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M.J. Blakely
M.J. Blakely Neutral
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Overview

M.J. Blakely

M.J. Blakely is a mediator, trial lawyer, and complex litigation specialist with a passion for establishing justice for all. His real-world legal experience led him to the conclusion that most cases settle, so he dedicated a part of his practice to ensuring parties reach the best possible settlement outcomes. M.J.’s mediation practice includes catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases, product liability cases, class actions, mass tort cases, civil rights cases, and commercial business disputes. Although M.J. primarily represents plaintiffs these days, he has represented both plaintiffs and defendants during his nearly 20-year legal career, and he is intimately familiar with the unique interests each party brings to mediated and arbitrated disputes.

M.J. recognizes disputes are about more than allegations and defenses; they are also about the parties involved, and as such, he adopts a “party-centric” approach to mediating cases by developing a keen and open-minded understanding of each party’s unique circumstances. M.J. is engaged, persistent, and creative in his pursuit of fair and reasonable solutions. He understands that no two cases are the same, so he tailors mediation to the needs of each case and explores opportunities for resolution before, during, and when necessary, after the mediation.

M.J. practiced at the nation’s most preeminent law firms where he gained invaluable experience as a litigator and trial lawyer. He has represented and provided legal counsel to large corporations and small businesses, as well as individuals and their families. M.J. founded The Blakely Firm in 2023 with a mission to offer the highest quality legal support and enhanced personalized service to his clients, and to improve and support our community. In addition to his legal experience, he is also sought after for his ability to find common ground during difficult and divisive times.

Admitted to Practice

  • Georgia 2006
  • Tennessee 2014
  • Supreme Court of Georgia 1/11/2007
  • Georgia Court of Appeals 1/11/2007
  • United States Northern District Court 4/2/2007
  • United States Middle District Court 8/12/2008
  • United States Southern District Court 3/21/2014
  • United States Western District Court of TN 11/7/2014
  • TN State Courts 11/7/2014
  • 11th Circuit Court of Appeals 1/31/2012
  • US Supreme Court 4/26/2011

Education

  • Oxford College and Emory College of Emory University, Bachelor of Art, 2002
    • Dean’s Merit List; Leadership Oxford; Scholarship Chair for Delta Psi Epsilon Social Service Club; and Forward on Oxford College Club Soccer Team; Dean’s Merit List; and Chaplin for the Mu Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
  • University of Georgia School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 2006
    • Joseph Henry Lumpkin Inn of Court Pupil; Research Assistant for Dean Rebecca H. White; Vice President of the Davenport-Benham Chapter of the Black Law Students Association; 1L Closing Argument Competition Semi-Finalist; England Mock Trial Competition Semi-Finalist; Member of the Mock Trial Board; National Trial Competition Regional Champion; Recipient of the Weinberg, Wheeler, Hudgins, Gunn and Dial, LLP Award for Outstanding Mock Trial Advocate; Dean’s Ambassador; and Legacy Committee Co-Chair.

Professional or Trade Affiliations

  • Board of Trustees for Leadership Georgia
  • Member of The University of Georgia School of Law’s Law School Association Council and Past President
  • Member of the Oxford College Alumni Board
  • Member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association and Past Executive Committee member and LEAD Graduate
  • Member of the American Association for Justice and Minority Caucus Member
  • Magnum Opus Honor Society mentor and volunteer
  • Member of Shades of Mass and Board Participant
  • State Bar of Georgia YLD Leadership Academy Graduate
  • Member of the Gate City Bar Association
  • Member of the Atlanta Bar Association
  • Member of the Clarke Carley Inn of Courts, Master
  • Proud member of 100 Black Men of Atlanta
  • Proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
  • Former President of Westchester Elementary School PTO
  • Former Vice President of Fifth Ave. Upper Elementary School PTA 

Honors & Awards

  • Super Lawyers – Rising Star – 2013 – 2017
  • T. Walden Outstanding Lawyer Award – 2017

Publications

Rates and Fees

Rates - M.J. Blakely

If you have questions regarding our rates and fees, please contact support@milesadr.com

Atlanta Rates
2 Party Case: $250 per party; per hour
3 Party Case: $225 per party; per hour
4 Party Case: $200 per party; per hour
5+ Party Case: Flat Rate Available Upon Request
Arbitration Hourly Rate: $500

Travel time and expenses, including meals and lodging, billed separately and split equally among the parties at the Neutral's hourly rate.
Pre/Post Consultation & Document Review: Hourly Mediation/Arbitration Rate

Mediation /Arbitration Admin Fees
Atlanta Mediation Admin Fee - $300 per party
Arbitration Commencement And Administration Fee: $1500 per party

MEDIATION CANCELLATION POLICY

Mediations cancelled within 10 days of the mediation will be charged a cancellation fee of $1000. However, mediations cancelled, rescheduled or settled within 24 hours of the mediation will be charged 4 of the Neutral's hourly rate . Cancellation fees shall be sent to the cancelling party unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

ARBITRATION FEE PAYMENT POLICY

Arbitration Commencement and Administrative Fee is $1500.00 per party, per arbitrator. At the commencement of arbitration, each party will be invoiced $1500.00. This fee is refundable minus $500.00 per party until the initial case management order has been issued. All arbitration related invoices are due upon receipt.

ARBITRATION CANCELLATION POLICY

If a single-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within 15 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 4 hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate. However, if the single-day Arbitration Hearing cancels or reschedules within 2 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 8 hours of the Arbitrator’s hourly rate.

If a multi-day Arbitration Hearing scheduled on the merits of the case cancels or reschedules within 28 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 4 hours of the Arbitrator's hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing. However, if the multi-day Arbitration Hearing cancels or reschedules within 7 business days of the hearing, the parties will be charged 8 hours of the Arbitrator's hourly rate for each day reserved for the hearing.

Issuance of the Final Arbitration Order/Award

Arbitration Awards/Orders will not be issued to either party until Miles has received full payment for all fees and expenses associated with the arbitration.