William Joseph Sheppard

Overview Bill Sheppards practice has traditionally involved a combination of litigation and transactional work. His primary focus is on construction, environmental, real estate and banking matters, but he has broad experience in other areas of the law. Bill has represented owners, contractors, and subcontractors in litigated matters arising from construction projects in state and federal courts and before arbitration panels. He has negotiated hundreds of contracts relating to real estate development, including construction and design contracts using the AIA and Consensus Docs suite of instruments. He provided advice in connection with establishing and renegotiating credit facilities for operating companies. Bill also provided advice on due diligence on environmental and construction matters associated with the acquisition, development, and financing of real estate and manufacturing/industrial facilities. Education & Admissions Education Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law, J. D., cum laude, 1992 - Member, Mercer Moot Court Board - Member, Mercer Law Review Emory University, B. A., 1986 Admissions Georgia Georgia Supreme Court Georgia Court of Appeals U. S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia U. S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan U. S. District Court, Western District of Michigan U. S. District Court, Southern District of Texas U. S. District Court, District of North Dakota U. S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit U. S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit Representative Experience Currently represent general contractor in disputes with owner of mixed use development. Currently represent adopted children in action to establish rights under several family trusts. Currently represent lender in action to recover closing trust funds that were misappropriated after real estate loan closing. Currently represent individual owner of a condominium in claims based on negligent construction and creation and maintenance of a nuisance. Currently represent general contractor in defense of claims and assertion of counterclaim against subcontractor for delay and defective work in mid-rise mixed-use development in Savannah, Georgia. Currently represent design/build/operate contractor of a fertilizer manufacturing facility in claims against owner for breach of contract. Represented a vendor in action against a public hospital system in bringing claims based on improper procurement procedures and failure to comply with the Georgia Open Records Act. Represented car dealership and principal of company in unfair business practices litigation in two parallel actions pending in federal court California and state court in Georgia. Represented defendants in an action based on trespass and conversion of timber. Represented purchaser of membership interests in closely held limited liability company in claims against seller. Practices & Industries Corporate Transactions Environmental and Toxic Tort Healthcare Product Liability Professional Liability Real Estate Awards & Recognition The Best Lawyers in America , Construction Law, 2023-2026 Chambers USA: Americas Leading Lawyers for Business, Environmental Law, 2009 News & Publications 07.07.2023 WWHGD Legal AlertGeorgia Supreme Court Provides Guidance for Parties Involved in Premises Liability Cases.