Carrie L. Christie
Biography
Carrie Christie is an AV-rated trial attorney with over 30 years of experience in representing, consulting with, and defending at trial some of America’s most loved brands. She serves as National Counsel for many well-recognized companies and has defended them in both state and federal court in more than 25 states, as well as in Puerto Rico.
Carrie has obtained summary judgment in numerous death and serious injury cases in which plaintiffs were seeking seven-to-eight-figure jury awards. She has precluded plaintiffs from presenting expert testimony, based on rigorous pre-trial cross examination and successful Daubert motions.
In admitted liability cases, Carrie has repeatedly secured verdicts well below that last-negotiated offer at mediation.
Carrie is a current faculty member of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy and serves as the only lawyer on the Board of the Restaurant Risk Management Summit, an industry-only forum that serves more than 150 brands for risk, safety, claims professionals, and general counsel.
Over the last 20 years, Carrie has been a speaker at annual meetings of numerous risk management and claims organizations, to include the National Restaurant Association, RIMS, Tort & Litigation Practice Group, and the Restaurant Roundtable. She has served as a consultant to numerous national and international brands, helping to create written safe alcohol service policies and procedures and defending them in catastrophic injury and death matters resulting from dram shop, premises liability and security, food borne illness, and construction defect claims.
Carrie represents trucking and construction companies, as well as major domestic and international airline companies, having obtained summary judgment in death claims under the Montreal Treaty and Warsaw Convention. She successfully defended the “completed and accepted” doctrine before the Georgia Supreme Court in a death case, upholding 100 years of legal precedent in the state.
Carrie represents religious and educational entities on a variety of issues ranging from First Amendment, to misconduct of clergy and staff, premises liability, and catastrophic injury.
Representative Case Results
- Mingo v. GPS Hospitality, LLC (Burger King franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 21EV000893 (March 2023) (granting summary judgment)
- McCampbell v. RTM Georgia (Arby’s Corp. franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 19-C-05444-S2 (Jan. & Feb. 2023) (granting five Daubert motions)
- Ward v. GPS Hospitality, LLC (Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 21-C-06194-S5 (Sept. 2022) (granting summary judgment)
- Duncan v. HOA Restaurant Holder, LLC, Civ. Act. No. 20-C-02007-S2 (July 2022) (Court of Appeals affirming summary judgment)
- Robinson v. DM Richardson Enterprises, LLC (Chick-fil-A franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 20A79808 (June 2022) (granting summary judgment)
- Henry v. Ashley Lipinski, Civ. Act. No. 21SCE0085-MH (June 2022) (granting summary judgment)
- Robinson v. Hurt & Hurt Restaurants (McDonald’s franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 2019CV0687 (May 2022) (granting summary judgment)
- McCampbell v. RTM Georgia (Arby’s Corp. franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 19-C-05444-S2 (April 2022) (granting partial summary judgment)
- Sagejova v. Pappas Restaurants, Inc., Civ. Act. No. 19-C-08385-S2 (Sept. 2021) (granting summary judgment)
- Smart v. Palmaccio Management Corp., No. A21A0705 (Ga. Ct. App. Aug. 13, 2021) (affirming summary judgment)
- Womac v. McDonald’s Restaurants of Georgia, No. A21A1028 (Ga. Ct. App. Aug. 12, 2021) (affirming summary judgment)
- Butler v. Apple Georgia, LLC (Applebee’s franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 19-C-07273-S5 (June 2021) (granting motion to strike Plaintiff’s Complaint)
- Greater Hall Temple Church of God v. Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company, Civ. Act. No. 2:17-cv-00111-LGW-RSB (S.D. Ga. April 2021) (defense verdict)
- Stern v. Pettis d/b/a Chick-fil-A of Tifton FSU (Chick-fil-A franchisee), 357 Ga. App. 78 (Ga. Ct. App. Aug. 20, 2020) (affirming summary judgment and Daubert exclusion)
- Phillips v. Arnold, Civ. Act. No. STCV1800134SA (July 2020) (granting partial summary judgment)
- Greater Hall Temple Church of God v. Southern Mut. Church Ins. Co., 820 Fed. Appx. 915 (11th Cir. 2020) (affirming triple Daubert exclusion)
- Lee v. Speedway SuperAmerica & Speedway LLC (Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corp. tender), Civ. Act. No. 17-CI-00144 (Circuit Court of Kentucky granting summary judgment)
- Bibbs et al. v. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al., 304 Ga. 68, 815 S.E.2d 850 (2018) (certified question answered: damages that a husband (on behalf of his wife who was in a coma) recovered or that were recoverable in an earlier personal injury lawsuit could not be recovered again in a wrongful death suit when the wife died twenty years later, having never awoken)
