Our History

Ballard Law Office has served Fayette County for three generations. While we have a long and proud history, we are not resting on our laurels. Each and every day, we evaluate what we can do to achieve best possible results the law allows. If you are looking for a firm that will treat you with respect, will explore innovative solutions to your problem, and will work tirelessly on your case, then give us a call.

A Family Tradition of Excellence

Our Story

The Ballard family first arrived in Fayette County in the 1800s. 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.

William’s 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 has incorporated many of our community’s churches, 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 pursued his life-long dream: he joined Ballard Law Office and practiced law with his dad. 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. Like his father, he earned an AV-Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Scott left Ballard Law Office in 2005 after being elected District Attorney for the Griffin Judicial Circuit, which includes Fayette, Pike, Spalding, and Upson Counties.. As District Attorney, Scott deftly handled several high profile cases that made international news. In 2017, Scott was elected Superior Court Judge for the Griffin Judicial Circuit.

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 immigration, magistrate and juvenile court judges in Georgia and elsewhere.

Charles Ballard welcomed his grandson, David S. Ballard, to Ballard Law Office in 2014. David, a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, practiced law with his grandfather and kept the office in operation following Charles Ballard’s passing in 2019. Over the years, David expanded the practice, adding talented new attorneys and support staff to the firm.

Ballard Law Office has a long and proud history. The attorneys at Ballard Law Office are not, however, content to simply rest on the firm’s laurels. With a continued dedication to providing our client’s the best possible service and representation, Ballard Law Office looks towards an even brighter future.