumer advocacy organization. They focus on ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare, fair utility rates, renewable energy options, safeguarding personal finances, and access to courts.

Veterans Legal Clinic Improves Lives

Improving the lives of veterans living in Georgia is the goal of UGA School of Law’s Veterans Legal Clinic. Individuals seeking help from the clinic can call 706-542-6439 or send an email to veteranslegalclinic@uga.edu. The Veterans Legal Clinic is funded by a lead gift from BP LLP Partner Jim Butler. See original article  in UGA TODAY. Click below to watch a video.

UGA Law Again Guarantees Aid for Veterans Thanks to the Butler Commitment

“Jim Butler continues to strongly believe in those who have served our country similar to his father and brother, and the school is happy to honor the Butler family connection to military service in this manner,” UGA Law School Dean Bo Rutledge said. UGA School of Law renews Butler Commitment

BP LLP Lawyers Secure Record-Setting Verdict: $280 Million

BP LLP lawyers Brandon Peak, Joel Wooten, Chris McDaniel, Ramsey Prather & Team secured a record-setting verdict in the amount of $280 million in the wrongful death tractor-trailer case of 58 year old Judy Madere v. Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., Schnitzer Steel Southeast, Inc. & their truck driver on Friday, August 23. Madere was killed along with her twin sister, her daughter & her two grandchildren after the truck driver crossed the center line & hit their vehicle in its lane of travel. The jury returned the largest civil verdict in Muscogee County, Georgia history after deliberating for 45 minutes…. read more