Testimonials

Published on: August 18, 2023

Thank You To All Our Special Clients

We want to take a moment to thank all our special clients. So many of them become close like family and life long friends. Williams Oinonen LLC appreciates each one of you who entrusts us with your important case.

Recently, we were able to represent our life-long client, Mr. Lukas Faber who moved us deeply when he named his first born child after Ms. Oinonen. Stated Mr. Faber:

“My gratitude is endless: my daughter Julie 5 years of age is named after you, and I hope she also will be willing to help others in true distress, and will be interested in restoring the nobility in teaching among those who were unjustly beaten down by a broken public school system in GA. You are on my mind as long I teach. I never thought that miracles and hope can be restored by one person. I met Julie Oinonen on the most devastating case in my career, which I thought would finish my employment as a teacher due to lies, distortions and illegal practices. I sat in Julie’s office sharing the most unbelievable story, which took place in a public school system in GA when Julie very swiftly uncovered the wrong doings, put a legal name to them and was able to gradually refute every lie, defamatory statement and question every unethical practice I witnessed in school. Short after her involvement intimidations and threats from admin at school suddenly stopped. I was able to change school districts and have been a happy educator for more than a decade, with good TKES evaluations and no issues. Julie would not only solve the legal issues, her strength was the promptness and speed with her communication during some extremely intense and time-sensitive exchanges where her immediate attention was needed. Her prompt calls returned and very realistic assessment of possible attacks by admin was, what truly gave me hope and kept my sanity.. It is no doubt that she saved my career. She cleared my name and made me more aware of pitfalls lurking in education and the public school system. I became a GAE member since working with her and would recommend to every teacher to have some protection. A “thank you“ and legal fees do not even remotely compensate such an outstanding legal mind who fought like a lioness while nursing an inexperienced novice teacher with so much warmth and kindness that I thought I had a “super mom”. Thank you Julie for guiding me so effectively through so much mess in the past and for giving me strength to fight the wrong in the public school system and continue to remain in education and serve my students.”

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Published on: December 29, 2019

Attorney Mario Williams Wins This Year’s Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority Lew Horne Social Justice Champion Award

By Williams Oinonen LLC

The Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority (FDHA) awarded Clarkston Councilman and Williams Oinonen LLC partner, Mario Williams with the Lew Horne Social Justice Champion Award during the organization’s 8th Annual Healthcare Champions awards ceremony.

Mr. Williams was recognized for his commitment to advocating for responsible policies and legislation to improve the lives of under served populations. A special video honoring Mario’s lifetime achievement of work committed to social justice was shown during the award ceremony and can be shown here:

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Published on: October 1, 2019

Administrator Keeps Job After Filing Suit Against Clayton County Schools

By Williams Oinonen LLC

“I am about to get fired from my job,” or “I think my boss is about to terminate me, what do I do?” are questions that Williams Oinonen LLC hears from employees all throughout the state of Georgia. When facing this dilemma, the most important thing to do is to seek legal advice before taking any action at all. Depending on the type of job you have, different legal rights may apply.

In this case, Williams Oinonen LLC had five full days worth of a fair dismissal hearing that lasted for nearly half of a year. And thanks to Georgia Association of Educators, three of the top expert witnesses concerning the lawful use of CBD oil were retained. These experts testified that Mr. Blackwood was legally using CBD oil to treat an auto immune disease. Williams Oinonen LLC filed suit for unconstitutional violations by the school district which can be read about here.

Ultimately, after a long and hard fought battle, Clayton County Local Board of Education voted unanimously not to terminate Mr. Blackwood. The AJC ran a story on his victory which can be read here. Stated Mr. Blackwood:

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Published on: June 14, 2018

Georgia Employment and Education Lawyer Obtains Dismissal Of Teacher’s PSC-Professional Standards Commission Suspension Charge Against Her Teaching Certificate

By Williams Oinonen LLC

Georgia Employment and Education attorney obtained a full dismissal and no probable cause finding from the Attorney General and Georgia Professional Standards Commission involving a charge brought against a school teacher facing a suspension of her teaching certificate due to a Georgia PSC standards of ethics charge. The PSC agreed to take no disciplinary action against the educator, closed her case, and expunged the file.

Said the Georgia educator to Ms. Oinonen: “Words can not express my gratitude for you. Your dedication to my case was second to none. The fact that you could hear in my voice my frustration and concern, shows me you are not only a gifted attorney but also an ANGEL equipped to help others during their time of need. You NEVER gave up on me, you could have simply pushed me aside and not bothered going the extra mile. But you did and I am thankful. My career was in jeopardy due to me making a poor decision, however, God gave me a second chance. Thank you for the opportunity to redeem myself!! Your service and Georgia Association of Educators are a GOD send! Thank you!!!”

Georgia Employment and Education attorney recommends that an educator always first contacts an education attorney before responding to a Georgia Professional Standard Commission (PSC) charge. Having an attorney from the start can impact the level of sanction the PSC recommends. Additionally, it is essential to have legal representation in the event of an appeal and request for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, a matter which is civilly prosecuted by the Attorney General of the State of Georgia.

