John Parra/Getty Images for Audacys Riptide Music Festiva
How I’m Embracing My New Role A New Chapter in Legal Leadership I’m truly honored and beyond excited to share some personal news with you all — I have been elected to the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors, representing the Atlanta circuit! This role is not something I take lightly, as it places me within the governing body of our State Bar, which helps shape law practice across Georgia. Being elected to this position is something I never imagined when I started my journey in law. Honestly, I don’t see myself on the same level as the other board members! Each member brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the table. But here I am, grateful and eager to contribute to such an incredible group of professionals. Running for this position was an entirely new experience — it was my first time campaigning for an election. Honestly, I was surprised that I enjoyed the entire process! It was full of ongoing learning and engaging discussions with peers deeply committed to the legal profession. Knowing that as long as I continue to serve well, I’ll be up for reelection keeps me motivated to make a meaningful impact. My main hope as a member of the Board of Governors is to help elevate personal injury lawyers’ reputations and advocate for the common good. We often face stereotypes that don’t reflect the dedication and integrity that so many in our field exhibit. I see this new role as an opportunity to change these misconceptions and uplift the legal community. I am particularly appreciative of the diversity within the board — it’s composed of members from various parts of Georgia, encompassing a broad range of perspectives and areas of practice. This diversity enriches our discussions and decisions, ensuring that we consider the needs of all who practice law in our state, regardless of their location or specialty. Looking forward, I am excited about what we can accomplish together. Being part of the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors allows me to give back to the profession that has given me so much and ensure that we, as lawyers, continue to uphold the highest standards of justice and community service.
The War of the Jelly Rolls
Band Battles in Court
Country singer and rapper Jelly Roll has risen to fame in recent years, winning Best New Artist honors at the 2023 Grammy Awards. But Jelly Roll has run into some unlikely opposition on the way to the top — from Jellyroll. You read that right. A Pennsylvania band called Jellyroll is suing Jelly Roll over charges that the famous entertainer violated the band’s trademark. The band Jellyroll claims in court papers to have performed at various celebrations and charitable events for more than 40 years, including an appearance at the White House during the presidency of George W. Bush. Jellyroll claims to have begun using the name in the 1980s, before Jelly Roll, whose birth name is Jason Bradley DeFord, was even born. Jelly Roll says his mother gave him his stage name as a young child. Now that Jelly Roll has risen to fame, members of Jellyroll say they must work much harder to be discovered for performance opportunities. According to court papers, Jelly Roll surfaces 18–20 times in internet search rankings before any user even sees a first mention of the Pennsylvania dance band. Other famous bands have clashed in trademark disputes. Original members of The Beach Boys sued each other over the use of their iconic band’s name after they split up, although they eventually settled the dispute. Members of the rock band Van Halen sued one member’s ex-wife, who had taken and kept her ex-husband’s surname, for using the band’s name for her interior design company. (The ex-wife eventually prevailed.) In another case, The Stone Temple Pilots and their former lead singer sued and countersued each other over alleged misappropriation of the band’s trademarked name. In the battle of the jelly rolls, Jellyroll is seeking to force Jelly Roll to change his name. Meanwhile, Jelly Roll has gone on a concert tour and is no doubt soaring even further past Jellyroll in web searches. Mandy Kay Schendel, a Seattle area influencer and public relations specialist, described the situation on TikTok as the most unique trademark battle she has seen. “This lawsuit is honestly very dramatic,” she says, “and I love it.”
Thank you to everyone who supported me through this journey. I am ready to work hard, learn, and contribute to the future of our profession in Georgia.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cellphone is 404.409.3160.)
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