In the Media

Attorney at Law Magazine — 2025 Criminal Defense Special Issue

In October 2025, Attorney at Law Magazine spotlighted our founder, Blake A. Poole, as the cover story and “Attorney of the Month.” 

In the feature titled “Blake Poole: Standing the Watch,” the article chronicles Blake’s journey from ROTC and Army infantryman to prosecutor, and ultimately to founding our firm in Gainesville, Georgia.

Among the passages, Blake reflects on his transition from military service to law:

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“I’m grateful for that experience… It molded me into who I am. I also knew it wasn’t the kind of fighting I wanted to dedicate the rest of my life to. It clarified my path back to school and into law.” 

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He also explains why criminal defense resonates deeply with him:

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“When someone’s liberty is at stake, when they’re at their lowest point — that’s when advocacy matters most. Everyone deserves someone to stand up for them.”

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Attorney at Law Magazine is one of the most widely recognized publications in the legal industry, known for profiling standout attorneys and highlighting leaders who shape the practice of law nationwide. Being selected for a feature in this publication — especially in a national special issue — is a distinction reserved for a small number of attorneys whose careers, credentials, and reputation rise above the field.

Blake A. Poole’s inclusion in the 2025 Criminal Defense Special Issue places him among a select group of criminal-defense practitioners recognized at the national level, reflecting both the magazine’s confidence in his work and the prominence of our firm within the legal community.

GaBiz Magazine's Top Lawyers 2025 & 2026

GaBiz Magazine recognized Blake A. Poole for both 2025 and 2026, certifying him as a standout figure in Criminal Defense in the state of Georgia.

GaBiz Magazine (known as The Magazine for Georgia Business) is a major statewide business publication designed for C-Suite executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders in Georgia’s economic-development community.

GaBiz profiles the state’s most influential businesses, highlights rising leaders, and documents significant contributions to Georgia’s business ecosystem.

GaBiz Magazine’s Top Lawyers recognition is determined through a peer-based voting process, meaning only licensed, practicing attorneys in the state of Georgia are permitted to participate. These annual recognitions highlight professionals whose performance, reputation, and leadership exceed industry standards across Georgia’s business and legal landscape.

Our inclusion across consecutive years reflects consistent excellence in criminal litigation and a growing statewide profile.

Our Cases in the News

Child Molestation Trial – Full Acquittal

Blake A. Poole was featured in statewide coverage by Gainesville Times and syndicated coverage by Yahoo News after securing a not-guilty verdict for a Gainesville man accused of child molestation. 

News outlets quoted Blake directly as he challenged the credibility of the accusations:

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“The girl’s story did not add up and lacked credibility.”

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After deliberating, the jury returned a full acquittal on all charges, clearing the defendant of every allegation. The verdict received widespread regional coverage as a notable courtroom outcome.

Elder Exploitation Case – Felony Charge Dismissed

In 2024 Blake was mentioned on the front page of Gainesville Times (and in Instagram) when he represented a Buford woman accused of exploitation and neglect of her 80-year-old mother. After a 50-minute hearing, the exploitation charge was dismissed, and only a lesser neglect count moved forward.

The Gainesville Times noted that the defendant appeared in court “with her attorney Blake Poole” as the judge issued the dismissal — a favorable early outcome covered by local press.

Kidnapping & Threats Case Involving Local Imam

Gainesville Times reported when Blake served as defense counsel in a high-profile case accusing Marquis Bonds of aggravated assault, kidnapping, and threats against a local imam. This case drew significant regional attention due to allegations of kidnapping, threats, and a complex history involving a local imam.

Blake served as lead defense counsel for Marquis Bonds, and his courtroom arguments were repeatedly quoted in news coverage. Nick Watson from Gainesville Times reported:

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“[Blake] claimed the prosecution’s case is relying on unreliable witnesses and throwing “spaghetti against the wall hoping something sticks” in the two charges of aggravated assault from the Ali incident.”

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Gainesville Firefighter Criminal Case

Coverage: Hall County local outlets, Facebook public-safety reporting

Facebook public-safety report mentions Blake representing a Hall County firefighter facing criminal allegations. 

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“Defense attorney Blake Poole said he maintains his innocence and is looking forward to having his day in court.”

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The case became a recurring topic in public-safety reporting across Hall County platforms.

Violent-Crime Case: Defense Challenges State’s Theory

In a violent-crime case involving a shooting, Blake was featured in local reporting by the Gainesville Times for delivering a sharply framed defense theory.

As reported in the OCR-archived article, Blake argued that the prosecution was mischaracterizing the events:

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“It appears [the victim] came to Gainesville to commit crime, and that he was shot while committing a crime,” Poole told reporters in reference to the alleged assailant. “Regardless, it is always a tragedy when a young man loses his life,” Poole said in a statement. “But [the defendant] did not commit this murder and he is not a member of some gang.”

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This quote was widely circulated in the local news ecosystem and highlighted the adversarial nature of the proceedings.

Mistaken Identity Argument in Serious Felony Case

Coverage: Gainesville Times (historic court reporting)

In another felony matter with potential life-sentence exposure, Blake appeared in press coverage highlighting defense challenges to the prosecution’s identification evidence. The Gainesville Times reported that Blake argued he was being limited from presenting a full mistaken-identity defense, a key issue at the center of the trial for a client facing 25 years to life.

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“What my client's alleged to have done is far less egregious than what that other guy's alleged to have done, so it's a very frustrating and frankly very scary circumstance”

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Other Awards and Recognitions

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Super Lawyers Rising Star (2022–2024)

Super Lawyers Rising Star (2022–2024)

A distinction awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys in each state, the Rising Star selection recognizes outstanding young lawyers who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement. Blake A. Poole earned this honor three years in a row.

The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100

The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100

These invitations are extended exclusively to attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership in criminal defense. Inclusion in both the Top 40 Under 40 and the Top 100 places Blake among the nation’s most respected trial lawyers.

NACDA Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys

NACDA Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys

Awarded by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, this honor recognizes the top criminal-defense practitioners in the country. Blake’s three consecutive years of recognition highlight consistent excellence in complex and high-stakes defense representation.

2025 Lawyers of Distinction

2025 Lawyers of Distinction

This recognition is awarded to attorneys who demonstrate exceptional legal ability, professional achievement, and peer acknowledgment within their field. Being named to the 2025 Lawyers of Distinction list reflects Blake’s continued prominence in criminal defense practice.

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