A Long Tradition of Excellence

The Ballard family first arrived in Fayette County in the 1700s. William Joseph Ballard was the first member of the family to find the law as a calling. Born in 1892 in the farming community of Woolsey as the youngest of six children, William Ballard became Fayette County’s sheriff in 1943 following his service as a deputy sheriff. His son, Charles T. Ballard, knew from an early age he wanted to become a lawyer. Growing up in the shadow of the old Fayette County jail put him in contact with Fayetteville’s local attorneys, whom he respected and admired. Charles knew he wanted to become an attorney so he could help people in his community.

After graduating from the University of Georgia School of Law, Charles started his legal career as judge advocate at Fort Benning’s Center Troop Command. In 1961, Charles returned to Fayette County and established Ballard Law Office at its current home in the heart of downtown Fayetteville. Charles quickly proved to be a successful litigator and trial lawyer capable of handling a wide variety of legal matters. He also played a vital role in the development of Fayette County in his capacity as county attorney, school board attorney, and counsel for a number of local municipalities. Charles also incorporated twenty-one churches in our community. And he has helped thousands of individuals and businesses resolve their legal issues.

Scott L. Ballard graduated from Fayette County High School in 1977 and continued on to the University of Georgia and the Florida State University College of Law. After graduating from law school in 1984, he joined Ballard Law Office. Over the course of two decades, Scott developed a reputation as being one of the best criminal defense attorneys in South Metro Atlanta as well as a skilled civil litigator. Scott left Ballard Law Office in 2004 after he was elected to serve as District Attorney for the Griffin Judicial Circuit, which includes Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties. In this capacity, he has skillfully handled several high profile cases that made international news. And he has assembled a team of outstanding attorneys who zealously fight for victims, prosecute felons, and protect the community.

During a long portion of Charles and Scott’s careers at Ballard Law Office, they had the pleasure of working with W.A. “Bud” Ballard, who served as Clerk of Court from 1966 to 2000. Charles and Scott also mentored law clerks who eventually became magistrate and juvenile court judges in Fayette County.

Charles Ballard welcomed his grandson, David S. Ballard, to Ballard Law Office in 2014. David graduated from Starr’s Mill High School in 2003 and then attended the University of Georgia. In 2007, David graduated from UGA with high honors and magna cum laude. He earned two bachelor degrees and a master’s degree in public administration. David then attended the University of Georgia School of Law and graduated cum laude in 2011. While at Georgia Law, David enjoyed considerable success as a moot court advocate and was  named Outstanding Moot Court Board Member.  He also served on the Executive Board for the Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law and was elected by his classmates to serve as the head of the school’s honor court.  The law school’s faculty and  students also selected David to receive the William King Meadow Award, which is given to the student who best represents the integrity, sense of responsibility, and high standards of the legal profession.

David started his career practicing bankruptcy law and continues to welcome the opportunity to help honest but unfortunate debtors obtain a fresh start in life.  At Ballard Law Office, David has expanded his practice to include DUI defense and civil litigation, including disputes involving probate, divorce, real estate, business, and personal injury.

Ballard Law Office has a long and proud history.  But Charles and David Ballard will not rest of the firm’s laurels.  Together, they will continue to strive to improve their clients’ lives by providing creative and effective solutions to their legal problems. 

David started his career practicing bankruptcy law and continues to welcome the opportunity to help honest but unfortunate debtors obtain a fresh start in life. At Ballard Law Office, David has expanded his practice to include DUI defense and civil litigation, including disputes involving probate, divorce, real estate, business, and personal injury.

Ballard Law Office has a long and proud history. But Charles and David Ballard will not rest of the firm’s laurels. Together, they will continue to strive to improve their clients’ lives by providing creative and effective solutions to their legal problems.