Gerald Brooks

Gerald Brooks grew up in tiny Livingston, on the western edge of Alabama’s Black Belt, and has carried forward the small-town values of hard work, respect, and fairness into his law practice.
Brooks graduated from the University of Alabama twice — with an undergraduate degree in business in 1998 and with a law degree in 2002. After receiving his J.D., he joined a Birmingham insurance defense firm, where he stayed for five years until he realized that he wanted to work on behalf of injured people instead of insurance companies.
“I enjoyed the experience there in the sense that I learned a lot and it made me a better attorney,” he says. “I don’t know if I’d be as good at what I do now but for the experience of seeing how the other side evaluates things, and the things that scare them. But you’re representing corporations, and your point of contact is an insurance adjuster who’s not concerned about anything but reports and evaluations that aren’t really about right or wrong.”
He crossed over to the plaintiff side of the law, joining a Montgomery law firm that concentrated in that area. He stayed there for three years, then ventured out on his own and joined forces with Chuck James, an old law school friend, in 2013, to form the firm of Brooks, Hubbard & James. That firm later became the Serious Injury Law Group.
Brooks’ practice focuses solely on personal injury cases, and he has achieved some significant outcomes on behalf of his clients. They include a medical malpractice jury verdict of $3.5 million, a jury verdict of $380,000 in a motor vehicle case, and multiple seven-figure settlements in medical malpractice and trucking cases.
Brooks admits that the competitive aspect of personal injury law appeals to him, but there’s more to it than that. “You want to win,” he says, “but honestly, I want to make sure the client has a good outcome versus what my personal ego might feel.”
“I also enjoy formulating the theories and doing the work that involves litigation. But the best part of all is when you get a favorable outcome for a client, seeing their reaction, and knowing that you have positively affected their life.”
He also values positively affecting young lives in his community. In 2017, the firm launched its first Serious Injury Law Group Living History Essay Contest. Fifteen high-schoolers received $1,000 scholarships for essays on living heroes in their communities.
In his spare time, Brooks enjoys travel — he and his wife, Staci, have traveled widely around the globe — and Crimson Tide sports.

Sheryl Burke

At the age of 12, I went through the criminal justice system as a victim. It was such a terrible experience that it motivated me to become an attorney. I realized that if I had an attorney who took the time to educate me about the legal process, I would have been more confident and better prepared. I grew more and more committed to becoming an attorney who genuinely cares about their clients. I started my career as an Insurance Adjuster. Shortly after, I went to law school and practiced corporate law. In 1995, I came to Atlanta to open my own personal injury law firm from just $250.00. Since then, the Law Office of Sheryl Burke has evolved immensely, but our mission and values remain the same. We are committed to justice and ensuring that people are treated fairly. In addition, I am a member of The State Bar of Georgia, The American Bar Association, Association of Trial Lawyers, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and The State Bar of California. I am also an Introduction Leader for Landmark Education and a very active tennis player.

Harriet Lampkin

Harriet Huell Lampkin is a native of Salters, South Carolina, and the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Linda Huell. She graduated valedictorian of Kingstree Senior High School in 2001, and summa cum laude from Claflin University, with a degree in Mass Communications, in 2005. She received her master’s degree in Media Studies from The Pennsylvania State University in 2007, and her law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2010.

Desiring to be an attorney since the tender age of eight, Harriet is 100% certain that God created her for the distinct purpose of practicing law, and specifically, to provide legal guidance from a Kingdom-minded perspective. Licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and South Carolina, Harriet began her legal career at a boutique law firm in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, working in the areas of employment law, litigation, and affordable housing.

Harriet has also worked as in-house counsel, serving as the Executive Vice President of Legal for a large government organization that holds a portfolio of approximately $500 million in real estate and provides affordable housing to more than 22,000 residents. There, she is directly responsible for the Legal, Risk Management, and Resident Safety Divisions. Additionally, Harriet serves as General Counsel for Grace Cathedral Ministries, Inc. in Sumter, South Carolina, and as outside legal counsel to several other churches across the nation.

Harriet’s deep experience as a trial lawyer involving many complex cases has resulted in a strong record of success. She has also provided substantial legal counsel to many businesses, entities, gospel recording artists, and entertainers.

Harriet is a member of the Richland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is Co-Founder of the Jeffrey and Harriet Lampkin Foundation, a non-profit organization that strives to develop excellence in children and provides a myriad of community service projects to multiple communities in South Carolina and North Carolina.

She is happily married to the love of her life, Mr. Jeffrey Lampkin, and they reside in Blythewood, South Carolina. Harriet’s personal philosophy for life is Luke 1:37: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible!”

