Highlights & Awards

Brett Willis Law LLC has built a reputation for fearless advocacy and client-centered defense. With over 2,500 criminal cases successfully defended since 2005, the firm combines courtroom skill, professional recognition, and a record of service to provide trusted representation across Georgia.

Last Updated on January 6, 2025

License

Licensed to Practice Law in Georgia – Authorized by the State Bar of Georgia to defend clients in all state courts.

🔗 https://www.gabar.org/member-directory/?id=BA26B5B09A4B4F20EC613C35CDCD4633


Professional Affiliations

Brett Willis Law LLC maintains respected professional licenses and certifications that reflect the firm’s dedication to ethical and effective client representation.

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL)

Active involvement in the state’s leading criminal defense organization.

🔗 https://members.gacdl.org/gacdl-member-directory/Details/brett-willis-4016330

🔗 https://members.gacdl.org/gacdl-member-directory/Details/chris-van-rossem-4084670

National Criminal Defense College (NCDC)

Faculty member, contributing to the training of defense attorneys across the country.

🔗 https://ncdc.net/faculty/region/GA/

Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy Program Instructor

Sharing trial experience with the next generation of legal professionals.

🔗 https://www.brettwillislaw.com/brett-willis/


Awards & Recognition

Brett Willis Law LLC and its attorneys have been recognized by peers, professional organizations, and the media for excellence in criminal defense and public service.

  • 2010 – The Fulton County Daily Report’s “10 Lawyers You Need to Know,” highlighted Brett Willis as one of Georgia’s most notable attorneys under 40.

  • 2013 – Brett Willis won the GPDC’s, “Assistant Circuit Defender of the Year,” awarded for outstanding contributions to the defense bar.

  • 2013 – Brett Willis won the Gideon’s Promise, “Foot Soldier” Award, recognized for commitment to justice and public defense reform.

  • 2017 – Chris van Rossem received the STAR Award for outstanding public defense service.

  • 2022 – Chris van Rossem received the Judge Stephen S. Goss Award for contributions to Georgia’s mental health court system.

  • 2026 (Selection) – Peer-reviewed recognition placing Brett Willis among the state’s most respected criminal defense attorneys.


Reviews & Ratings

Brett Willis Law LLC’s reputation is reflected in the words of clients and peers.


Notable Cases & Projects

The firm’s history is marked by impactful cases and service initiatives that demonstrate skill, dedication, and client-first values.

Over 2,500 Criminal Defenses Since 2005

A proven track record of success across a wide range of charges.

Local Surgeon’s Child Molestation Charges Dismissed

Brett Willis secured a dismissal of a local surgeon’s child molestaiton charges. The case shows the firm’s skill in defending prominent persons accused of sex crimes.

Surgeon’s Charges Dropped

Professor and Educator avoids arrest for Rape amid public outcry

Brett Willis was able to keep a local professor from being arrested for rape and sexual assault amid public outcry. The case shows the firm’s skill in defending prominent persons accused of sex crimes.

Truett McConnell Professor Avoids Prosecution

Featured in HBO Documentary – Gideon’s Army (2013)

Featured as a Senior Public Defender in HBO’s acclaimed Gideon’s Army, Brett Willis provides candid insight into the challenges of indigent defense in the Deep South, highlighting his dedication to justice within an overburdened system.

🔗 https://hbowatch.com/hbo-summer-documentary-gideons-army/

Wife’s Murder Charges Dropped (2010)

Brett Willis secured dismissal of murder charges after proving that the arsenic found in the case was non-toxic and misinterpreted, not evidence of poisoning. This case shows the firm’s skill in uncovering critical facts to protect clients from wrongful conviction.

🔗 https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/wifes-murder-charges-dropped/

Glasper v. State (Ga. App. 2022)

Chris van Rossem won a reversal after the court improperly relied on secondary video evidence, strengthening protections under the best evidence rule. This demonstrates persistence in ensuring trials meet the highest evidentiary standards.

🔗 https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ga-court-of-appeals/2177565.html

Landers v. State (Ga. App. 2020)

Chris van Rossem obtained a reversal where the trial court’s denial of a motion to suppress a cell phone search was found improper, affirming critical Fourth Amendment protections. This underscores the firm’s commitment to protecting privacy rights and challenging unlawful searches, no matter how far the appeals process goes.

🔗 https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ga-court-of-appeals/2062222.html

Harris v. State (Ga. Sup. Ct. 2025)

Chris van Rossem secured a reversal of a trial court ruling after an unlawful cell phone search, reinforcing Fourth Amendment privacy rights. This highlights the firm’s commitment to challenging unlawful searches and protecting client rights.

🔗 https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/ga-supreme-court/117018000.html

Author of “Understanding DUI and Criminal Defense in Georgia” (2024)

Chris van Rossem achieved another reversal of a murder conviction due to improperly admitted evidence, overturning a life-altering judgment. This shows the firm’s ability to fight and win even in the most serious appellate cases.

🔗 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208558265-understanding-dui-criminal-defense-in-georgia

🔗 https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-DUI-Criminal-Defense-Georgia-ebook/dp/B0CVR32XTC

Check more DUI & Criminal Defense Client Stories →


Press Mentions

CACJ – Judge Stephen S. Goss Award (2022)
(CACJ, November 2022)

Chris van Rossem of the firm received this honor from the Council of Accountability Court Judges for contributions to Georgia’s mental health court system. This award demonstrates the firm’s compassion and ability to address sensitive, high-stakes cases.

🔗 https://cacj.georgia.gov/news/2022-11-01/cacj-announces-2022-judge-stephen-s-goss-award-winner

AccessWDUN – STAR Award, Accountability Court Conference (2017)
(Access WDUN, October 2017)

Chris van Rossem honored with the STAR Award for exceptional service in public defense. This reflects longstanding credibility and trust within Georgia’s justice system.

🔗 https://accesswdun.com/article/2017/10/590599/hall-co-asst-public-defender-honored-at-2017-accountability-court-conference

The Times – Wife’s Murder Charges Dropped (2010)
(The Times, December 2010)

Brett Willis secured dismissal of attempted murder charges by challenging forensic evidence. This illustrates the firm’s skill in overturning serious allegations through tenacity and experience.

🔗 https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/wifes-murder-charges-dropped/


Contact Us

The Brett Willis Law LLC team is dedicated to defending clients with the experience, care, and determination that have defined their success for decades. Have questions about how nationally recognized defense attorneys can fight for you? Contact Brett Willis Law LLC today for a confidential consultation.