- Wilburn & Patricia Presley v. Jennifer Salter, Joseph Watson & Buffalo Rock Company, Civ. Act. No. 11CV-3922KV (Sept. 2017) (defense verdict)
- Susanne Clark v. Jonathan’s Fast Foods, LLC d/b/a McDonald’s Restaurants (McDonald’s franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 2016-CG-0645 (Aug. 2017) (granting summary judgment)
- Larose Brown and James Henry Brown v. Friendship Baptist Chapel, Trade Name of Friendship Baptist Church at Lake Sinclair, Inc., Civ. Act. No. STC-2016-00045 (April 2017) (granting summary judgment)
- Mary Favors v. The Sixth Episcopal District, Inc., Saint Paul African Methodist Church Macon, Inc., and Marques Brown, Civ. Act. No. 2014-A-52741E5 (2017) (granting summary judgment)
- Gaither v. Mandy Valdes dba Chick-fil-A (Chick-fil-A franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 15-A-39-2 (Sept. 2015) (granting summary judgment)
- Benjamin v. Airlines, Inc., 32. F. Supp. 3d 1309 (S.D. Ga. 2014) (granting summary judgment)
- McCormick v. Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (Civ. Act. No. 11EV013380F Jan. 2013) (granting summary judgment)
Seminars & Publications
- “Imagine a World Where…every person had a place to go and they drove drunk” Bluegrass Hospitality Group, Lexington, KY, September 2022
- “Large Loss Trends & Strategies,” Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Inspire Brands Headquarters, Atlanta, GA, May 2022
- “Dram Shop Strategies,” Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Inspire Brands Headquarters, Atlanta, GA, May 2022
- “Legal Update: Seven Steps For a Mask-Less Workplace; Joint Employer v. Independent Contractor,” Restaurant Risk Management Virtual Summit, June, 2021
- “What to Expect in Covid-19 Litigation: Direct and First Party Claims, Business Interruption, and Workers’ Compensation,” Restaurant Risk Management Virtual Summit,August 2020
- “Antibiotic Resistance in the Restaurant Industry,” 2018 Mid-Year Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN, October, 2018
- “#MeToo,”2018 Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Pizza Hut Headquarters, Plano, TX, May 2018
- “Electronic Evidence and Social Media: Understanding Social Media and Its Impact on the Judiciary,” Council of Juvenile Court Judges, Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, King & Prince Resort, St. Simons Island, Georgia, May 2018
- “Electronic Evidence and Social Media: Understanding Social Media and Its Impact on the Judiciary,” Council of Municipal Court Judges, Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, Savannah, Georgia, June 2018
- “Electronic Evidence and Social Media: Understanding Social Media and Its Impact on the Judiciary,” Council of Superior Court Judges, Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, King & Prince Resort, St. Simons Island, Georgia, July 2017
- “Defending Dram Shop Claims,”Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Louisville, Kentucky, June 2017
- “Franchisors-Navigating The Murky Waters of Franchisee Risks,”RIMS National Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 2017
- “Best Practices for Managing Brand Killing Claims,” Zaxby’s/Liberty Mutual Insurance Team Conference, Duluth, Georgia, March 2017
- “If You Build It, They Will Sue: Defending Construction Claims Presented as Personal Injury Suits,”McDonald’s Tort Litigation Practice Group Claims & Litigation Workshop, Chicago, Illinois, October 2016
- Annie Get Your Gun…Employment and Corporate Responsibility Weapons Policies,” Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Atlanta, August 2016
- “Being An American Icon: Hooters’ Responsible Alcohol Service,” 2016 Hooters National Convention, Las Vegas, July 2016
- “Bridging The Divide: Plaintiff And Defense Counsel, Ethics, Civility, and Mediation Summit,”American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Atlanta, May 2016
- “Phillips v. Harmon—The Tip Of The ESI Iceberg?” 2016 Atlanta RIMS Educational Conference, February 2016
- “Giving A Case Winning Closing,” and “How To Cross Examine an Expert,” Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy, Callaway Gardens, January, 2016
- “Managing A National Practice: Don’t Get Home-Cooked,” Institute of Continuing Education in Georgia,Atlanta Bar Association, Atlanta, GA, July 2015
- “What’s On The Menu For Restaurant Risk Management Claims?”Georgia Defense Lawyers’ Association Annual Meeting, Hammock Beach, FL, June 2015
- “Coffee Burns, Construction Claims, and Wet Floor Injuries—How To Prepare Against And Win The Most Common Claims In The Restaurant Industry,” Chick-fil-A, Inc.’s Spring Risk Management Conference, Atlanta, April, 2015
- “When Bad Stuff Happens: Best Practices For
Education & Bar Admissions
- J.D., Georgia State University College of Law, 1989
- Law Review, Georgia State University College of Law, 1987-1989
- B.S.W., cum laude, University of Georgia, 1982
- 1989 | Georgia State and Superior Courts
- 1989 | Georgia Court of Appeals
