John D. Bennett

Partner

Atlanta, GA | Savannah, GA
D 678.996.9056
[email protected]

Education

University of Georgia School of Law, Juris Doctor, cum laude.
University of Georgia, B.A. English.

Practice Sections

Commercial Litigation/Directors & Officers

Government Law

Labor and Employment Law

Interdisciplinary Teams

Fair Housing

Media

Retail, Hospitality and Beverage

Overview

John D. Bennett is a Partner in Freeman Mathis & Gary's Atlanta office. Mr. Bennett represents both private businesses and local governments in employment and complex litigation matters, ranging from cases brought by individuals to high-exposure class and collective actions. He is the vice chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment law team and also chairs the firm’s Fair Housing Act team.

Mr. Bennett’s Labor and Employment law practice focuses on representing clients in litigation and providing day-to-day counseling regarding federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act. He has represented a wide array of employers ranging from governmental entities, publicly traded corporations, private and closely-held businesses, technology and start-up businesses, franchisees, and non-profits. He has particular expertise in representing local governments, including cities, counties, sheriffs, school districts, and other governmental bodies in employment and housing discrimination disputes, as well as constitutional claims. He also regularly counsels employers regarding various aspects of employment law (including non-competition and trade secret matters); assists employers in designing and implementing personnel policies and procedures, employee handbooks, employment agreements (including non-competition agreements), and employment dispute resolution programs; and provides day-to-day advice on a wide range of personnel-related matters. John also designs and conducts management and employee training programs in a variety of areas, including workplace harassment, conducting internal investigations, EEO/whistleblower protection, and record retention.

In addition, Mr. Bennett has extensive experience in representing clients in Fair Housing claims, HUD charges, commercial litigation, and director and officer litigation. He has litigated all types of business disputes, fraud and conspiracy claims, state and federal RICO actions, municipal and county liability matters, whistleblower claims, breach of duty, restrictive covenant and intellectual property disputes, and various other business tort claims. He is frequently asked to represent clients in connection with non-compete disputes. Mr. Bennett also represents property owners, landlords, HOAs, and community associations in a variety of Fair Housing Act claims.

When not practicing law, John enjoys spending time with his wife, Tracy, their twin daughters, and his golden retriever, Baxter. John is an avid reader, and also enjoys watching sports, especially his beloved Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves, and Atlanta Falcons.