AttorneysEd Center

Crystal S. McElrath practices workers’ compensation defense as well as employment law defense and counseling, specializing in disability and leave laws. She regularly advises, trains and defends clients related to wage and hour, discrimination and human resource laws.

Crystal represents clients in a number of industries including food sales, medical transport services, counseling and staffing. She also handles numerous workers' compensation matters; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charges of age, racial and religious discrimination; Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime and minimum wage cases; unemployment claims; Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) lawsuits; drafting of employee handbooks; conducting internal audits; and negotiating employment contracts.

Crystal has successfully tried more than 85 percent of her litigated cases in favor of the employers and insurers she has represented. She has also successfully defended four appeals. Twice, Crystal co-authored amicus briefs to the Supreme Court of Georgia on a question of which workers’ compensation statute of limitations applied for claims involving statutory penalties for late indemnity payments. Crystal also co-authored a brief to the Georgia Court of Appeals on the question as to whether medical benefits constitute “compensation” such that payment for medical treatment would trigger the status of limitations for controverting workers’ compensation claims.

Crystal’s method of thought and mindfulness is highly influenced by her unique
perspective developed while studying at Emory University's Center for the Study of Law and Religion. She simultaneously studied law and theology, creating a system of thinking that taught her to deeply examine the meanings of intersections. For clients, this means decisions are always balanced in consideration of business and the personal concerns attached to all outcomes. Crystal seeks a balanced and highly personalized solution for each case, which also drives strategies that balance the client’s legal needs with their business’ success and profits.

Nichole “Nicki” Novosel practices workers’ compensation defense as well as employment law defense and counseling, and represents clients including employers and insurance carriers.

Nicki leverages her educational background in business administration and marketing in both her workers’ compensation and employment law defense and counseling practice. Understanding the vital functions of business operations provides key insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the businesses she represents, which better positions her to create sound strategies that steer clients to successful outcomes.

Serving clients with an integrated and proactive approach, Nicki is a highly effective communicator who builds trustworthy relationships that facilitate meaningful and productive conversations with clients. She is personable and always available to speak with clients to develop and implement strategies that lead to cost-effective solutions.

Nicki began her career with Swift Currie as a summer associate before joining full time in 2018.