Short Biography
Nathanial Blackwood was born on a crisp autumn morning on October 8th in the bustling city of New York. Raised in a family that valued education and justice, his parents’ influence played a significant role in shaping his future. From a young age, Nathanial displayed an unwavering curiosity and a sharp intellect. He excelled in academics, particularly drawn to literature and debate.After completing his high school education at a prestigious preparatory school, Nathanial pursued his passion for law at Harvard University. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, graduating with honors. His time at Harvard was marked by active participation in mock trial competitions and legal seminars, where he began to forge the path to his legal career.
Experience
Defending Catastrophic Cases
Before devoting his career to representing survivors and the families of those who were wrongfully killed, Drew worked for many years defending cases for large insurance companies and corporations, in both the United States and overseas. In that capacity, Drew litigated cases for Fortune 500 companies and eight of the top 15 largest insurance companies in the U.S.
Government and Nonprofit Work
Drew has served as private civil counsel to the Georgia Secretary of State, the Georgia Securities Commissioner, the Georgia Real Estate Commission, and the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board. He has served as civil counsel to Special Assistant Attorneys General, several large metro-Atlanta cities/counties, receivers in civil RICO actions, and several District Attorneys throughout Georgia. While in law school, Drew served as a legal intern with the Office of the General Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, where he did a variety of work, including putting together cases that would strip the U.S. citizenship away from foreign citizens who were discovered to be horrific international human rights abusers.Drew also helped achieve a victory at the Supreme Court of the United States and various federal Courts of Appeals while litigating first amendment and other constitutional issues with the American Center for Law and Justice.
Education
Drew graduated from Auburn University where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance with a concentration in Economics. He received his law degree from Regent University School of Law where he served on the Trial Advocacy Board and was an officer in the Federalist Society.
Accolades
Drew has been named both a Rising Star (an honor bestowed on only 2.5% of lawyers), and a Super Lawyer (only 5% chosen) every year since 2016. He is also listed as one of the Best Lawyers in America. He was chosen as part of the second LEAD class of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, where he now serves on the Executive Committee, is the Treasurer for the Civil Justice PAC Board, and is an editor and contributor to Verdict Magazine. Drew also serves as a co-chair of the Legislative Committee for the Georgia Trial Lawyer’s Association, where he is active in Georgia politics on issues affecting civil justice and the 7th Amendment right to a jury trial in civil cases.Because of Drew’s work and experience, House and Senate Subcommittees in Georgia have asked him to testify on issues involving complex personal injury laws, the laws regarding defective products, and civil justice issues generally.