What You Should Know About Fortson Bentley & Griffin

Learn about Fortson Bentley & Griffin, its history, legal services, attorneys, and work serving Athens and Northeast Georgia clients since 1946.

When people and businesses need legal assistance in Athens, Georgia, they may come across fortson bentley & griffin, a law firm with a long history of serving clients throughout Athens and Northeast Georgia. The firm, formally known as Fortson, Bentley & Griffin, P.A., has provided legal services since 1946 and handles a broad range of legal matters for individuals, businesses, financial institutions, hospitals, and local governments.

Understanding the firm’s history, practice areas, and approach can help readers who are researching legal services in the region identify what types of matters the firm handles and how its attorneys are organized.

A Longstanding Athens, Georgia Law Firm

Fortson, Bentley & Griffin traces its history to 1946, when T. H. Milner Jr. and Robert G. Stephens Jr. established the firm’s predecessor after returning from military service. The firm later developed through several partnerships before Edwin B. Fortson and John E. “Buck” Griffin joined Upshaw C. Bentley Jr. in 1955.

Over the decades, the firm expanded its legal services while remaining based in Athens. Its history also includes significant civic involvement by its founding partners and other attorneys. The firm’s official history states that it has continued serving clients in Athens and throughout Northeast Georgia since its establishment.

The firm’s longstanding presence is particularly relevant for people researching established legal practices in the Athens area. Its work has included representation of both individuals and organizations with different legal and business needs.

What Legal Services Does Fortson Bentley & Griffin Provide?

Fortson, Bentley & Griffin organizes its services into several major practice areas. According to the firm’s official website, these include Corporate & Tax, Real Estate & Finance, Litigation & Employment, and Trusts & Estates.

These areas cover a wide range of legal needs.

Corporate and Tax Law

Businesses can encounter legal issues at every stage of their operations. Corporate and tax attorneys may assist with business structures, transactions, tax-related matters, and other corporate legal concerns.

The firm’s corporate and tax practice is designed to address complex matters that may require coordination between attorneys and accounting professionals.

For business owners, having access to professionals familiar with both legal and financial considerations can be important when dealing with transactions, organizational changes, or tax planning.

Real Estate and Finance

Real estate transactions can involve contracts, financing, title issues, zoning requirements, development matters, and other legal considerations.

Fortson, Bentley & Griffin represents different participants in real estate and finance matters, including buyers, sellers, developers, lenders, landlords, tenants, and investors. Its listed services include commercial acquisitions, residential closings, commercial leasing, zoning and entitlements, development and construction, condominium law, 1031 exchanges, title examinations, and title insurance matters.

This broad practice area can be relevant to both individuals involved in property transactions and businesses managing larger real estate projects.

Litigation and Employment Law

Legal disputes can arise between individuals, businesses, employees, organizations, and other parties. Fortson, Bentley & Griffin has a litigation practice that represents both businesses and individuals in state and federal courts throughout Georgia.

The firm also handles appeals and alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. Its litigation practice covers matters involving corporations, small businesses, banks, individuals, estates, nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and other organizations.

Employment-related disputes can also require careful review of contracts, workplace policies, and applicable laws. The appropriate legal strategy depends on the facts and circumstances of each matter.

Trusts and Estates

Estate planning is another important area of legal services. Individuals may need assistance preparing plans for the management and distribution of their property, while families may need help with estate administration after someone’s death.

Trust and estate attorneys can assist with documents and legal processes associated with estate planning and administration. Tax considerations may also be relevant depending on the size and structure of an estate.

Attorneys and Legal Experience

The firm’s attorney roster includes lawyers working across its various practice areas. The firm’s official attorney directory identifies professionals with experience in areas such as business law, real estate, litigation, tax, estate planning, and related fields.

One example is Wade A. Schueneman, whose listed practice areas include tax law, estate planning, and corporate law. His professional profile also identifies experience with Fortson, Bentley and Griffin, P.A., as well as admission to practice law in Georgia.

