Ernest L. “Chip” Beaton IV practices in the firm’s Atlanta and Saint Simons Island offices. Mr. Beaton is a seasoned litigator and trial attorney that regularly handles cases from initial investigation through trial and post-trial appeals in state and federal courts in Georgia and Alabama.

Mr. Beaton represents contractors, material suppliers, building manufacturers, real estate developers, and others in commercial litigation, including claims for engineering design liability, design and construction defect, water intrusion, building or roof collapse, and general construction contract disputes. Mr. Beaton has extensive experience representing manufacturers of metal building systems and other specially fabricated products in arbitration and litigation throughout the United States. In addition, Mr. Beaton represents buyers and sellers of goods in actions for recovery of purchase price, payment bond claims, and foreclosure of mechanic’s liens. Mr. Beaton also regularly litigates general business claims including breach of contract, disclosure of trade secrets, products liability, breach of restrictive covenants, tortious interference, and commercial collections.

Mr. Beaton regularly represents clients in high stakes premises liability and personal injury suits including claims for wrongful death, permanent injury, false imprisonment, and malicious prosecution. He has experience prosecuting and defending all aspects of complex personal injury and wrongful death litigation.
Mr. Beaton is admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Georgia and Alabama and regularly appears pro hac vice on behalf of clients in other federal and state courts throughout the country. Mr. Beaton graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2008. Mr. Beaton is married to the former Theresa Davis and has two daughters and a son.