HON. JOHN W. SOGNIER
EDUCATION: Catholic University, School of Law (formerly Columbus University), 1942; Emory University Law School, LL.M, Taxation, 1994.
BAR ADMISSION: 1946
LEGAL EMPLOYMENT & EXPERIENCE: As a judge on the Court of Appeals of Georgia from 1980 to 1992, Chief Judge Sognier has heard and written opinions in cases that encompass all areas of the law. With nearly 35 years of experience as an attorney in Savannah firm of Kennedy & Sognier, he has a broad background as a trial attorney with specialties in particular areas of law. In addition to his private practice, Chief Judge Sognier's career includes public service in the General Assembly of Georgia. He also served as Chatham County Registrar and as County Attorney for Chatham County.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: State Bar of Georgia and American Bar Association, (Fellow); Atlanta Lawyers Club; Savannah Bar Association; Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Former Member: Judicial Council of Georgia, Institute of Continuing Judicial Education; Member and Chairman of the Georgia Board of Bar Examiners from 1974-1979; member of Fitness Committee of the State Bar of Georgia from 1978-1980; member of Board Directors of the Atlantic Bank & Trust Company, Savannah.
MEDIATION/ARBITRATION TRAINING: Judicial arbitration and mediation classes conducted on two separate occasions. Appellate Settlement Judge for two years. As a trial lawyer, Chief Judge Sognier developed specialties in the areas of government, banking, tax, business, insurance, condemnations, personal injury and communications; as an arbitrator and mediator, additional experience has been developed in employment and construction.
ESTIMATED NUMBER OF CASES HANDLED: Appellate Settlement cases 25; Arbitration & Mediation 350+
AREAS OF EXPERIENCE: Personal Injury; Condemnations; Business Law; Insurance; Labor/Employment; Construction; Premises Liability; Communications; Areas of Government; Banking; Tax