ATLANTA — Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has chosen a legal team of outside counsel to assist the state's investigation and litigation relating to prescription opioid manufacturing, marketing, sale and distribution in Georgia.
Carr announced he has selected outside counsel including John Bevis with the Barnes Law Group, who will serve as special assistant attorney general (SAAG). Bevis' firm will work in conjunction with The Cooper Firm, Franklin Law LLC and Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles PC, the Attorney General's Office said.
“As attorney general, I have dedicated every available resource our office has to fight the opioid epidemic – whether by increasing communication and coordination through our statewide opioid task force, cracking down on illegal prescribing through our Medicaid fraud control unit or conducting training opportunities for law enforcement and prosecutors through our national partnerships,” Carr said in a statement.
“As my office pursues legal action against those who may have had a role in fueling this epidemic, I feel very strongly that this legal team’s combined experience and expertise will help put our legal team in the best position to ensure the interests of Georgians are protected"
The legal team was chosen after a review of 20 proposals by Carr and his staff. The search narrowed to seven interviews before the final decision, the Attorney General's Office said.