On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Supreme Court of Georgia granted attorney Joel David Myers’ application for certification of fitness to practice law.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Joel David Myers” with case number S24Z0598.

Myers was originally admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1998 and worked at his own law firm until 2009. In 2014 and 2015 he received two notices of discipline from the State Bar of Georgia alleging violations of various rules of professional conduct related to interactions with two clients. Because Myers failed to timely reject the notices, he was found in default and the alleged facts were deemed admitted. The Supreme Court of Georgia subsequently disbarred Myers in 2015.

Asserting his disbarment was due to untreated depression brought on by significant stressors in his life, Myers applied for readmission to the bar. He explained to the Board to Determine Fitness of Bar Applicants how his depression led to the behavior that caused his disbarment. Myers also took full responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse.

In support of his application, Myers provided letters of recommendation from current employers attesting to his good character. He also reached out to one former client involved in his disbarment case to offer full restitution, though the client declined. After conducting an investigation and holding a conference where Myers testified, the Fitness Board determined he had shown clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation and recommended readmitting him.

The Supreme Court deferred to the Fitness Board’s determination. In its decision, the Court found Myers had satisfied all requirements for certification of fitness under the Rules Governing Admission. Provided Myers takes and passes the Georgia Bar Exam, he will be readmitted as a licensed attorney in the state.

According to Avvo, Mr. Myers is an intellectual property attorney in Marietta, Georgia. He graduated from the University of South Carolina. He obtained his law license in Georgia in 1998.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.