Robert Bourne

Professional Background

Attorney Robert E. Bourne has spent over 35 years as a trial lawyer fighting for injured people. He focuses on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. This includes car accidents, wrongful death claims, and workplace injuries.

Mr. Bourne has built a strong reputation for skilled and caring legal help. He has won significant recoveries for his clients and protected their rights. He holds a Martindale-Hubbell “Distinguished” peer-review rating. This honor shows he is widely respected by other lawyers for high professional achievement and ethical standards. Robert also holds a perfect 10/10 rating on Avvo, a legal directory that rates attorneys based on client reviews and peer endorsements.

Education & Early Legal Experience

Robert is committed to continual learning and excellence. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Georgia - one of the highest academic honors. He then earned his law degree from Georgia State University College of Law.

Even before graduating law school, Robert gained significant legal experience in the legal field. He worked in various legal roles, including:

• 1989 - 1990: Law Clerk, The Honorable Michael Stoddard, Cobb County State Court
• 1988 - 1989: Legal Intern, Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation
• 1987 - 1988: Legal Aide, Georgia House of Representatives Judiciary Committee
• 1985 - 1987: Legal Aide, Executive Counsel’s Office, Governor Joe Frank Harris

Career Achievements

Throughout his career, Mr. Bourne has handled numerous high-profile cases. He has successfully represented clients in complex litigation matters. He has helped hundreds of injured Georgians recover settlements and verdicts. This includes multi-million dollar recoveries in cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and significant property damage.

Since 1990, Robert has been the managing partner of Bourne Law Firm. He founded the firm to provide dedicated legal help to people facing personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. Under his leadership, the firm has grown into a respected practice. It is known for commitment to clients and a strong track record of success.

Bourne Law has always focused on the needs of injured people and their families. We provide personalized attention and aggressive advocacy. Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Speaking Engagements & Publications

Robert Bourne is a frequent speaker and educator in the legal community. He teaches other lawyers about personal injury and workers’ compensation law. He has spoken at numerous Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars, bar conferences, and industry workshops.

In these presentations, he educates fellow lawyers on:

• Strategic litigation practices
• Trial techniques
• New developments in Georgia workers’ compensation law

As a recognized expert, Mr. Bourne has been invited to lecture at statewide programs. These include seminars organized by the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and the annual Georgia Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference. He also writes for professional publications and CLE course materials.

Through his speaking and writing, Mr. Bourne helps improve the practice of law. He mentors other attorneys and advances the standards of advocacy for injured people.

Leadership & Advocacy

Mr. Bourne has distinguished himself both in court and through leadership in professional organizations. His advocacy efforts have shaped Georgia’s workers’ compensation system.

Professional Leadership Roles

Former Vice President, Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA) Served in the executive leadership of GTLA, Georgia’s leading organization of plaintiff trial attorneys. GTLA is dedicated to protecting the right to trial by jury and upholding a fair civil justice system. In this role, Mr. Bourne worked with fellow trial lawyers to promote justice for injury victims and provide education for attorneys statewide.

Past President, GTLA Workers’ Compensation Section Led the workers’ compensation section of GTLA, a specialized division focused on injured workers and the attorneys who represent them. As section president, he organized educational programs to improve the practice of workers’ compensation law and share best practices among claimant attorneys.

Appointee, Governor’s Advisory Council for Workers’ Compensation Appointed by Governor Roy Barnes to serve on a select committee of experts who advise Georgia’s governor on workers’ compensation policy and reforms. He contributed his frontline experience to recommendations aimed at improving the state’s workers’ comp system for both employees and employers.

Member, Chairman’s Advisory Council – State Board of Workers’ Compensation Served on the Chairman’s Advisory Council of Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This council includes judges, attorneys, medical professionals, insurance representatives, and other stakeholders. They review and vet proposed changes to Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws and regulations. Mr. Bourne’s involvement helped shape fair recommendations on complex issues affecting the $2 billion Georgia workers’ comp system.

Legislative Advocacy

Mr. Bourne has been a strong advocate for systemic improvements in workers’ compensation. He has spoken before the Georgia legislature on pending laws. He uses his real-world expertise to inform lawmakers about how proposed changes will affect injured workers.

Whether testifying in committee hearings or working behind the scenes with legislators, he consistently pushes for reforms that protect workers’ rights and improve access to benefits.

By combining decades of legal experience with personal passion and community leadership, Robert Bourne provides clients with knowledgeable representation and genuine compassion. He brings not only a history of legal success but also a deep commitment to justice - the qualities that make him a trusted attorney for injured workers who need a champion.

Notable Cases

Over decades of practice, Mr. Bourne has handled numerous significant cases. Several have set important legal precedents or affirmed vital rights for injury victims.

Case Highlights

Massey v. Allstate Insurance Co. (2017) Mr. Bourne represented an injured motorist seeking uninsured motorist benefits under an umbrella policy. The Georgia Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s summary judgment for the insurer. The court sided with the plaintiff and allowed her uninsured motorist claim to proceed. This reversal clarified policy coverage issues and ensured the availability of promised umbrella coverage for accident victims.

Russ v. American Telephone & Telegraph (1997) Mr. Bourne successfully appealed on behalf of an injured AT&T employee whose workers’ compensation benefits had been wrongly denied. In a published decision, the Georgia Court of Appeals found that the superior court had applied an improper standard of review. The court reinstated the claimant’s compensation award. This outcome protected the rights of the injured worker and affirmed the correct review standard for workers’ compensation cases.

Personal Interests

Outside the courtroom, Robert’s passion for justice is matched only by his love for the Georgia Bulldogs and the great outdoors. He lives in Forsyth County with his family. In his free time, you might find him riding his motorcycle through the North Georgia mountains or hiking with his family.