Château resident Jim Joedecke is an equity partner with the law firm of Andersen, Tate & Carr, P.C., located in Duluth, Georgia. Jim’s law practice is focused in the areas of contract and business litigation, franchising litigation, condemnation, real estate litigation, title disputes, ad valorem tax appeals, employment litigation, bankruptcy (creditor and trustee counsel), and general litigation. For over twenty-five years, Jim has provided consistent and successful legal representation for small businesses and individuals in the State and Federal courts of Georgia, as well as around the Country. Recognizing the value of alternative forms of dispute resolution, especially as Courts work to cure backlogs caused by the pandemic, Jim recently became a registered mediator and arbitrator. Jim has participated in hundreds of successful mediations over the years and brings a wealth of experience to the role. Jim describes, “I believe I have been successful because I have always very much valued the trust my clients place in me, and do not take that for granted, no matter how big or small the matter I may be working on. I am emotionally involved in my client’s well-being and am consistently evaluating litigation from all angles, including cost. I believe my longtime client relationships are a testament to that. I have clients who are passing on family-owned businesses to second and third generations.”                          

Growing up in a small town in Katonah, New York, he is the oldest of four children. Jim moved to Georgia in 1989 to attend Emory University followed by the University of Georgia Law School. He is heavily involved in the community and has a great love for Braselton, which he describes as similar to his hometown. Elected in 2020 to the Braselton Town Council, District 3, he continues to serve on the Town Council and as Mayor Pro Tem. He is excited about the direction the Town is going in and is especially proud of the Town’s recent efforts to implement a Public Art Council in Braselton. Jim states, “I am excited about Braselton’s commitment to public art. I believe public art can unify the different areas of our Town, and also improve the quality of life. At the end of the day, I think Braselton is a great place to raise a family, and I want Braselton to be a place that our children will want to return to raise their families.”

 

Jim also serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia and is passionate about the Foundation’s mission and accomplishments. He is a past President of the Rotary Club of Braselton and currently serves as Speakers Chair. In 2021, he co-chaired the American Values Dinner for the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America. As a former member of the Board of Advisors for the American Cancer Society in Gwinnett County, he twice co-chaired the Cancer Society’s Annual Fundraising Gala, along with his wife, Stephanie. Jim is also very proud of his service as a long-time coach of the South Gwinnett High School Mock Trial Team, where he was named Outstanding Attorney Coach by the State Bar of Georgia, and he still serves as an evaluator in mock trial competitions when he can. 

 

When asked what sets him apart from the rest, Jim answers, “Again, I think it goes back to the value I place on my client relationships.  Folks that hire me tend to come back to me and stay with me for years. I like to think I am a good problem solver, and I try to assist clients in preventing problems before they arise. What makes me a good lawyer is being aware of what I can do (which is not everything) and when it is best to send a case to another lawyer who specializes in a certain area.  This as well as offering a realistic assessment of the litigation process, is what I think sets the bar for success. My wife has heard me arguing cases in the shower and I often go to bed and wake up thinking about issues. Practicing law is hectic, but offers a new challenge every day and I love problem-solving and helping people.”

 

With his business expertise and the nature of what he does, he has some specific advice:

*No matter how great your kids are, they will all make mistakes. It’s not the end of the World. 

*If you’ve been in business long enough, you will eventually get sued, no matter how good your business practices. The key is to learn from the experience. 

 

*I’ve also found that resolving a dispute in court is expensive and it can take a long time for your case to resolve. I favor mediation and have recently become a certified mediator. Many times, if you can have a hand in resolving your own dispute as opposed to leaving it to a jury you don’t know, you will be better off in the long run. That said, though, I love to try cases when the need arises.

 

Jim has been married for fifteen years to his lovely wife, Stephanie. He has three wonderful children. Jim and Stephanie recently visited Las Vegas and renewed their vows in a ceremony presided over by Elvis. “It was surprisingly emotional,” he says. “My wife and I are a strong team. We bring different strengths to the relationship and complement each other.”

 

His longtime client relationships are a testament to the value he provides to his clients, as he always wants to provide the best legal advice and guidance to his clients, no matter how big or small the matter. Jim adds, “I have client relationships dating back over twenty years. I value relationships. I have some clients that started out as small businesses that are now leaders in their fields and passing to new generations. Over the years, I have trained and continue to train young lawyers. I always tell them that whatever they are working on that day, no matter how small, make that the best thing you’ve ever done. It certainly matters to someone, and that person may become a lifelong client and friend!”

 

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