Molly Esswein’s practice focuses on land use matters, including zoning litigation and providing counsel to local planning commissions. Her practice also includes Open Meetings and Open Records Act compliance, ordinance drafting and enforcement, and annexation. She is a regular speaker for the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and the Georgia Clerks Education Institute to provide training on matters relating to local government. Ms. Esswein received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from the University of Georgia, where she graduated magna cum laude. She received her Juris Doctor from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law, where she graduated cum laude. Prior to joining Jarrard & Davis, Ms. Esswein clerked for the Honorable Roger W. Dunaway and the Honorable Harold Hinesley for the Superior Courts of the Toombs Judicial Circuit. Ms. Esswein is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is admitted to practice in all state and superior courts in Georgia, as well as the Northern District of Georgia, the Middle District of Georgia, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Georgia.

messwein@jarrard-davis.com

Melissa Klatzkow’s practice area focuses on general and complex litigation, with a particular emphasis on local government law, civil rights litigation, and claims arising under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Her practice also includes Open Records Act compliance and code enforcement. Ms. Klatzkow received her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Florida, where she graduated summa cum laude.  She received her Juris Doctorate from William & Mary Law School, where she graduated magna cum laude.  Prior to joining Jarrard & Davis, she worked as a Staff Attorney at the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals.  Ms. Klatzkow is a member of the State Bars of Georgia and Florida, and is admitted to practice in all state and superior courts in Georgia, the Northern District of Georgia, the Middle District of Georgia, and the Georgia Court of Appeals.

mklatzkow@jarrard-davis.com

Karen Pachuta’s practice area encompasses various aspects of local government law, with a focus on compliance with Georgia’s Open Records Act and Election related matters.  Ms. Pachuta also represents our clients in the areas of Code Enforcement, Animal Services, and serves as the Forsyth County Magistrate Court Prosecutor for County ordinance violations. Ms. Pachuta received her Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from North Carolina State University. She served four years as an elected Councilmember to the City of Doraville where she gained valuable insight into the numerous issues affecting local government.  Prior to joining Jarrard &Davis, Ms. Pachuta worked on discovery and pre-trial matters for complex international litigation and class-action cases as part of Alston & Bird’s Special Resources Group.  Additionally, she practiced general civil litigation for several years with a firm in Gwinnett County. Ms. Pachuta is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is admitted to practice in all state and superior courts in Georgia and in the Northern District of Georgia.

Kpachuta@jarrard-davis.com

Priya Patel’s practice areas encompass various facets of local government law with a particular focus on general litigation, ordinance drafting, and providing counsel to municipalities and counties. She has received the distinction of “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers for 2021. As one of a small number of attorneys selected to Rising Stars, she gained this recognition through professional achievement, peer recognition, and other distinguishing criteria. Mrs. Patel received her Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Georgia and received her Juris Doctor from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law. Prior to joining Jarrard & Davis, Mrs. Patel practiced as a Senior Associate where she specialized in the areas of local government law and estate/probate law. Mrs. Patel is admitted to practice law in Georgia and Illinois, including all state and superior courts in Georgia, the Northern District of Georgia, the Southern District of Georgia, the Georgia Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Georgia.

ppatel@jarrard-davis.com

Scott Clise’s practice areas include all areas of employment and discrimination law. Mr. Clise received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Muskingum University and his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School. While attending law school, Mr. Clise served as a Guardian Ad Litem for children’s rights in Brooklyn, NY Family Court, participated in inter-mural moot court, and summered at the Manhattan office of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Prior to joining Jarrard and Davis, Mr. Clise worked as a government civil prosecutor, representing the City of New York, investigating and prosecuting violations of employment, housing, and public accommodation laws.  Mr. Clise also served as a JAG officer with the rank of Captain in the New York Guard assisting military service members of all branches, and their family members, with their legal needs.  After honorable completion of military service, Mr. Clise continued to advocate for military service members and helped write a bill that was passed into law making it illegal in New York City to discriminate against both prior and current military service members. He has trained other lawyers on this law, and on legal issues related to military service members. Mr. Clise has also represented clients, on a pro-bono basis, tenants facing eviction or hazardous and dangerous living conditions, and also worked through a legal services organization representing domestic violence victims in family court.  More recently he advised the City of Atlanta on employment matters, drafted city-wide policies, and trained the Human Resources Department on employment law issues.