- 1989 | Supreme Court of Georgia
- 1989 | U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia
- 1989 | U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia
- 1989| U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
- 2015 | United States Supreme Court
- 2020 | U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia
Practice Areas
- Automobile & Trucking Liability
- Aviation
- Church & Religious Institutions Liability
- Construction Defect
- Coverage Disputes
- Dram Shop & Employment
- Environmental & Property Disputes
- Foodborne Illness
- Indemnity, Breach of Contract, & Third-Party Liability
- Insurance Company Defense
- Premises Liability & Security
- Toxic Tort
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Press
- First Post-COVID-19 Civil Trial in Georgia’s Southern District Lands Defense Win for Insurer, The Daily Report-April 2021
- Rutherford Christie Enjoys Successes, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2021
- Rutherford Christie Wins Summary Judgment in State Court and Two Dauberts in Federal Court, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2020
- Trial & Mediation Academy Continues to Train Leading Litigators, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2020
- Carrie Christie Named Chair of Georgia Defense Lawyers Trial Academy, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2018
- Rutherford Christie Win Defense Verdict, Two Summary Judgments, and Dismissal, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2017
- Carrie Christie Named Vice-Chair of Georgia Defense Lawyers Trial Academy, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2017
- Rutherford Christie Wins Summary Judgment In Federal Aviation Case, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2016
- Rutherford Christie Named Top 100 Diverse Businesses In Georgia, DiversityBusiness.com-2010
Pro Bono And Community
- Board Member, Georgia State College of Law Board of Visitors-current
- Board Member, House of Cherith-current
- Board Member, My Journey Matters-current
- Board Member, Restaurant Risk Management Summit-current
Opinions That Matter/Client Testimonials
Rutherford & Christie is one of the most talented firms with whom I have ever worked. I have been litigating insurance matters for over 26 years, so when I find talent, I recognize it. Nothing illustrates the confidence I have in this firm more than a defense verdict [obtained by Carrie Christie] awarded in a complex construction case involving paralysis. The firm has obtained summary judgment after summary judgment on numerous cases, which I value more than defense verdicts and which were upheld on appeal. I highly recommend this firm to anyone wishing to take a strong defense posture on their cases.
Vice President of Risk Management, National Insurance Brokerage
Rutherford & Christie demonstrate expert competence, a meticulous attention to detail, and unmatched skill and commitment… a true long-term partnership resulting in unparalleled success.
Workers’ Compensation Manager, Multi-state Self Insured Corporation
The firm of Rutherford & Christie [Carrie Christie] represented us in an action that was initiated against us for damages that were totally out of our control or ability to meet. The firm met the challenge with pristine business ethics and an extremely well-developed legal strategy. I have never encountered a firm that has been able to consistently maintain that high of a standard over the entire course of litigation. I will always be grateful to the firm for their representation and help.
Grammy Award Winning and International Recording Artist, following successful trial
Memberships & Affiliations
- Member, Board of Visitors, Georgia State University College of Law
- Faculty, Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy
- 2017-2019 Chair, Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy
- Board Member, House of Cherith
- Board Member, Restaurant Risk Management Summit
- Board Member, My Journey Matters
- Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certified
- National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firm (NAMWOLF)
- National Retail & Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA) –Annual Conference Planning Committee
- Georgia Association For Women Lawyers (GAWL)
- Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
- Foodservice Industry Risk Management Association (FIRMA)
- Lawyers Club of Atlanta
Representative Clients
- American Airlines, Inc.
- Applebee’s
- Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
- C.E.C. Entertainment, Inc. (Chuck E. Cheese’s)
- Chick-fil-A, Inc.
- Cleveland Group, Inc.
- CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries Inc.
- Dart Container/Solo Cup Corporation
- Dave & Buster’s, Inc.
- Diversified Maintenance Systems
- Flynn Restaurant Group
- Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc.
- Global Freight Systems Transport
- GPS Hospitality (Burger King/Popeyes)
- Guard Insurance
- Hooters of America, Inc.
