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Brett Willis Biography – Brett Willis Wiki
Brett Willis, an esteemed American criminal defense attorney, co-founded the Georgia-based law firm Brett Willis Law LLC. Since 2005, he has dedicated his career solely to practicing criminal law.
As a trailblazer in the legal community, Brett is a proud member of the inaugural class of Gideon’s Promise. His expertise has been sought after as an instructor at renowned institutions including Harvard Law School, the National Criminal Defense College, the Georgia Public Defender Council, and the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Bill Daniel Program.
In 2010, The Fulton County Daily Report recognized Brett as one of Georgia’s top ten lawyers under 40 with their “On the Rise” accolade. His career reached a wider audience in 2013 when he was featured in HBO’s documentary, Gideon’s Army. That same year, he received the esteemed “Foot Soldier” award from Gideon’s Promise. Brett’s achievements continued in 2014 when he was named “Defender of the Year” by the Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC).
He completed his Juris Doctor at the University of Georgia in 2003, followed by a Master of Laws from New York University in 2004.
Suzanne Mericle Trial
Currently, Attorney Brett Willis represents Suzanne Mericle, a dentist from St. Simons Island, who stands trial in Hall County, Georgia, accused of causing the death of her boyfriend, James David Barron, on March 7, 2025. Investigators allege that she forced him out of a door at their Lake Lanier residence. Prosecutors argue that Mericle acted out violently after discovering Barron’s affair and financial support of another woman named Lilia. In contrast, her defense team claims she acted in self-defense against Barron’s abusive behavior, as reported by First Coast News.