Valdosta, GA – Coleman Talley LLP proudly announces that Partner Converse Bright has received the prestigious Tradition of Excellence Award from the State Bar of Georgia. This highly coveted honor is truly well-deserved. Converse accepted the award at the 2024 State Bar’s Annual Meeting in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to the practice of law in Georgia. Community members, attorneys, and friends sent numerous letters of recommendation, praising Converse’s exceptional legal expertise, professionalism, and integrity throughout his legal career spanning over 60 years. During the ceremony, Converse delivered a moving acceptance speech that will be featured in the Bar’s “Calendar Call” publication.
Please join us in celebrating this remarkable accomplishment for an attorney who epitomizes the highest standards of the legal profession. Converse, thank you for your distinguished service and for inspiring us all with your exceptional work.
Career Highlights
Since 1965, J. Converse Bright has handled hundreds of civil and criminal cases. He has tried over 50 murder cases, resulting in no capital punishment for any of his clients. Mr. Bright has tried over 200 criminal cases and handled over 500 criminal cases. He has appeared in 139 reported decisions in the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Georgia. He has also appeared in 25 reported decisions in the United States District Courts and the Federal Court of Appeals.
Educational Background
Mr. Bright grew up in Valdosta, Georgia. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Virginia in 1962 and his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Georgia in 1965. Mr. Bright was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1964.
Professional Memberships
He is a member of the Court of Appeals of Georgia, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Georgia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Bright also became a member of the Florida Bar in 1976 and is a member of the United States District Courts for the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida.
Leadership Roles
He served as president of the Valdosta Bar Association and as a member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia. Mr. Bright joined the Advisory Board of the United States District Court, Middle District of Georgia, where he arbitrated over twenty cases. The Supreme Court of Georgia appointed him as a Special Master for disciplinary hearings. In 1999, the Supreme Court of Georgia appointed him as a member of the Georgia Board of Bar Examiners, where he served from 1999 until 2004, including a term as chairman in 2004. During his time as a bar examiner, Mr. Bright graded 11,345 exams.
Certifications and Honors and Professional Associations
Mr. Bright is certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is also a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only membership where less than 1% of lawyers are invited. Mr. Bright is also a member of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, a fellowship even more limited than the American College of Trial Lawyers. Mr. Bright is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. For over 35 years, he has been an A-rated lawyer in Martindale Hubble, a peer-reviewed lawyer directory and rating system. Mr. Bright has been listed for over twenty years in “The Best Lawyers in America” and in “Super Lawyers” since its inception.
Teaching and Coaching
Since 1985, Mr. Bright has been part of the faculty for the Georgia Institute of Trial Advocacy at the University of Georgia Law School. He has also taught at Valdosta State University, serving as a professor of American History and Political Science. Mr. Bright coaches the Lowndes High School mock trial team, which has won the last three region titles.
Additional Accomplishments
Listed in: National Directory of Criminal Lawyers; The Best Lawyers in America (Criminal Law). Recipient, Pro Bono Award, State Bar of Georgia. Instructor, History and Political Science, Valdosta State College. Faculty, Georgia Institute of Trial Advocacy. Member, Advisory Board and Arbitrator, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia. Special Master for Lawyers Disciplinary Hearings, Georgia Supreme Court. Member, 1999-2004 and Chairman, 2004, Georgia Board of Bar Examiners.