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LAW: Experience, Expertise and Excellence Make the Difference

For over four decades, Claude “Mickey” Kicklighter, Jr. has dedicated his career to serving his clients with skill and determination. Mickey’s sincere care for his clients has earned him an outstanding reputation both in and out of the courtroom.

“We represent our clients fully and carefully to get a successful resolution for them,” he states.

Mickey been privileged to work alongside his wife Kim – the firm’s chief financial officer for a long time. He felt especially honored when his daughter Kelsey Kicklighter Bartlett joined the firm. Mickey’s extensive experience combined with Kelsey’s fresh approach and energy have proven to be a winning formula.

Mickey Kicklighter

Mickey began his career as an assistant district attorney before becoming chief assistant district attorney for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit, which is responsible for prosecuting felony criminal cases. He gained insight working on the plaintiff side, especially on personal injury cases, and the defense side, representing clients faced with various claims; thus, he has amassed a plethora of experience.

“I’ve had [over] 75 jury trials and hundreds and hundreds of bench trials. Our firm goes to court; a lot of firms don’t,” Mickey notes.

Kelsey Kicklighter Bartlett

Kelsey was raised in Rincon. She and her husband Trey are the proud parents of Beau, their precious seven-monthold son. After practicing law for five years, Kelsey joined the firm this past September. She, too, attended Mercer University. She initially sought a career in psychology, however, the summer following her senior year changed her plans.

“I interned at an inpatient psychiatric facility. I felt there was a ‘revolving door’ aspect of care given to those suffering from severe mental illness. After that experience, my college advisor suggested I think about law school. I decided to take the LSAT,” Kelsey says.

Besides obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology, she attended the Mercer School of Law, graduating cum laude with her Juris Doctorate.

Kelsey brought extensive defense experience to Kicklighter Law, as she had represented businesses and insurance companies in numerous personal injury cases. Kelsey currently focuses on representing plaintiffs’ wrongful death cases and handling serious personal injury cases – those involving medical malpractice, premises liability, defamation, government liability, etc.

Kelsey has co-authored several legal publications. In 2021, she was granted the Bert Hummel Award by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia.

Experts & Expertise

Mickey appreciates his team, which includes another attorney – Brian “BJ” Fussell, Jr.

“We have two good, young attorneys. It’s fun chatting about cases and strategizing,” Mickey comments.

Kelsey feels that BJ is an “integral part of the team.”

“Being able to work with him and learn from him is enriching,” Kelsey remarks.

The team also includes three paralegals: Mandy Hargrove, senior paralegal, along with Lisa Reeves and Colleen Eddy; Anna Bragg is the firm’s legal assistant.

“All the members of the team work hard for our clients. I am thankful that the whole team has made me feel welcome,” Kelsey states.

Kicklighter Law handles civil and criminal litigation, specializing in personal injury cases. Whether car accidents or medical malpractice claims, Kicklighter is committed to delivering optimal results. The firm handles construction litigation, including on-thejob injuries and compensation disputes, and provides assistance in both family law and criminal law cases.

Commitment to their profession and to family.

Mickey and Kelsey enjoy practicing together; they are committed to maintaining the firm’s great culture.

“I get to learn from the man who I credit, along with my mother, for me being where I am today. My father cares for his clients, friends and family while putting God first. My mother has taught me to be a shoulder for others, a listening ear and a warm hug,” she says.

As the team persists to provide their clients “caring, comprehensive and personalized legal services,” Mickey and Kelsey are a testament to the power of family and the joy that can come from working together.

awrence Martin’s path to entrepreneurship has been nothing short of phenomenal. Lawrence, the owner of SunHaven Outdoors, is a retired law enforcement officer, serving his community for nearly 25 years, retiring only after experiencing circumstances that changed the trajectory of his life.

A Life of Service and Perseverance

While apprehending an offender years ago, Lawrence’s neck and lower back were severely injured. He endured a couple of neck surgeries, including a partial neck fusion, along with nerve damage repair.

Upon completing therapy, the officer was anxious to go back to work. About a year later, a second field-related injury made conditions worse. Surgeons then wanted to perform a full neck fusion. Lawrence was informed of the possibility of neck paralysis if the second surgery was performed; physicians were unsure if he would be able to walk again following the procedure.

However, if the corrective surgery was an overall success, they still doubted that he would live a life free of the pain. He refused to take those risks. Lawrence underwent extensive rehab and defied all the odds. Though he has endured the pain associated with the injury, Lawrence feels blessed to have the ability to walk around each day.

“I still wanted the opportunity to walk and move. The benefits of not doing the surgery outweighed the benefits of doing it,” he says.

Understanding the physical risks of going back to his regular job as a law enforcement officer, doctors refused to release Lawrence to work in the field again. Though he was not prepared to leave the career he loved, he was compelled to retire early.

Lawrence has endured the pain of his injuries for a long time, but he is still thankful for every blessing in his life.

“It has changed me for the better. I thank the Lord that I can get up and walk every morning. I didn’t look at life as brittle. It opened my eyes to how much we take for granted. We should be thankful for what the Lord has given us each day. I have a new perspective on life—I’m grateful for the big things, like my family, but also the little things. I’m blessed to be able to walk or even eat and brush my teeth on my own,” he says.

Prior to his service as an officer of the law,

Lawrence served as a youth minister at his church; he enjoyed being involved in ministry.

“I loved it. I’m involved in the church to this day. I just felt that law enforcement was my calling. It was something I was always interested in. It gave me an additional opportunity to help people. I think I inherited that caring and giving nature from my mom and dad. I’d like to think that I’ve passed it on to my two sons as well,” Lawrence says.

Lawrence’s two sons—Matthew and Jamison—followed in his footsteps. His youngest, Jamison, is involved in ministry while Matthew is a police officer.

“Both my boys have big hearts, and they love helping people,” Lawrence says.

It is a Family Affair

Lawrence opened the doors to his family business SunHaven Outdoors this past October. SunHaven is an all-in-one outdoor store.

Lawrence and his family are proud to be an asset to their community. His wife Raina has championed his efforts from day one.

“My wife has embraced it. She has supported me 100% through it all,” he says.

Matthew and Jamison were two of his biggest supporters.

Lawrence takes pride in working alongside them both. He also appreciates having the assistance of his two daughtersin-law: Madison (Matthew’s wife) and Rebekah (Jamison’s wife). He is grateful for all the tireless efforts of his brother and his sister-in-law: Bernie and Kimberly Sheets.

Moreover, Lawrence is privileged that his nephew Ashley Sheets, a marketing professional, is part of the SunHaven team; Ashley leads all marketing initiatives and designed the company’s logo.

In addition, Lawrence is a proud granddad whose only grandchild, his little granddaughter Moriah, is the real heart of the company. The two-year-old bundle of joy keeps everyone on their toes.

“She’s our #1 saleslady,” he jokes.

Lawrence and the whole SunHaven family loves her to pieces—it is certainly a family affair.

“My family is my number one inspiration. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and there’s no way we would be here without everybody working together,” he adds.

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