Marlon Primes

Mr. Primes is the Past President of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association ("CMBA"), which is one of the largest associations of lawyers and judges in Ohio. He was the first government attorney and first African-American attorney to serve as president of the CMBA. Mr. Primes also served as the Chairman of the Litigation Section of the Ohio State Bar Association and served as national Vice President of the National Bar Association, which is the oldest and largest association of African-American lawyers and judges in the United States. He is a frequent speaker on legal matter for various organizations and conferences. His National Business Institute and Ohio Human Resource Law Boot Camp presentations have been highly rated. Mr. Primes taught at the National Advocacy Center, which trains Assistant U.S. Attorneys and federal attorneys around the country. Mr. Primes was born and raised in Akron, and he currently resides in Cleveland Heights with his wife Kathi Howard-Primes. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Markus and Kayla Primes, who both live and work in Washington, D.C. Representative Matters Internet Defamation Successfully defended a company in an internet defamation case by negotiating a non-monetary resolution. Medical/Dental Malpractice Represented large medical providers in dental and medical malpractice cases. Represented the U.S. military in medical malpractice litigation. Full-Service Legal Representation of a Fortune 300 Company Represented a Fortune 300 company regarding all aspects of their legal needs, including matters involving employment law, commercial law, occupational health and safety, and tort litigation. Healthcare Represented the Veterans Affairs Medical System for 30 years, which is the largest healthcare system in the United States. Represented the UH residents and doctors working at the VA in medical malpractice litigation and other matters. Represented the U.S. Public Health Service and the Federal Bureau of Prisons Medical Center in medical malpractice litigation and other matters. Employment Litigation Although nearly all of Mr. Primes’ employment litigation is on behalf of employers, he also successfully represented a plaintiff who was subject to egregious racial slurs and disparate treatment. In that case, Mr. Primes helped negotiate a landmark monetary settlement. Corporate Investigations Handled a complex and sensitive internal investigation for a large business. Securities Litigation Represented a large corporation in federal court in a class action regarding securities litigation. Evictions Successfully handled complex evictions for private sector and public sector landlords. Education Successfully resolved Title IX lawsuits involving large school districts. Successfully negotiated employment contracts regarding metropolitan and suburban school districts. Courts U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio District of Columbia All Ohio State Courts Professional Honors and Awards Trailblazer Award, Norman S. Minor Bar Association (2023) President’s Award, National Bar Association (2022) “People on the Move,” Crain’s Cleveland Business (2022) Highest AUSA Rating of Outstanding in all Performance Areas (2020) The Craig Tame Award for Excellence in Community Outreach, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio (2019) "Marlon is described by his peers in many positive ways, including being described as good-natured, exceptionally kind, and having a heart of gold and the patience of a saint.” Employee of the Month, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio (May 2013, June 2011) Fellow, American Bar Foundation (2020-present) Fellow, Ohio State Bar Foundation (2015-present) Volunteer of the Year Award, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (2012) Lexis-Nexis, Martindale-Hubbell (2006 - present) 40 Under 40, Crain’s Cleveland Business (2001) BV Peer Review – Very High Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards Achievement Award, Cleveland Marshall College of Law Black Students Association Outstanding Senior Leader, Ohio University Outstanding Black Graduating Senior, Ohio University Alain Leroy Locke Scholar, Phi Beta Sigma Outstanding Graduate, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism (Ohio University) Professional & Civic Affiliations Baseball Heritage Museum, Board of Trustees (2024) Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank, Member (2024) Ohio State Bar Association Board of Governors, At-Large Appointee (2024) Litigation Section, Chairman (2013-2015) Litigation Section, Secretary (2011-2013) Council of Delegates (2009-present) The National Black Lawyers Top 100, Member (2023-present) National Bar Association Elections Committee, Chairman (2022-present) International Relations Advisory Committee, Chairman (2022-present) National Vice President (2002-2008) Partnership for a Safer Cleveland Co-Chair (2022-present) Board of Trustees (2018-present) Ohio University Black Alumni Presidential Advisory Council, Member (2022-present) American Law Institute, Member (October 2019-present) Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association President (2018-2019) President-Elect (2017-2018) Vice President (2016-2017) Board of Trustees (2012-2020) Litigation Section, Chair (2008-2009) Board of Trustees, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation (2005-2010) William K. Thomas Inn of Court President (2015-2016) Master of the Bench (2004-present) National Advocacy Center, Instructor (2013-2016) Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals Judicial Conference, Life Member (2012-present) Antioch Baptist Church and Credit Union, Volunteer Attorney (1997-2020) Norman