Andrew Agatston Law Blog

A Georgia federal judge has done what three other federal judges have done regarding state anti-illegal alien laws -- halt portions of it until a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality can be decided.

Of interest in the court's opinion are the stinging rebukes that he gave to Georgia legislators who passed the law, and the state Attorney General's office, which defended it.  First, he focused on the State of Georgia's position that the federal government was doing nothing... Read More

I told my son, "Yes, grasshopper, it's time for you to go."

For those of you old enough to remember the '70s series, "Kung Fu," you'll know what I mean. 

It's the season of high school graduations. This time I'm involved, because my son is walking across the stage in two days.  For an 18-year-old, 18 years is a lifetime.  For his dad, 18 years just went by too darn fast.  But, yes, it's time for him to go.

For the graduates, much of... Read More

Here in Georgia, we grow the best onions in the world -- Vidalia onions.  I'm something of an amateur barbecuer, and putting those on the grill will add goodness to any meal.  

If you've eaten a Vidalia, know that it was probably picked by an undocumented worker down in south Georgia, under the knowing supervision of the grower.  In fact, if you are around any farming community in Georgia, then you know that the immigrant community has significantly contributed not... Read More

It was one week ago when we heard about a killer's rampage in Tucson, at a "Congress On Your Corner" gathering at a local Safeway grocery store.  In one week, I've heard two leaders, our President and our leader of our U.S. House of Representatives make comments that made a great impact on me, and I hope all Americans, to strive to do good.

There are many important topics that have gained a foothold since this tragedy occurred, all of them important in the marketplace... Read More

As the calendar turned, I realized I've been practicing law for 18 years now, and I'm beginning my 10th year of having my own law practice.  Where does the time go?

I also realize that I continue to enjoy working for people as a lawyer.  As part of that, I'm humbled that people would place their trust in me, initially a stranger to them in their time of need.  I always hope that I can honor their trust.

While I enjoy practicing law, as I watch my kids grow and as... Read More

I was fortunate to be able to spend a good bit of time with family over the last two weeks, my immediate family and my extended family.  As I get, um, older, I can think of nothing better.  To spend time with family during the holidays is to realize that time flies, but it also an opportunity to make new memories to be shared in the years ahead. I hope you had a chance to spend time with loved ones over the holidays.  And my hope for you is a very happy, and healthy New Year.

Best regards. 

... Read More

I'm back from wet, overcast, but wonderful Seattle, where I participated in one of the pre-conference panel discussions at the IBPA 7th Annual Conference.  The pre-conference panels focused on Youth Risk Online: Issues and Solutions.  I was part of the panel discussing investigations and interventions of cyber bullying.  My discussions was from the perspective of an attorney who represents people who have been targeted by cyber bullying.

Experts were all... Read More

I was contacted by a journalist with the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange interested in writing an article about the 7th Annual Conference of the International Bullying Prevention Association, being held in Seattle November 15-17, 2010.

She wrote an excellent article about the conference,... Read More

I am honored to be participating as a speaker in one of the break-out sessions at the 7th Annual International Bullying Prevention Association Annual Conference in Seattle, being held November 15-17.

My part is very small in this enormously important conference, which will, among other things, present the latest research in bullying and cyber bullying prevention by nationally recognized leaders and experts in... Read More

The U.S. Department of Education, on October 26, 2010, sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to the public schools of America to address bullying in schools, and particularly the school's legal responsibility in addressing the situation.

The "Dear Colleague" letter can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website.  In sum, the U.S. Department of Education reminds the schools that "A school is responsible for addressing harassment incidents about which... Read More