Jeffrey R. Baxter

Partner

Atlanta
T +1.404.946.9805
F +1.404.459.5734

Overview

Jeffrey Baxter is an experienced commercial litigator whose diversity of clients reflect his wide-ranging talents. Financial institutions, healthcare and insurance providers, wireless telecommunications providers, trustees and other fiduciaries – Jeff has counseled individuals as well as public and private companies in a multitude of industries. His commitment to defending the best interests of every client extends to lawyers and law firms, whom he represents in the defense of legal malpractice claims. He also advises and counsels lawyers concerning allegations of malpractice, ethical violations and breaches of duty. Additionally, he represents clients in connection with issues regarding the protection of intellectual property rights, including trademark infringement. 

Jeff has handled every aspect of the litigation and appeal process. He has a background in cases involving consumer and contract disputes, business torts, fiduciary duty, privacy disputes, trade secrets, telecommunications, false advertising, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, law firm defense, all types of real estate litigation, Georgia’s Open Records Act, and other statutory regulations.

As part of his practice, Jeff also has substantial experience in the complex issues involved with electronically stored information. He advises clients on how to efficiently navigate their e-discovery obligations, including matters related to electronic document preservation, collection, processing, review and production.

Select Experience

  • Successfully defended insurance company against multi-million dollar fidelity bond claim asserted by credit union and obtained favorable settlement.
  • Represented former trustee and managing partner of an AmLaw 100 law firm in defense of multi-million dollar claims by the trust beneficiaries for breach of fiduciary duty, legal malpractice and fraud, among others.
  • Successfully represented major law firm in seeking summary judgment and in defense of claims of legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud in connection with a condominium development project on St. Simons Island. Obtained favorable settlement.
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Experience

  • Successfully defended insurance company against multi-million dollar fidelity bond claim asserted by credit union and obtained favorable settlement.
  • Represented former trustee and managing partner of an AmLaw 100 law firm in defense of multi-million dollar claims by the trust beneficiaries for breach of fiduciary duty, legal malpractice and fraud, among others.
  • Successfully represented major law firm in seeking summary judgment and in defense of claims of legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud in connection with a condominium development project on St. Simons Island. Obtained favorable settlement.
  • Represented manufacturer in defense of claims by competitor of tortious interference and aiding and abetting breaches of restrictive covenants in employment agreements.
  • Appellate counsel for Carey Lohrenz, the Navy’s first female combat fighter pilot, in reversal of trademark and trade dress infringement jury verdict. Corps Group v Afterburner, Inc., 335 Ga. App. 138 (2015).
  • Successfully represented commercial property owner in court and before the Board of Zoning Adjustment in Atlanta land use dispute with neighbor involving easements, nuisance claims and a Special Administrative Permit. Obtained reversal of permit and favorable settlement.
  • Represented nursery in complex commercial lease dispute with its landlord.
  • Successfully defended leading health care insurer in administrative litigation over application of “any willing provider” provision to HMO networks, earning reversal of Georgia Department of Insurance ruling.
  • Successfully defended investment bank and obtained a defense verdict after a three-week trial in federal district court in Houston, Texas, in a lawsuit seeking more than $80 million in connection with the issuance of a fairness opinion to a failed oil and gas company.
  • Represented former independent directors of financial institution against negligence and breach of fiduciary duty claims by the FDIC resulting from 2009 community banking crisis.
  • Represented financial institutions in a multi-district patent litigation related to mobile application technology.
  • Obtained summary judgment in complex breach of contract and fraud case against major wireless telecommunications provider in which vendor sought in excess of $500 million in damages.
  • Obtained order dismissing multi-count antitrust, RICO and business torts complaint filed by Louisiana IT company arising from City of New Orleans’ deployment of wireless internet and camera network.
  • Successfully represented major wireless telecommunications provider against class action filed by consumers in California, alleging violations of California's Consumer Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Laws.
  • Successfully represented major national bank in multiple FINRA arbitrations against former brokers to recover on promissory notes.
  • Successfully represented major wireless telecommunications provider in expedited false advertising case against competitor relating to major advertising campaign.
  • Successfully defended major wireless telecommunications provider against vendor claims for breach of contract and obtained favorable settlement.
  • Successfully represented federally recognized Indian Tribe and obtained jury award against vendor for breach of contract.
  • Successfully defended health care insurer in litigation in court and arbitration involving reimbursement and payment disputes with provider groups.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • LAF Order of Protection Appeals Project: Volunteer of the Year (2017)

Memberships

  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Georgia Tech Bar Association

Prior Positions

  • Delta Air Lines, Inc.
    • Manager, Aircraft Acquisition & Sales (2001 to 2004)
    • Aircraft Programs Engineer (1998 to 2001)
    • Liaison Engineer, Interior Systems Engineer and Principal Engineer (1993 to 1998)

Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
  • Georgia

Education

  • J.D., Georgia State University College of Law, 2005, magna cum laude; Law Review, Member; Atlanta Law School Foundation Fellow
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1993; Certificate in Composite Engineering