S. Minor Bar Association, President (1995-1996) Presentations & Publications "Social Media Policies: Balancing Employer Needs," and "Employee Rights & Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace: Marijuana and Other Considerations," Ohio Human Resource Law Boot Camp (October 2023) “The Paralegal’s Guide to Law Office Management: Ensuring Legal Compliance Across Files and Records,” National Business Institute (September 19, 2023) "Ethics for Government Lawyers, Prosecutors and Public Officials," National Bar Association's 98th Annual Convention and Exhibits, Minneapolis, MN (August 2, 2023) “Construction Contracts 101," Ohio Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI)(July 24, 2023) “Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Law Updates: What Paralegals Need to Know," National Business Institute (July 13, 2023) "Ohio Employment Law: Hiring, Firing, and Disciplining Employees." Guidelines for Terminating Employees on Leave and Ethical Issues in Employment Law, National Business Institute (June 2023) "Ethics for Government Lawyers, Prosecutors, and Elected Officials," National Bar Association's 43rd Annual Midyear Conference (April 2023) "Spotting a Sham - What You Need to Know About MWBE/DBE Business Certification Processes," For The Defense (February 2023) "Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Marlon Primes values the start he got at Ohio University and WOUB," WOUB Public Media (January 31, 2023) Panelist, "Transitioning In and Out of Government Services," National Bar Association's 97th Annual Convention & Exhibits, Memphis, TN (July 24-29, 2022) Panelist, “Experts: Communicating Complex Ideas and Issues Consistent with Messaging Trends,” American Bar Association 2022 Litigation Section Annual Conference, Miami Beach, FL (May 4-6, 2022) "Promoting Diversity Now and in the Future Through the CMBA Affinity Bars of Colors," Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal (March 2021) "COVID-19 Pandemic and the Digital Divide: The NBA on the Frontlines," National Bar Association Magazine (January 2021) "Back to the Future: Thank You for a Great Year," Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal (June 2019) "Reflections from the Tortoise Shell on the Government Shutdown and its Implications for the Legal Profession," Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal (April 2019) "Minority, Cleveland Bar Associations Band Together to Address Diversity," Crain's Cleveland Business (January 20, 2019) "Back to the Future: Celebrating Our Past and Preparing for Our Future," Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal (July/August 2018) "Ex Parte - Personal Profile of Marlon Primes," Ohio Lawyers Weekly (June 10, 2002) "Eye on Paralegals: Maintaining Control of Your Legal Practice Through the Effective Use of Paralegals," Cuyahoga County Bar Association Law & Fact (September/October 1999) "'Take-Charge' Attorney Puts Spark in Black Lawyers' Group," Cleveland Plain Dealer (May 27, 1997) "Discovery in Federal District Court: Pitfalls for the Unwary," Cleveland Bar Journal (January 1997) "Why Honey is Better than Vinegar," My First Year as a Lawyer: Real World Stories from America's Lawyers, edited by Mark Simenhoff (September 1, 1994) Testimonials 1. "It was an absolute pleasure working with Marlon on this matter. Listening to him mediate a decades long dispute was a treat for me. It was like a master class in negotiation. He was consistently the voice of common sense and reason in the face of highly emotional parties and their incredibly litigious attorneys. Marlon used every negotiation trick in the book, he refused to take litigation for an answer, and his polite and professional manner got the deal done. I wish we had recorded some of our calls because they are textbook examples of how to negotiate while still maintaining your client's best interests. Agency counsel was highly complementary of Marlon's work on this case, and I'm sure that Marlon is not going to share that information with you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with Marlon and be in his side car." -Former Client/Colleague 2. “Thank you so much for your diligence and speed in handling this matter. I think your team is top notch! Now I can sleep better at night & move on to the important things in my life.” -Client with a substantial quiet-title action that was successfully resolved under time constraints. Contact Marlon Today!

Brittney Williams

Brittney Williams is a Partner located in Houston, Texas whose practice primarily focuses on labor and employment law. Specifically, Brittney provides a full range of labor and employment law services, including pre-termination counseling, Equal Employment Opportunity training, employee handbook review, leaves of absence and reduction in force advice, as well as drafts policies and employment-related agreements. Additionally, she provides litigation defense before administrative agencies, and in state and federal court for labor and employment disputes, including, but not limited to disputes involving employment contracts, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. During law school, Brittney served as judicial clerk for an administrative law judge at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and as a law clerk for the National Labor Relations Board, Region 31. Education: UCLA School of Law (J.D., 2013) The University of Texas at Austin (B.B.A., 2009) · College Scholar · University Honors ESCP-EAP European School of Management in Paris, France (Summer 2008) The University of Texas at Austin (B.S., 2009) · College Scholar · University Honors · Dean's List Bar Admissions: California Texas Languages: English Proficient in Spanish