Byrd Garland

Byrd Garland is a 5th generation lawyer. He is 3rd generation to practice in Jackson, Georgia in the firm established by his grandfather, W. E. Watkins, in 1905.

Byrd was born and raised in Jackson, graduating from Jackson High School in 1965. He received his BBA degree from the University of Georgia with honors in 1970. He graduated from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in 1973 and began a general practice of law in Jackson, Georgia that same year.

Byrd has participated in successful jury trials throughout the middle Georgia area. He practiced over 21 years in the firm of Garland & Milam until Richard Milam was appointed District Attorney of the Towaliga Judicial circuit.

Prior to becoming a manager over the Jackson office for Smith, Welch Webb & White, LLC, Byrd was the partner in charge of the Jackson office of Smith, Welch & Brittain, LLP from March 2001 until May 2011.

His clients include Butts County Board of Education, Butts County Hospital Authority, the City of Jackson, Butts County Water Authority, Butts County Development Authority, and the Georgia District of the Church of the Nazarene, as well as numerous builders, developers and other businesses in the Butts and Henry County area.

Byrd is married to Tyler Garland, retired lead counselor of Jackson High School. They have four children: Watkins, Will, Dru and Molly.

Over the years, Byrd has been active in the following civic and religious activities: Chairman, Butts County Hospital Authority, Butts County Green Space Committee, Butts County Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, Butts County Vision Quest, Director and past President of the Chamber of Commerce, United Way Drive Chairman.

He has been active in the Jackson United Methodist Church serving as Lay Leader, Chairman of the Pastor/Parish relations committee and as Chairman of the Administrative Board. In 2001, Byrd was honored by the State Bar and was presented the Chief Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service. Byrd is also the founding Chairman of Partners for Smart Growth of which SWWW is a sustaining member.  In 2015, Byrd was inducted into the Butts County Hall of Fame.

Byrd served on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Georgia and is an adjunct professor at Mercer Law School teaching Wills and Intestate Succession.

Byrd Garland is a civil mediator and, as such, may conduct mediation for consenting parties. His skills provide our clients the opportunity to utilize alternative dispute resolution options as well as litigation services when necessary.