- Inspire Brands/Arby’s
- Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation
- Liberty Mutual
- Liberty International
- Main Event Entertainment
- McDonald’s Corporation
- Nexeo Solutions
- Northland Insurance
- Pappas Restaurants, Inc.
- Phoenix Aviation Managers
- Pittman Construction Company, Inc.
- Primrose Schools
- Progressive Insurance Company
- Safeway Insurance Company
- Sedgwick CMS
- Southern Mutual Church Insurance Co.
- Specialty Claims Management
- Specialty Risk Services
- Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
- The Travelers Companies, Inc.
- Topgolf International, Inc.
- Watkins Associated Industries
- Wesley Apartment Homes
- Zaxby’s
- Zurich U.S.
Carrie L. Christie
- Email: clc@rclawllp.com
- Phone: (404) 522-0880
- Download vCard >
Biography
Carrie Christie is an AV-rated trial attorney with over 30 years of experience in representing, consulting with, and defending at trial some of America’s most loved brands. She serves as National Counsel for many well-recognized companies and has defended them in both state and federal court in more than 25 states, as well as in Puerto Rico.
Carrie has obtained summary judgment in numerous death and serious injury cases in which plaintiffs were seeking seven-to-eight-figure jury awards. She has precluded plaintiffs from presenting expert testimony, based on rigorous pre-trial cross examination and successful Daubert motions.
In admitted liability cases, Carrie has repeatedly secured verdicts well below that last-negotiated offer at mediation.
Carrie is a current faculty member of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy and serves as the only lawyer on the Board of the Restaurant Risk Management Summit, an industry-only forum that serves more than 150 brands for risk, safety, claims professionals, and general counsel.
Over the last 20 years, Carrie has been a speaker at annual meetings of numerous risk management and claims organizations, to include the National Restaurant Association, RIMS, Tort & Litigation Practice Group, and the Restaurant Roundtable. She has served as a consultant to numerous national and international brands, helping to create written safe alcohol service policies and procedures and defending them in catastrophic injury and death matters resulting from dram shop, premises liability and security, food borne illness, and construction defect claims.
Carrie represents trucking and construction companies, as well as major domestic and international airline companies, having obtained summary judgment in death claims under the Montreal Treaty and Warsaw Convention. She successfully defended the “completed and accepted” doctrine before the Georgia Supreme Court in a death case, upholding 100 years of legal precedent in the state.
Carrie represents religious and educational entities on a variety of issues ranging from First Amendment, to misconduct of clergy and staff, premises liability, and catastrophic injury.
Representative Case Results
- Mingo v. GPS Hospitality, LLC (Burger King franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 21EV000893 (March 2023) (granting summary judgment)
- McCampbell v. RTM Georgia (Arby’s Corp. franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 19-C-05444-S2 (Jan. & Feb. 2023) (granting five Daubert motions)
- Ward v. GPS Hospitality, LLC (Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 21-C-06194-S5 (Sept. 2022) (granting summary judgment)
- Duncan v. HOA Restaurant Holder, LLC, Civ. Act. No. 20-C-02007-S2 (July 2022) (Court of Appeals affirming summary judgment)
- Robinson v. DM Richardson Enterprises, LLC (Chick-fil-A franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 20A79808 (June 2022) (granting summary judgment)
- Henry v. Ashley Lipinski, Civ. Act. No. 21SCE0085-MH (June 2022) (granting summary judgment)
- Robinson v. Hurt & Hurt Restaurants (McDonald’s franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 2019CV0687 (May 2022) (granting summary judgment)
- McCampbell v. RTM Georgia (Arby’s Corp. franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 19-C-05444-S2 (April 2022) (granting partial summary judgment)
- Sagejova v. Pappas Restaurants, Inc., Civ. Act. No. 19-C-08385-S2 (Sept. 2021) (granting summary judgment)
- Smart v. Palmaccio Management Corp., No. A21A0705 (Ga. Ct. App. Aug. 13, 2021) (affirming summary judgment)
- Womac v. McDonald’s Restaurants of Georgia, No. A21A1028 (Ga. Ct. App. Aug. 12, 2021) (affirming summary judgment)
- Butler v. Apple Georgia, LLC (Applebee’s franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 19-C-07273-S5 (June 2021) (granting motion to strike Plaintiff’s Complaint)