Mr. Clise is licensed to practice in the State of Georgia, the State of New York, The United States Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York, The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims, and is accredited to appear before the Veterans Administration.

sclise@jarrard-davis.com

Jennifer McCall’s practice focuses on commercial transactions, specifically, procurement and government contracting, policy development and implementation, and land use. Ms. McCall has nine years of real estate experience, most skilled in the areas of loan default and title litigation. Prior to joining Jarrard & Davis, Ms. McCall practiced as a Regional Supervising Attorney, representing lenders on creditor’s rights, with a specific interest in foreclosure, replevin, eviction, title, and litigation. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she graduated cum laude in 2003. In 2008, she received her Juris Doctor from Loyola University College of Law in New Orleans. A member of the State Bar of Georgia since 2008, Ms. McCall is admitted to practice in all state and superior courts of Georgia, as well as the Northern District of Georgia, the Middle District of Georgia, and the Southern District of Georgia.

jmccall@jarrard-davis.com

Edward Howden’s practice primarily revolves around transactional law, with a particular emphasis on real estate and government transactions. He specializes in providing expert counsel to municipalities and counties, assisting them with various transactional matters such as land development, expansion projects, and procurement.

Before joining Jarrard and Davis, Ed gained experience as an Associate at a respected law firm in the Atlanta area, where he focused on eminent domain, corporate law, and commercial real estate transactions. His comprehensive background in these areas equips him with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate complex legal issues and deliver optimal outcomes for his clients.

Ed holds a Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law, where he served as a Managing Editor of the Emory International Law Review. During his time at Emory, he demonstrated a strong commitment to transactional law, earning a Transactional Law Certificate.

A native of Atlanta, Ed has a deep connection to the local community and is actively involved in staying abreast of the city’s vibrant developments. He takes great pleasure in exploring Atlanta’s many neighborhoods and is particularly interested in the latest advancements in cryptocurrency and decentralized finance.

Ed is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is licensed to practice in all Georgia state and superior courts, as well as the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Northern District of Georgia.

ehowden@jarrard-davis.com

Brittany Taylor’s practice area encompasses various aspects of local government law, with a focus on compliance with Georgia’s Open Records Act, general litigation, code enforcement, and providing counsel to municipalities and counties. Ms. Taylor received her Juris Doctor from Charleston School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Georgia College & State University. Prior to joining Jarrard & Davis, Ms. Taylor practiced at a general civil litigation firm where she specialized in the areas of local government law and real estate law. Ms. Taylor is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is admitted to practice in all state and superior courts in Georgia and the Northern District of Georgia.

btaylor@jarrard-davis.com

Megan DiNatale’s practice areas encompass various aspects of local government law, with a particular focus on contract review and drafting, policy, bylaws, and ordinance drafting, employment issues, and providing counsel to municipalities and counties. Her practice also includes Open Records Act compliance and code enforcement. Ms. DiNatale received her Bachelor of Arts in History from Young Harris College.  She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law.  Prior to joining Jarrard & Davis, she worked in general civil practice handling a variety of cases with a focus primarily on real estate, business, and employment issues.  Ms. DiNatale is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is admitted to practice in all state and superior courts in Georgia, and the Northern District of Georgia.

mdinatale@jarrard-davis.com

About Us

It’s true of all things. The more you do them, the better you become. It’s a simple premise that has proven refreshingly true in today’s complex society. At Jarrard & Davis, you’ll find a single-minded focus. A practice that is dedicated to government.

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At Jarrard & Davis, we are honored to serve our public servants.

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Jarrard & Davis, LLP
222 Webb Street
Cumming, Georgia 30040
Office: 678.455.7150
Fax: 678.455.7149