Adjusting the Automobile Injury Claim Lecturer, “Rule 68 Offers of Judgement”
“Police Pursuits and the New Motor Vehicle Torts Act”
“Update on 42 U.S.C. $1983 – Supreme Court and 11th Circuit Cases”
“Inmate Litigation”
“Policy Liability for False Advertising, False Imprisonment and Malicious Prosecution”
“Borrowed Servant and Fellow Servant Doctrine” GA, Co-Speaker
80% – Public Sector Litigation: Civil Rights
10% – Business Litigation
10% – Personal Injury
In Memoriam – Harvey S. Gray (1951–2024)
It is with profound sadness that we honor the memory of Harvey S. Gray, a founding partner of our firm and a pillar of Georgia’s legal community. Harvey was a preeminent advocate in constitutional law and civil rights defense, dedicating his 41-year career to representing Georgia cities, counties, police chiefs, sheriffs, and other public officials in complex civil rights litigation.
Harvey’s work touched every corner of constitutional and civil rights law, including cases involving excessive force, false arrest, police shootings, and vehicle pursuits. He served as conflict counsel for the State of Georgia and was recognized by his peers with an “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the profession’s highest honor. Harvey was also named to Georgia Super Lawyers every year from 2002 until his passing.
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Harvey graduated from Savannah High School in 1968. He earned his B.S. from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1972, cum laude, and his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1976, cum laude, finishing third in his class.
Harvey began his legal career at Smith, Cohen, Ringel, Kohler and Martin before becoming a founding partner at Fortson and White. In 1999, he helped establish our firm, where his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to clients set the foundation for everything we do.
Outside of the courtroom, Harvey was known for his love of music, often playing his guitar and writing songs for those close to him. He also found great joy in golfing, fishing, poker, and traveling with his many dear friends.
Harvey passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his lifetime partner, Beth Ann Ehrlich Taratoot; his sons, Jordan and Warren Gray; daughters-in-law, Ashley Mastin and Anna Griffith Gray; and grandchildren, Lane, Brett, Walter, and Hazel.
His impact on our firm and the broader legal community is immeasurable. Harvey’s legacy of service, excellence, and integrity will continue to inspire us, and he will be deeply missed.
Mr. Gray’s diverse trial practice over the past forty-one (41) years has included a particularly heavy concentration on litigation within the public sector. As such, he regularly represents Georgia Cities and Counties, Housing Authorities, City Councilman, County Commissioners, Police Chiefs, Police Officers, County Sheriffs, Sheriff’s Deputies, Road Superintendents, Wardens and other local Governmental Employees and Agencies. Mr. Gray also serves as conflict counsel for the State of Georgia and, in this regard, represents employees of the state in litigation matters alleging violations of civil rights. The cases in which he is routinely involved in this area of practice include a variety of legal issues related to our federal and state constitutions, civil rights, excessive force, false arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, police shootings and vehicle pursuits. Mr. Gray is rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating afforded to lawyers by their peers. He has also listed among Georgia Super Lawyers in Atlanta Magazine from 2002 to date.
University of Georgia School of Law
Athens, Georgia
1976 J.D.
Honors:
Cum Laude
Order of the Coif
Law Review:
Georgia Law Review, Member, 1973 – 1975
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
1972 B.S.
Honors: Cum Laude
Major: General Management
Fraternities
Phi Kappa Phi
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Bar Admissions
1990 | Georgia
1990 | Georgia, 1990
1990 | Georgia Court of Appeals
1994 | U.S. District Court
2003 | Supreme Court of Georgia
2005 | U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
