We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Wray Eckl, a founding partner of our firm.
Mr. Eckl was a uniquely gifted attorney whose commitment to the practice of law was unwavering. He was passionate about his work every single day and dedicated himself tirelessly to the pursuit of excellence. In 1983, alongside Charles Drew and Clayton Farnham, Mr. Eckl co-founded Drew Eckl & Farnham. He poured his energy into building the firm, and he took great pride in its growth and success.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Mr. Eckl centered his practice on civil tort litigation for both self-insureds and insureds. He practiced extensively throughout the state of Georgia and defended product liability cases nationwide on behalf of corporate clients. His expertise was recognized by peers across the country, and he frequently spoke at seminars sponsored by the American Bar Association, the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association, the Defense Research Institute, Georgia Legal Continuing Education, and other professional organizations.
Mr. Eckl began his legal career after graduating from the University of Notre Dame, attending the University of Vienna, Austria, and earning his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps and was admitted to practice law by examination in Virginia, Alabama, and Georgia. He entered private practice in Atlanta in 1965, where he quickly established himself as a respected trial lawyer and leader in the legal community.
Mr. Eckl's legacy endures in the culture and values of the firm he helped to create. His passion for the law, his professionalism, and his dedication to his clients and colleagues will continue to guide and inspire us. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Eckl family and honor his memory with gratitude for all he contributed to our profession and our firm.