SSPBA Legal Staff

Joni Fletcher Cawthon

Senior Legal Services Director

1-800-233-3506

Joni began her career at PBA in 1994 as the Director of Communications. In that capacity she was responsible for producing The Front Line, (PBA’s Newsletter), preparing political ads, designing layouts and other communications functions. In 1996, Joni started law school attending evening sessions because she worked during the day. She later moved into a dual role at PBA serving as the Front Line editor and legal assistant. Upon being admitted to the Georgia Bar Association, Joni became a staff attorney. In August of 2004, she became the PBA Legal Services Director.

Joni holds B.S. and M.M.C. degrees from the University of Georgia. She has a Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University.

"I enjoy being a part of an organization that law enforcement officers can turn to for help when they need it most. Members turn to our department when they are faced with losing their jobs, defending themselves in lawsuits and even having to defend themselves against criminal charges, and PBA has a system in place to assist them. Our purpose is clear, and we work hard to protect our members."

Dale Preiser

Assistant Director of Legal Services

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Dale moved to Georgia in 1991 after receiving a Bachelor of Science in economics from Illinois State University. He received a Masters degree in Business Administration in 2000 from Georgia College & State University. Dale had a prior career in medical practice management. He went to law school in 2002 and graduated from Oklahoma City University with a JD in 2005. Dale then opened a private law practice in McDonough, Georgia and joined SSPBA in June 2012. Dale has two children.

"I am proud to be a part of an organization that provides legal assistance to members facing serious issues directly arising out of performance of their law enforcement duties."

Jim Wright

General Counsel

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Don English

Georgia Counsel

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SSPBA attorney Donald C. English has over 30 years of experience practicing law. He began his law practice as an assistant solicitor for the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office in Atlanta, GA. He later served as the assistant district attorney for the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office in Decatur, GA. Don English joined the PBA in 1990 and has served as General Counsel ever since. Mr. English has successfully represented many PBA members in civil lawsuits, grievances and disciplinary actions. Don English is married to Laurie English. They have one daughter and two grandchildren.

"One of the many reasons I enjoy my work here at PBA is I learned long ago that law enforcement officers make the best clients: they respect the law, they are more likely to tell their lawyer the truth, and are usually grateful for your work."

Andrew Valli

Senior Staff Attorney

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Andy joined the PBA legal staff in October 2015. His prior work experience includes investigating potential violations of the federal securities laws with the Enforcement Division of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, general practice work as a solo practitioner and employment as a staff attorney with the business litigation and e-discovery practice groups at King & Spalding.

Andy earned his J.D. degree from Georgia State University College of Law and holds undergraduate degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and Brevard College. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and five children.

Dana Nicolazzi Johnson

Staff Attorney

1-800-233-3506

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Dana’s prior work experience includes clerking for Cordele Circuit Superior Court Judges, handling small claim litigation, and serving as a public defender for criminal defense. She joined the PBA legal staff in January 2020.

Dana attended Mercer University (B.A. English Literature & J.D. degree from the Walter F. George School of Law). She is an active member of the Junior League of Macon and loves to spend her time at local events and exploring all of what the city of Macon has to offer.

Jeana Johnson Barber

Staff Attorney

1-800-233-3506

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Stephen Wasley

Staff Attorney

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Micaelah Gale

Staff Attorney

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April Crumbley

Legal Services Senior Manager

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Kelly Curran

Legal Billing and Reporting Manager

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Jennifer Sherman

Legal Administrative Services
Manager

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Amy Barnett

Legal Administrative Services
Associate

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Rikki Osborne

Legal Case Associate

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Michele Tolbert

Legal Billing & Reporting Associate

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Lindsey McLain

Legal Case Manager

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Erika Lee

Legal Administrative Services Associate

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Amy Coursey

Legal Call Manager

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Joye Moore

Senior Legal Assistant

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Jennifer Johnson

Legal Call Associate

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Contact Jennifer

Lori Kurz

Legal Call Associate

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Hannah Skidmore

Legal Call Associate

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Cara Phillips

Legal Services Administrative Assistant

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Leah Williams

Legal Call Associate

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Contact Leah

Jordan Mitten

Senior Legal Assistant

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Contact Jordan

Jorden Weaver

Legal Case Associate

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Contact Jorden

Savannah Grubb

Legal Case Associate

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Contact Savannah

Southern States PBA News

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Alabama Scholarship Winner Puts One Foot in Front of the Other

April 22, 2026

Jackson Patterson is a freshman at the University of South Alabama with several big ambitions. He's just not sure which ones he will follow yet. "Right now, my biggest challenge is deciding what I want my future to look like," he told me. He's studying engineering, and it's possible that he chooses to go straight into building a career in the aerospace industry after college. But it's also possible that he takes an even more interesting path ? he's interested in traveling the world and performing on stage, for example ? because if one thing's for sure about Jackson, it's that he's willing to branch out and try new things that he finds exciting ? even if they're unconventional.

Children of LEO veteran killed in crash awarded PBF memorial scholarships

April 15, 2026

South Fulton County police Capt. Helio A. Garcia III was born with the calling to law enforcement, a 15-year career he devoted his life to after serving his country as a U.S. Marine.

Threat of incarceration of MDOC commissioner compels department to pay judgment owed to PBA member

February 17, 2026

On January 23, 2026, the County Court of Hinds County, Miss. issued an order of civil contempt against the Mississippi Department of Corrections in a case filed on behalf of PBA member Mary Hoyt.