A well-known Gainesville law firm, in business for more than 130 years, is closing at the end of September.
Officials with Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard and Walker, located on Washington Street, said in a news release Thursday the firm will permanently shutter on Sept. 30, and some of the firms lawyers are moving to other firms.
No reason was given for why the firm is closing.
"It has been enormously rewarding to be a part of this firm and to practice alongside some legal giants in this community." said Madeline Wirt, a long-time partner who joined the firm in 1989 after practicing with King & Spalding in Atlanta. "Those legal giants have mentored many a young lawyer who continue to practice all over Georgia. The ripple effect of this training is indeed profound.”
Wirt, Chris Walker and Kas Lawson will join another prominent Gainesville firm, Hulsey, Oliver & Mahar. David Dickinson, a partner in the firm, will open his own law office, focusing on general and personal injury litigation. Partner Lucy Henry has decided to return to school to pursue a master's degree with an eye toward teaching.
Longtime partner Edgar Dunlap will retire after a career spanning over four decades.
Whelchel & Dunlap was the oldest group of north Georgia attorneys in Gainesville, dating back to 1883, when Samuel C. Dunlap, an attorney who was actively involved in the development of Gainesville, began his practice, according to information on the law firm's website. Two sons later joined the firm, Samuel C. Dunlap Jr., in 1902, and Edgar Dunlap in 1914. Edgar Dunlap's cousin, Pickney Whelchel became a partner in 1942. In 1949, William Gignilliat became joined the firm and became a partner in 1960.
In 1990, Jack Carey and Chris Walker joined forces with Nathan Deal and Tom Jarrard to form Carey, Jarrard & Walker. Deal practiced with the firm until his election to Congress in 1992. When Tom Jarrard died in 2007, Whelchel & Dunlap and Carey, Jarrard & Walker merged to form the current firm.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/7/924474/whelchel-dunlap-jarrard-and-walker-closing-on-sept-30