Description:

On July 1, 2007, the law firms of Whelchel & Dunlap, LLP and Carey, Jarrard & Walker, LLP merged to create Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard & Walker, LLP – a firm that boasts some of Georgia's most experienced attorneys.

Whelchel & Dunlap was the oldest group of north Georgia attorneys in Gainesville, dating back over 130 years to when Samuel C. Dunlap, an attorney active in the early development of Gainesville, began his practice. The firm became a partnership with the addition of Samuel C. Dunlap, Jr. in 1902, and grew again in 1914 when Edgar B. Dunlap, another son of Samuel C. Dunlap, joined the firm. In 1942, Edgar Dunlap’s cousin, Pinckney Whelchel, became a partner, and Edgar Dunlap’s son, James A. Dunlap, joined the firm. In 1949, William Gignilliat became associated with the firm and upon his promotion to partner in 1960, the firm name changed to Whelchel, Dunlap & Gignilliat. The firm name reverted back to Whelchel & Dunlap when William Gignilliat retired in the mid-1990s.

Carey, Jarrard & Walker was formed in 1990 when Jack Carey and Chris Walker joined forces with Nathan Deal and Tom Jarrard. Nathan Deal practiced with the firm until he was elected to the United States Congress in 1992, while Jack Carey practiced with the firm until his retirement on June 30, 2007. The firm lost one of its founding and most beloved partners in March 2007 upon the passing of Tom Jarrard. Including Tom’s name in the new firm is a tribute to Tom and his family.