Shean Williams

Shean D. Williams is a nationally recognized trial attorney who has dedicated his career to fighting injustice on behalf of plaintiffs. Known for his work ethic, command of the courtroom, and ability to persuade jurors to act as the conscience and protectors of their communities, Mr. Williams has built a thirty-year career that has produced verdicts and settlements totaling more than $500 million.

His practice focuses on trucking and commercial vehicle collisions, medical malpractice, negligent security, civil rights and police misconduct, maritime injuries, and pharmaceutical and medical device litigation.

Commercial Vehicle Litigation

Mr. Williams is nationally recognized for his expertise in commercial vehicle litigation. His command of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and industry standards has produced record verdicts in trucking cases across multiple jurisdictions. He served as lead counsel in what was, at the time, the largest single‑event commercial trucking settlement in the United States, recovering over $175 million for his clients. He has also led his firm’s trial team to a $22 million wrongful death trucking verdict and, more recently, secured a $5 million trucking verdict for a client who sustained neck and back injuries.

Notable Verdicts and Settlements

Eight‑figure verdicts are a hallmark of Mr. Williams’ trial practice:

• $20.5 million verdict against Emory University (2016) in the wrongful death of a 23‑year‑old man following a negligently performed sleep study.
• $17.5 million verdict against Grady Memorial Hospital on behalf of a young man who suffered brain damage during an elective surgery.
• Largest civil rights settlement ever paid by a Georgia municipality, on behalf of the family of Kathryn Johnston.

Each of these results has been featured among The National Law Journal’s Top 100 Verdicts.

Honors and Recognitions

• LawDragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyer
• Gate City Bar Association A.T. Walden Outstanding Lawyer Award (2018)
• DeKalb Lawyers Association Mawuli Davis Legal Warrior Award (2023)
• Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
• The National Trial Lawyers — Top 100 Trial Lawyers (consecutive selection since 2012)
• Georgia Verdicts Hall of Fame — Medical Malpractice (2015)
• Georgia Super Lawyers (annually since 2014)
• Men’s Looking Ahead Magazine — Most Powerful and Influential Lawyer Award
• AV Preeminent rated by Martindale‑Hubbell — the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards
• Appointed Member, former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ City of Atlanta Advisory Council on Use of Force Policies and Procedures

Professional Memberships

Mr. Williams has been an active member of the Gate City Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, the American Association for Justice, and the National Black Lawyers Top 100 throughout his career.

Speaking and Publications

A frequent author and lecturer on trial advocacy, complex litigation, and trucking law, Mr. Williams has spoken at, among other venues:

• Georgia Trial Lawyers Association Annual Conferences (2015–2021)
• National Trial Lawyers Summit (2017–2025)
• Big Truck & Auto Summit (2023–2025)
• Mass Tort Puerto Rico Conference (2024–2026)
• Harris Martin MDL and Mass Tort Litigation Conference — Speaker and Co‑Chair (2016); Moderator (2019)
• National Bar Association Annual Conference (2015)

Mentorship and Influences

Mr. Williams credits much of his success to the bonds he shared with The Cochran Firm’s founder, the late Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., and Senior Partner Hezekiah Sistrunk, Jr. Those relationships extended well beyond the conventional mentor‑mentee dynamic. Both men instilled in him not only the craft of trial advocacy, but a deeper commitment to fighting for what is right.

Community and Personal

Mr. Williams devotes significant time and resources to civic and faith‑based organizations, including the Gate City Bar Association’s Justice Robert Benham Law Camp, New Mercies Christian Church, Green Pastures Christian Church, The Star Struck Foundation, Dinner for Divas — Honoring Survivors of Domestic Violence, Gideon’s Promise, Let Us Make Man, and the Willie Stargell Kidney Disease Foundation.

Above all, Mr. Williams cherishes his role as a father and the time he spends with his son, Langston Sean Williams.