- Greater Hall Temple Church of God v. Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company, Civ. Act. No. 2:17-cv-00111-LGW-RSB (S.D. Ga. April 2021) (defense verdict)
- Stern v. Pettis d/b/a Chick-fil-A of Tifton FSU (Chick-fil-A franchisee), 357 Ga. App. 78 (Ga. Ct. App. Aug. 20, 2020) (affirming summary judgment and Daubert exclusion)
- Phillips v. Arnold, Civ. Act. No. STCV1800134SA (July 2020) (granting partial summary judgment)
- Greater Hall Temple Church of God v. Southern Mut. Church Ins. Co., 820 Fed. Appx. 915 (11th Cir. 2020) (affirming triple Daubert exclusion)
- Lee v. Speedway SuperAmerica & Speedway LLC (Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corp. tender), Civ. Act. No. 17-CI-00144 (Circuit Court of Kentucky granting summary judgment)
- Bibbs et al. v. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al., 304 Ga. 68, 815 S.E.2d 850 (2018) (certified question answered: damages that a husband (on behalf of his wife who was in a coma) recovered or that were recoverable in an earlier personal injury lawsuit could not be recovered again in a wrongful death suit when the wife died twenty years later, having never awoken)
- Wilburn & Patricia Presley v. Jennifer Salter, Joseph Watson & Buffalo Rock Company, Civ. Act. No. 11CV-3922KV (Sept. 2017) (defense verdict)
- Susanne Clark v. Jonathan’s Fast Foods, LLC d/b/a McDonald’s Restaurants (McDonald’s franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 2016-CG-0645 (Aug. 2017) (granting summary judgment)
- Larose Brown and James Henry Brown v. Friendship Baptist Chapel, Trade Name of Friendship Baptist Church at Lake Sinclair, Inc., Civ. Act. No. STC-2016-00045 (April 2017) (granting summary judgment)
- Mary Favors v. The Sixth Episcopal District, Inc., Saint Paul African Methodist Church Macon, Inc., and Marques Brown, Civ. Act. No. 2014-A-52741E5 (2017) (granting summary judgment)
- Gaither v. Mandy Valdes dba Chick-fil-A (Chick-fil-A franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 15-A-39-2 (Sept. 2015) (granting summary judgment)
- Benjamin v. Airlines, Inc., 32. F. Supp. 3d 1309 (S.D. Ga. 2014) (granting summary judgment)
- McCormick v. Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (Civ. Act. No. 11EV013380F Jan. 2013) (granting summary judgment)
- Buice v. Chick-fil-A, Inc., A13A0905 (Ga. Ct. App. Dec. 31, 2012) (affirming summary judgment)
- Kinsinger-Lignon v. Delta Airlines, Inc., 2012 U.S. LEXIS 66803 (N.D. Ga. 2012) (granting summary judgment)
- Ortega v. Hooters of America, LLC, 2012 L 115 (Ill. State Ct. 16thDist. 2012) (granting summary judgment)
- Bradford v. Chichard Lee Duncan dba Chick-fil-A of Acworth FSU (Chick-fil-A franchisee), Civ. Act. No. 2010-A-5995-2 (Jan. 2012) (granting summary judgment)
- Sears v. Victory Baptist Church, Civ. Act. No. B09CV0095 (June 2010) (granting summary judgment)
- Bragg v. Oxford Constr. Co., 285 Ga. 98, 674 S.E.2d 268 (2009) (affirming lower court’s granting of summary judgment, holding the acceptance doctrine applicable to independent contractors barred the plaintiffs’ recovery against the defendant)
- Nicholson v. Dart Container Corp., 602 F. Supp.2d 760 (S.D. Miss. 2008) (granting summary judgment)
- Ogles v. E.A. Mann, Civ. Act. No. S06C0792 (2006) (Supreme Court denying cert. on appeal after trial court’s granting summary judgment to contractor)
- Gay v. Georgia Dept. of Corrections, (2004) (Court of Appeals held plaintiff’s failure to comply with the ante litem was fatal to injury claim)
- Warren v. Board of Regents of the Univ. Sys., 272 Ga. 142 (2000) (affirming summary judgment as plaintiffs had no standing)
- Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church v. Townsend, 243 Ga. App 188, 532 S.E. 2d 731 (2008) (suspended appellee priest had no power to control parish assets and judicial interference with decisions of appellant diocese and archbishop constituted impermissible intrusion into internal religious affairs of appellants)
Seminars & Publications
- “Imagine a World Where…every person had a place to go and they drove drunk” Bluegrass Hospitality Group, Lexington, KY, September 2022
- “Large Loss Trends & Strategies,” Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Inspire Brands Headquarters, Atlanta, GA, May 2022
- “Dram Shop Strategies,” Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Inspire Brands Headquarters, Atlanta, GA, May 2022
- “Legal Update: Seven Steps For a Mask-Less Workplace; Joint Employer v. Independent Contractor,” Restaurant Risk Management Virtual Summit, June, 2021
