IN THE PROFESSION
The Legal Minute – Atlanta Bar’ s Unsung Heroes
Welcome to what I hope will be the first of many The Legal Minute articles in the Atlanta Lawyer Magazine. This month’ s theme is Unsung Heros. That is a great place to start. In Georgia, we have a deep bench of talent. In the future the intent will be to address significant things happening in the law and issues that may be of interest to many lawyers. As my practice is civil litigation with a heavy concentration on business litigation, this section will often focus on civil litigation.
There is a reason why there are lawyer jokes. Some lawyers just make it so easy. But, on the other end of the spectrum, lawyers do some truly amazing things. Often, anonymously. Often without compensation. Occasionally at significant risk to their own wellbeing.
If we are going to consider unsung heroes, it makes sense to, first, define a hero. Merriam Webster provides several definitions, including:
A. A mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability; B. An illustrious warrior or soldier; C. A person who shows great courage; and D. A person admired for achievements and noble qualities.
Maybe those definitions fail to completely capture the essence of a hero. For example, a single parent working several jobs to make sure the kids can attend college is a hero. A person who quietly donates money on a regular basis to a favorite charitable endeavor is a hero. First responders who run in when others run away are heroes. And lawyers who take on unpopular cases and causes could also be considered heroes.
Considering the above, who are some unsung lawyer heroes? I have been blessed to know and know of a few. I take this opportunity to write about some of them.
For years, I have been honored to chair The Atlanta Legal Run Around 5k Road Race. That race was started by Charles“ Charlie” Milton Shaffer, Jr. Mr. Shaffer was an exceptional person, both academically and athletically. Mr. Shaffer practiced law at King and Spalding for 35 years. Next, Mr. Shaffer was President and CEO of The Marcus Institute center for children with developmental disabilities. Mr. Shaffer then became the Westminster School VP for Institutional Advancement where he helped the school to exceed its $ 100 million capital campaign. In 1980, Mr. Shaffer became president of the Atlanta Bar Association. Many will recall that between 1979 and 1981, 29 African- American Children and teens were kidnapped and murdered. The Atlanta Police Department was sharply criticized for its inability to solve the crimes more quickly. Mr. Shaffer saw the need to help, and he started The
14 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025