Jessica Gardner - Columbus, GA

Jessie Gardner is originally from San Diego, California, but as a military brat, she has lived in six states and spent her high school years in both Germany and South Korea. Jessie received her Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability with a Certificate in Public Law from San Diego State University in 2021. She then attended the University of Oregon, where she obtained her J.D. with a Green Business Law Concentration and Pro Bono Honors in 2024. While at UO, Jessie acted as Articles Editor for the Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation, for which she also received the Distinguished Service Award. Additionally, Jessie served as an Energy Law and Policy Project Fellow, Co-Director of UO’s environmental law society, Land Air Water, and Co-Director of the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC)—the world’s oldest and largest conference of its kind. She also worked as a Certified Law Clerk for the California Attorney General’s Office in the Criminal Appeals, Writs, and Trials Section, for which she successfully secured affirmance of a trial court ruling after presenting oral argument before the 4th District California Court of Appeal.

Jessie focuses her practice primarily on personal injury litigation and wrongful death actions, as well as matters involving the defense of large governmental entities throughout Georgia, therefore representing both plaintiffs and defendants across a wide variety of claims. With experience on both sides of the courtroom, Jessie brings a balanced, strategic perspective to each case, whether advocating for injured clients seeking rightful compensation or defending businesses, individuals, and insurers against complex civil liability claims. She has successfully briefed and argued dispositive motions in personal injury defense matters by presenting clear and compelling arguments on behalf of her clients and ultimately securing the dismissal of claims against them through effective courtroom advocacy.

Jessie also serves as lead defense counsel in various federal civil rights actions brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, managing all aspects of the defense, including motions practice, discovery, and strategic case development in court. Her experience includes analyzing multifaceted factual records, developing dispositive motions, and advocating for clients in high-stakes federal litigation. Driven by a strong work ethic and attention to detail, Jessie prioritizes clear communication and practical legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.

Outside of work, Jessie loves to travel and has visited over thirty countries. She also enjoys reading fiction books, running, cheering on her Oregon Ducks and San Diego Padres, and spending time with family and friends.