- “What to Expect in Covid-19 Litigation: Direct and First Party Claims, Business Interruption, and Workers’ Compensation,” Restaurant Risk Management Virtual Summit,August 2020
- “Antibiotic Resistance in the Restaurant Industry,” 2018 Mid-Year Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN, October, 2018
- “#MeToo,”2018 Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Pizza Hut Headquarters, Plano, TX, May 2018
- “Electronic Evidence and Social Media: Understanding Social Media and Its Impact on the Judiciary,” Council of Juvenile Court Judges, Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, King & Prince Resort, St. Simons Island, Georgia, May 2018
- “Electronic Evidence and Social Media: Understanding Social Media and Its Impact on the Judiciary,” Council of Municipal Court Judges, Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, Savannah, Georgia, June 2018
- “Electronic Evidence and Social Media: Understanding Social Media and Its Impact on the Judiciary,” Council of Superior Court Judges, Institute of Continuing Judicial Education, King & Prince Resort, St. Simons Island, Georgia, July 2017
- “Defending Dram Shop Claims,”Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Louisville, Kentucky, June 2017
- “Franchisors-Navigating The Murky Waters of Franchisee Risks,”RIMS National Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 2017
- “Best Practices for Managing Brand Killing Claims,” Zaxby’s/Liberty Mutual Insurance Team Conference, Duluth, Georgia, March 2017
- “If You Build It, They Will Sue: Defending Construction Claims Presented as Personal Injury Suits,”McDonald’s Tort Litigation Practice Group Claims & Litigation Workshop, Chicago, Illinois, October 2016
- Annie Get Your Gun…Employment and Corporate Responsibility Weapons Policies,” Restaurant Risk Management Summit, Atlanta, August 2016
- “Being An American Icon: Hooters’ Responsible Alcohol Service,” 2016 Hooters National Convention, Las Vegas, July 2016
- “Bridging The Divide: Plaintiff And Defense Counsel, Ethics, Civility, and Mediation Summit,”American Bar Association Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Atlanta, May 2016
- “Phillips v. Harmon—The Tip Of The ESI Iceberg?” 2016 Atlanta RIMS Educational Conference, February 2016
- “Giving A Case Winning Closing,” and “How To Cross Examine an Expert,” Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy, Callaway Gardens, January, 2016
- “Managing A National Practice: Don’t Get Home-Cooked,” Institute of Continuing Education in Georgia,Atlanta Bar Association, Atlanta, GA, July 2015
- “What’s On The Menu For Restaurant Risk Management Claims?”Georgia Defense Lawyers’ Association Annual Meeting, Hammock Beach, FL, June 2015
- “Coffee Burns, Construction Claims, and Wet Floor Injuries—How To Prepare Against And Win The Most Common Claims In The Restaurant Industry,” Chick-fil-A, Inc.’s Spring Risk Management Conference, Atlanta, April, 2015
- “When Bad Stuff Happens: Best Practices For
Managing Potentially Brand Killing Events,” RIMS National Conference, New Orleans, LA, April, 2015
- “Giving A Case Winning Closing,” and “How To Cross Examine an Expert,” Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy, Callaway Gardens, January, 2015
- “When Bad Stuff Happens: Best Practices For Managing Potentially Brand Killing Events,” Marsh & McLennan Marsh Madness, Louisville, KY, March, 2015
- “Social Media: Investigations and Admissibility”
Atlanta Bar Association, December, 2014
- “How Will the Affordable Care Act Affect Injured Elderly and Disabled Clients?” National Business Institute, Atlanta, GA, November, 2014
- “Ethical Considerations for Personal Injury Attorneys In Relation to the Affordable Care Act,” National Business Institute, Atlanta, November, 2014
- “Best Practices for Managing Brand Killing Claims,” Marsh National Retail/Wholesale Roundtable, Dallas, TX, September, 2014
- “When Bad Stuff Happens: Best Practices In Handling Brand Killing Claims,” Restaurant Risk Management Summit, New Albany, OH, June 2014
- “Maneuvering Through Big Water: A Guide’s Advice To Prepare For, And Survive, Litigation Rapids,” Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation’s GM Summit, Charlotte, NC, May, 2014
- “Eat, Pray, Love–A Risk Manager’s Search for Best Practices Across the Food Industry,” Foodservice Industry Risk Management Association East Coast Fall Conference, Atlanta, GA, September, 2013
- “Risk Management Speed Dating: Interactive Insight into What Your Peers are Doing to Reduce Risk, Cut Cost and Increase Safety!,”Foodservice Industry Risk Management Association East Coast Spring Conference, Louisville, KY, May, 2013