Because legal matters can involve multiple areas of law, the firm’s website emphasizes coordination between attorneys and practice groups. This approach can be useful when a client’s situation involves overlapping corporate, tax, real estate, litigation, or estate issues.

Who Does the Firm Serve?

Fortson, Bentley & Griffin serves a diverse client base. According to the firm’s published information, its clients include:

• Individuals
• Small and large businesses
• Financial institutions
• Hospitals
• Local governments
• Nonprofit organizations
• Educational institutions
• Real estate participants

The firm states that it serves clients throughout Northeast Georgia, with its main office in Athens.

This range of clients reflects the firm’s focus on both individual legal matters and more complex organizational needs.

Why Research a Law Firm Before Hiring an Attorney?

Choosing legal representation is an important decision, and researching a law firm before scheduling a consultation can help potential clients understand whether its services correspond with their needs.

Important factors to consider include:

1. Practice area: Determine whether the attorney regularly handles the type of legal matter involved.
2. Location: Consider whether the firm serves the relevant court or geographic area.
3. Experience: Review the attorney’s professional background and experience with similar matters.
4. Communication: Ask how the attorney communicates with clients and provides case updates.
5. Fees: Discuss billing arrangements and potential costs before beginning representation.
6. Consultation: Use an initial consultation to explain the situation and ask relevant questions.

No law firm can guarantee a particular result. Legal outcomes depend on the facts, applicable law, evidence, procedure, and many other circumstances.

Fortson Bentley & Griffin in the Athens Legal Community

The history of Fortson, Bentley & Griffin is closely connected with Athens and the broader Northeast Georgia community. The firm’s founding partners were involved not only in legal practice but also in civic and professional activities.

In September 2026, the University of Georgia School of Law announced an endowment honoring John E. “Buck” Griffin, one of the firm’s founding partners. The university described Griffin as a lawyer and community leader and noted his involvement in the Athens community and legal profession.

This history provides additional context for understanding the firm’s longstanding connection with the Athens legal community.

Contact and Office Information

The firm’s current official website lists its office at 2500 Daniell’s Bridge Road, Building 200, Suite 3A, Athens, Georgia 30606. The listed telephone number is 706-548-1151.

People considering legal representation should contact the firm directly to confirm current practice areas, attorney availability, consultation procedures, and applicable fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fortson Bentley & Griffin?

Fortson, Bentley & Griffin, P.A. is a law firm based in Athens, Georgia. It has served clients in Athens and Northeast Georgia since 1946.

Where is Fortson Bentley & Griffin located?

The firm’s listed office is at 2500 Daniell’s Bridge Road, Building 200, Suite 3A, Athens, Georgia 30606.

What areas of law does the firm handle?

The firm’s core practice groups include corporate and tax, real estate and finance, litigation and employment, and trusts and estates.

Does Fortson Bentley & Griffin handle real estate matters?

Yes. The firm’s real estate and finance practice includes transactions involving acquisitions, sales, leasing, development, zoning, closings, title matters, and related issues.

Does the firm handle litigation?

Yes. Its litigation attorneys represent businesses and individuals in state and federal courts in Georgia and also handle appeals, mediation, arbitration, and other dispute-resolution matters.

How long has Fortson, Bentley & Griffin been operating?

The firm’s history dates back to 1946, when its predecessor was established in Athens, Georgia.

Conclusion

Fortson, Bentley & Griffin is an established Athens law firm with a history dating back to 1946. Its legal services cover corporate and tax matters, real estate and finance, litigation and employment, and trusts and estates.

For anyone researching legal representation in Athens or Northeast Georgia, understanding the firm’s practice areas and attorney experience can be a useful starting point. Prospective clients should discuss their specific circumstances directly with a qualified attorney to determine what legal services may be appropriate for their situation.

This is not legal advice.