Swift Currie Continues Growth With Addition of 6 Attorneys in Atlanta

10.07.2020

Headshots of Diego Cardenas, Erik Johnson, Dakota Knehans, Heather Obelgoner, Taylor Orgeron and Collin SmithSwift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP, announces the addition of six new attorneys in the firm’s Atlanta office. The addition includes attorneys Diego Cardenas, Erik Johnson, Dakota Knehans, Heather Obelgoner, Taylor Orgeron and Collin Smith.  

“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue welcoming talented attorneys like Diego, Erik, Dakota, Heather, Taylor and Collin to our firm,” said Terry Brantley, the firm’s managing partner. “As our clients continue navigating these unprecedented times and the uncertainty ahead, we’re committing to continue strengthening our firm’s capabilities to ensure our clients have the legal support and level of service to succeed.”

Diego Cardenas joins Swift Currie’s coverage and commercial litigation section. Prior, Cardenas was an attorney at an Atlanta-area law firm, where he managed significant caseloads, including general liability and insurance coverage matters from inception through resolution. He has experience evaluating liability positions, reviewing insurance policies for coverage opinions and contractor agreements for tender opinions. Cardenas earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his law degree from Mercer University School of Law.

Erik Johnson joins the firm’s coverage and commercial litigation section, representing national insurance carriers and their insureds in first-party property and third-party liability claims. Johnson has experience handling complex federal and state civil cases involving insurance defense, defending both individuals and corporations in transportation, construction, paratransit, employment matters, intentional torts, premises liability, products liability, general casualty matters and general insurance coverage issues. Additionally, Johnson has successfully litigated civil district court matters and motions hearings involving motor vehicle accidents and premises liability. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and his law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Dakota Knehans joins Swift Currie’s litigation section, focusing on automobile litigation, insurance coverage and products liability. Previously, Knehans served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable William A. McKinnon and worked closely with him on both criminal and civil matters. She is experienced in drafting proposed orders, motions and various discovery items. Knehans earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South Carolina.

Heather Obelgoner joins the firm’s coverage and commercial litigation practice. She previously served as a law clerk at the Supreme Court of Georgia, where she worked hand-in-hand with the Justice on civil and criminal matters to analyze parties’ arguments and draft opinions interpreting and applying both state and federal law. Obelgoner earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and law degree from Georgia State University College of Law. During law school, she also served as a judicial intern at the Supreme Court of Georgia for Justice Carol W. Hunstein and the Court of Appeals of Georgia for Presiding Judge Stephen L.A. Dillard.

Taylor Orgeron joins the firm’s litigation section, with an emphasis on automobile, construction, trucking and premises liability litigation. Prior to joining Swift Currie, he developed a background in lobbying and government policy working at the Georgia General Assembly, performing policy work for the Majority Leader’s Office, as well as the House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs and House Natural Resources & Environment committees. Orgeron graduated with his undergraduate degree from Georgia College and State University and law degree from Mercer University School of Law.

Collin Smith joins Swift Currie, defending insurance companies and business entities in claims related to insurance coverage and commercial litigation. Previously, he served as a judicial law clerk for the Supreme Court of Georgia, where he advised the Honorable Michael P. Boggs on numerous appellate matters and helped write published opinions. Smith also served as a staff attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, advising federal judges as to the disposition of numerous appeals, including federal civil rights and employment discrimination matters. Smith received his undergraduate degree from Aurora University and law degree from DePaul University College of Law.

About Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP

Based on more than 50 years of representing clients in Georgia, Alabama and throughout the country, Swift, Currie, McGhee & Hiers, LLP, has evolved into a law firm capable of handling all areas of civil law and litigation. With over 160 attorneys, Swift Currie possesses the resources and abilities to tackle the most complex legal problems, while at the same time, providing its clients with individualized, prompt and cost-effective service. The firm has a wealth of experience across numerous practice areas and its depth of legal talent allows the firm to tailor such strengths to individual cases. For more information, please visit swiftcurrie.com.

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