- “Don’t be an (April) Fool: Handling Spoliation Issues Properly,” Georgia Defense Lawyer Association (GDLA), Atlanta, GA, April, 2013
- “Millennials & Social Media: The New ‘Water Cooler,’” National Retail & Restaurant Defense AssociationAnnual Conference, New Orleans, LA, February, 2013
- “Food Allergies and Contamination Claims,” Arby’s General Liability Training, Atlanta, GA, October, 2012
- “Social Media: Employees Behaving Badly”, Marsh USA’s Restaurant Roundtable, Louisville, KY, August, 2012
- “In Store Surveillance: Benefits of Safety/Security/Theft Prevention v. Risk of Spoliation”, Marsh USA’s Restaurant Roundtable, Louisville, LA, August, 2012
- “Social Media II: Surfing the Web: Investigations and Admissibility”,Marsh USA’s Restaurant Roundtable, Louisville, KY, August, 2012
- “Learning Corporate Culture and Team Building Strategies,”Arby’s General Liability Training, Atlanta, GA, June 2012
- “Best Practices: Early Preservation of Evidence, E-Discovery and Avoiding Spoliation,”Arby’s General Liability Training, Atlanta, GA, April, 2012
- “Premises Liability,”Arby’s General Liability Training, Atlanta, GA, March, 2012
- “Fight Club or Love Triangle: Pros and Cons of Self-Administration v TPAs,”National Retail & Restaurant Defense Association Annual Conference, San Diego, CA, February, 2012
- “Don’t Be Atwitter About Social Media in the Workplace,”National Restaurant Association, Risk & Safety Managers Winter Conference, Las Vegas, NV, February, 2012
- “Risk Management: Avoiding Crashes & Staying on Track,”GM Summit, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation, GM Summit, Charlotte, NC, September, 2011
- “Reputational Crisis: Anticipating the Unexpected,”Marsh USA’s Restaurant Roundtable, Louisville, KY, August, 2011
- “Best Practices: Early Preservation of Evidence, E-Discovery and Avoiding Spoliation”and “Chain of Custody Procedures,” Marsh USA’s Restaurant Roundtable, April, 2011
- “Court of Appeals Enforces Protections in Favor of Owner and Project Management Company,”The Georgia Contractor, January/February 2011
- “Employers’ Obligations Under the ADA and EEOC in the Hiring Process,”The Georgia Contractor, November/December 2010
- “Did the General Assembly Do Enough to Control Explosive Growth in Georgia,”The Georgia Contractor, September/October 2010
- “Team Strategies to Avoid or Reduce Litigation Costs,”Marsh USA’s Restaurant Roundtable, August, 2010
- “Are You Owed Coverage by Your Insurer if it Undertakes Your Defense but Later Disclaims Coverage?”The Georgia Contractor, July/August, 2010
- “Food Allergies & Contamination Claims”and “Premises Liability Overview,” Marsh USA’s Restaurant Roundtable, March, 2010
- “Spoliation: When the Loss of Evidence Can Cause Real Heartburn!”National Retail & Restaurant Defense Association e-Newsletter, March, 2010
- “The Scary New Medicare Reporting Requirements of 2009,” Marsh Restaurant Roundtable, October, 2009
- “Supreme Court Upholds Acceptance Doctrine, Impacts Contractors’ Liability,”Commercial Building Savvy, September/October, 2009
- “Supreme Court Narrowly Upholds Historic Acceptance Doctrine,”Georgia Defense Lawyer, Summer, 2009
- “Legislature Overhauls Transportation Oversight: Strips DOT Power; Fails to Pass Funding Measure,”The Georgia Contractor, July/August, 2009
- “Supreme Court Upholds Doctrine Favorably Impacting Contractors’ Liability,” The Georgia Contractor, March/April, 2009
- “Spoliation Claims,”Marsh USA’s Restaurant Roundtable, February, 2009
Education & Bar Admissions
J.D., Georgia State University College of Law, 1989
Law Review, Georgia State University College of Law, 1987-1989
B.S.W., cum laude, University of Georgia, 1982
1989 | Georgia State and Superior Courts
1989 | Georgia Court of Appeals
1989 | Supreme Court of Georgia
1989 | U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia
1989 | U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia
1989| U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
2015 | United States Supreme Court
2020 | U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia
Practice Areas:
- Automobile & Trucking Liability
- Aviation
- Church & Religious Institutions Liability
- Construction Defect
- Coverage Disputes
- Dram Shop & Employment
- Environmental & Property Disputes
- Foodborne Illness
- Indemnity, Breach of Contract, & Third-Party Liability
- Insurance Company Defense
- Premises Liability & Security
- Toxic Tort
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
Press
First Post-COVID-19 Civil Trial in Georgia’s Southern District Lands Defense Win for Insurer, The Daily Report-April 2021