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Published on: December 20, 2014

Good Georgia Education and Employment Lawyer Wins Due Process Student Disciplinary Tribunal Hearing in DeKalb County School District

By Williams Oinonen LLC

Student disciplinary tribunals are notoriously difficult to win, a recent study showing that 89 to 91 percent of students are found guilty and lose their tribunal hearing.

Good Georgia Education Lawyer has been very fortunate to have a solid track record of success, including this past week where she won a student disciplinary tribunal for her client who was facing expulsion or alternative school.

Ms. Oinonen and her clients were very gratified and the fairness and objectivity of the hearing officer who found her client to not be in violation of the code of conduct charges and determined that “no further action” was needed against him in terms of discipline. The student was permitted to return to school and make up his school work.

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Published on: May 1, 2013

Good Georgia Education Lawyer Resolves Former Fulton County School District Employee’s Dispute

By Williams Oinonen LLC

A Fulton County school district former employee resolved their dispute today with the school district. Williams Oinonen LLC was gratified to be able to represent our client and obtain a successful outcome. Said our client:

“Julie Oinonen became a driving force that fought for my rights and maximum protection under the fullest extent of the law. She was a glimmer of hope in a time of desperation, and a voice of relief in a complicated predicament. She worked with me to provide services that fit my budget, and kept me informed every step of the way. I am truly grateful for all that she has done to protect my career and to preserve my future. Thank you, Julie!!!”

Published on: January 11, 2013

Good Georgia Education Lawyer Resolves Bullying Issue At DeKalb County School District

By Williams Oinonen LLC

Good Georgia Lawyer regularly handles education issues, student due process and disciplinary hearings, and teacher/administrator employment matters. Recently, we were very grateful for this testimonial that came from the mother of a son who was being violently assaulted as a bullying victim. Here is a thank you letter she wrote to us:

“This is a testimony of the level of of assistance I received when it came to my son. I could never thank you enough because when I came to you I was at a crossroads about my sons future in middle school as well as in High school because of his issues with bullying . He had been bullied since sixth (6th) grade because of questions regarding his sexuality and because he was coming from a private school setting. My son had been jumped and assaulted on numerous occasions but also threatened because of his diversity and also because of his unfamiliarity to a public school setting. Julie, you assisted me with this issue and further checked to make sure that his transition was easy when it came to a different setting and also a high school setting.

Unfortunately , that wasn’t the case, even going to a different Dekalb County High School, because my son was different and had been labeled as “NOT” gang affiliated he was targeted yet, again. Not because of his sexuality but because he was fortunate. In the midst of all of this I was forced to turn to you (Julie} once again. My son had been jumped by gangs on two (2) separate occasions . . . My son suffers from chronic asthma and was seriously injured and a victim of a brutal assault assaulted twice in one (1) week. Thankfully you (Julie) were at my aid, yet again. and advocated for my son’s rights and made sure that justice was met on his behalf.

Today, my son is in a diverse high school setting thanks to you. Julie, I can never thank you enough because your true passion is in education and serving and empowering our youth. Julie Oinonen, you are truly a blessing! [My son] and I thank you from the bottom of our heart for all that you do, and for caring!!!”
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Published on: November 17, 2012

Good Georgia Lawyer Wins Over Six Figures For Hard Working Georgia Family

By Williams Oinonen LLC

Good Georgia Lawyer loves representing working class Georgia families who have been ripped off, mistreated, deceived, defrauded, and wronged probably more then anything else we do.

Just this week, a Georgia family was able to obtain compensation for their injuries against a very large, national corporation whose employees had committed fraud, negligence, and unfair and deceptive practices against their family causing them personal injury and property loss.

Said the mother of this Georgia family:

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Published on: August 20, 2012

Good Georgia Education Lawyer Reverses Reduction In Force Part Two:

By Williams Oinonen LLC

Williams Oinonen LLC was very gratified with the courage the Tribunal showed in making the right decision to reject Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson’s recommendation to terminate the contract of an educator in DeKalb County School District through a reduction in force.

While the educator ended up accepting a very attractive offer at a nearby school district so the Tribunal’s decision did not end up having to be ruled on by the Board, Ms. Oinonen hopes that the DeKalb County Board of Education will take note as to how the Reduction in Force is being applied, ask the right questions and demand accountability from the Superintendent in the future.

Regarding Ms. Oinonen’s legal representation, Mr. Lynch stated:

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Published on: July 15, 2012

Good Georgia Lawyer Saves Educator’s Job, Reverses Non-Renewal:

By Williams Oinonen LLC

Good Georgia Lawyer was pleased to save an Assistant Principal’s job in one of the largest school district’s in Georgia.

Regarding Julie Oinonen, attorney at Williams Oinonen LLC, the Assistant Principal stated the following:

“First and foremost Julie was honest & attentive with me from our first meeting concerning my case. In addition, she was easily accessible by phone or e-mail throughout the duration of my case. She is a true professional. In the end, she protected my name, reputation, and secured my contract for the upcoming school year. Thanks!!!”

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