Rutherford Christie Enjoys Successes, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2021
Rutherford Christie Wins Summary Judgment in State Court and Two Dauberts in Federal Court, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2020
Trial & Mediation Academy Continues to Train Leading Litigators, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2020
Carrie Christie Named Chair of Georgia Defense Lawyers Trial Academy, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2018
Rutherford Christie Win Defense Verdict, Two Summary Judgments, and Dismissal, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2017
Carrie Christie Named Vice-Chair of Georgia Defense Lawyers Trial Academy, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2017
Rutherford Christie Wins Summary Judgment In Federal Aviation Case, Georgia Defense Lawyer-2016
Rutherford Christie Named Top 100 Diverse Businesses In Georgia, DiversityBusiness.com-2010
Pro Bono & Community
Board Member, Georgia State College of Law Board of Visitors-current
Board Member, House of Cherith-current
Board Member, My Journey Matters-current
Board Member, Restaurant Risk Management Summit-current
Opinions that matter/Client Testimonials
Rutherford & Christie is one of the most talented firms with whom I have ever worked. I have been litigating insurance matters for over 26 years, so when I find talent, I recognize it. Nothing illustrates the confidence I have in this firm more than a defense verdict [obtained by Carrie Christie] awarded in a complex construction case involving paralysis. The firm has obtained summary judgment after summary judgment on numerous cases, which I value more than defense verdicts and which were upheld on appeal. I highly recommend this firm to anyone wishing to take a strong defense posture on their cases.
Vice President of Risk Management, National Insurance Brokerage
Rutherford & Christie demonstrate expert competence, a meticulous attention to detail, and unmatched skill and commitment… a true long-term partnership resulting in unparalleled success.
Workers’ Compensation Manager, Multi-state Self Insured Corporation
The firm of Rutherford & Christie [Carrie Christie] represented us in an action that was initiated against us for damages that were totally out of our control or ability to meet. The firm met the challenge with pristine business ethics and an extremely well-developed legal strategy. I have never encountered a firm that has been able to consistently maintain that high of a standard over the entire course of litigation. I will always be grateful to the firm for their representation and help.
Grammy Award Winning and International Recording Artist, following successful trial
Memberships & Affiliations
- Member, Board of Visitors, Georgia State University College of Law
- Faculty, Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy
- 2017-2019 Chair, Georgia Defense Lawyers Association Trial Academy
- Board Member, House of Cherith
- Board Member, Restaurant Risk Management Summit
- Board Member, My Journey Matters
- Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certified
- National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firm (NAMWOLF)
- National Retail & Restaurant Defense Association (NRRDA) –Annual Conference Planning Committee
- Georgia Association For Women Lawyers (GAWL)
- Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
- Foodservice Industry Risk Management Association (FIRMA)
- Lawyers Club of Atlanta
Representative Clients
American Airlines, Inc.
Applebee’s
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
C.E.C. Entertainment, Inc. (Chuck E. Cheese’s)
Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Cleveland Group, Inc.
CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries Inc.
Dart Container/Solo Cup Corporation
Dave & Buster’s, Inc.
Diversified Maintenance Systems
Flynn Restaurant Group
Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc.
Global Freight Systems Transport
GPS Hospitality (Burger King/Popeyes)
Guard Insurance
Hooters of America, Inc.
Inspire Brands/Arby’s
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation
Liberty Mutual
Liberty International
Main Event Entertainment
McDonald’s Corporation
Nexeo Solutions
Northland Insurance
Pappas Restaurants, Inc.
Phoenix Aviation Managers
Pittman Construction Company, Inc.
Primrose Schools
Progressive Insurance Company
Safeway Insurance Company
Sedgwick CMS
Southern Mutual Church Insurance Co.
Specialty Claims Management
Specialty Risk Services
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Topgolf International, Inc.
Watkins Associated Industries
Wesley Apartment Homes
Zaxby’s
Zurich U.S.
