Sarah A. Grivas West was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Furman University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Following the completion of her undergraduate studies, Sarah attended Case Western Reserve University and earned a Master’s in Bioethics. Sarah then attended Georgia State University School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctor and graduated cum laude.

After passing the bar and prior to joining Vernis & Bowling, Sarah practiced in Health Law.

Her favorite part of practicing law is the case investigation process.  She loves integrating that work with helping clients developing a strategy to resolve matters.

Since joining Vernis & Bowling, Sarah primarily handles Workers’ Compensation Defense.

Lillian Akridge was born and raised in Macon, Georgia. As a first-generation college graduate, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of West Georgia. Upon graduating, Lillian pursued a Juris Doctorate at North Carolina Central University School of Law, graduating magna cum laude. During law school, Lillian interned with Wake County District Court Judge Walczyk and North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls. Lillian served as Vice Justice for Phi Alpha Delta and increased recruitment by 250%. Lillian was also a member of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society, Pro Bono Society, Teen Court, and Trial Advocacy Board before joining the Family Law Clinic, where she handled active family law cases under her third-year law certificate.

After passing the Uniform Bar Exam in North Carolina with a score high enough to waive into any UBE jurisdiction, she worked as an associate with a firm in Princeton, NJ, focusing on commercial defense before returning to Georgia and taking the Georgia Bar Exam.

Lillian has extensive experience in policy reformation and several areas of civil litigation, involving automotive finance, creditors’ rights, corporate asset recovery, fraudulent transfers, bankruptcies, family law, probate law, trucking and personal injury. Lillian is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and had the opportunity to intern with her organization and develop a compliance system, organizing disciplinary audits with over nine years of formal complaints received from inside and outside the United States.

Since joining Vernis & Bowling, Lillian handles all types of general liability claims, including automobile and premises liability.

In her free time, Lillian enjoys traveling, volunteer work, spending time with her fur babies, and cheering on the Florida Gators and Philadelphia Eagles.

DeSharné Carroll was born in Birmingham, Alabama.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Mississippi State University and earned her Juris Doctor from Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University where she was recognized on the Chancellor’s List and Dean’s List for her academic achievements.

Since joining Vernis & Bowling, she concentrates her practice on civil litigation.  DeSharné handles a wide range of matters including automobile liability, premises liability, trucking litigation, and products liability representing individuals, businesses, and insurers in complex disputes. DeSharné is admitted to practice law in all state courts in both Georgia and Alabama, including the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Northern Districts of Georgia; as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Northern Districts of Alabama. She is a member of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association and Georgia Association for Women Lawyers.

Prior to joining the firm, DeSharné practiced in insurance defense, medical malpractice litigation, and transportation defense in both Alabama and Georgia. She has managed cases from inception through resolution, achieving favorable outcomes for her clients. DeSharné’s favorite part of practicing law is working with clients. She is committed to ensuring that clients feel supported and informed through every stage of the legal process.

Beyond her work, she enjoys a well-rounded life and loves spending time with friends and family, working out, traveling and experiencing new cultures.  You can also find her doing Pilates, hiking, cooking, and reading.

Athena focuses her practice on civil litigation, including insurance defense matters. In this role, she represents clients in a wide range of disputes, handling cases from the initial investigation through discovery, depositions, and litigation strategy. Her practice emphasizes careful preparation, clear communication, and effective advocacy to achieve the best results for her clients.

Athena earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, cum laude, from Georgia State University, where she developed a strong foundation in research, analysis, and public policy. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor degree from Elon University School of Law in North Carolina. During her legal education, Athena gained practical experience through internships and clinical opportunities, which sparked her interest in litigation and client advocacy.

Before joining Vernis & Bowling, Athena practiced in both family law and intellectual property law, gaining valuable exposure to multiple areas of practice. This background has allowed her to approach her current work with a well-rounded perspective and the ability to adapt to a variety of legal challenges.

Athena is admitted to practice law in the State of Georgia. She is an active member of the Gate City Bar Association and the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA), through which she connects with colleagues, supports professional development, and contributes to initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the legal community.

In addition to her professional commitments, Athena is dedicated to service. She volunteers with a nonprofit peace organization and works directly with refugee communities in Georgia, providing resources and support to help individuals and families adjust to new opportunities and thrive in their communities.

Outside of her legal career, Athena enjoys a variety of creative and active pursuits. She loves traveling and exploring new cultures, as well as cooking, baking, and crafting. She also finds balance and joy in outdoor activities such as roller skating, hiking, and swimming.

Geoffrey Marcus graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior Biology and a minor in Anthropology. Surprisingly, a single elective course shifted Geoffrey’s path from the medical field to the legal field. Thus, Geoffrey continued his education at the University of Miami School of Law, graduating Cum Laude in 2019.

Upon graduating from law school, Geoffrey and his wife (who he met in law school) relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. Geoffrey initially began his legal career at a Plaintiff firm that specializes in employment law and litigation. Thereafter, Geoffrey worked at a civil defense firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he handled civil litigation matters, involving the following: third party litigation, including employment law, OSHA investigations and citations, premises liability, vehicle accident defense, trucking defense, wrongful death, construction defects, and the defense of government and municipalities; and insurance coverage/first party litigation.

Geoffrey has represented, among others, a trillion dollar e-commerce company, a multi-billion dollar food and beverage supply company, a multi-million dollar hospitality business, and a multi-million dollar real estate development firm, as well as local health care providers and restaurants. He is experienced at managing all stages of litigation – pre-litigation through appellate work.

Notably, Geoffrey recently prevailed on summary judgment, which was later affirmed by the Fourth Circuit, after oral argument, pertaining to the issue of employer drug testing policy for new and current employees and an employer’s related obligations under the ADA and N.C.G.S. § 95-28.2 (lawful use of lawful products statute) when an employee tested positive for THC use. Anderson v. Diamondback Inv. Grp., LLC, 117 F. 4th 165 (4th Cir. 2024).

In his personal life, Geoffrey enjoys spending time with his wife, Natasha, and embracing being a “girl dad” to his daughter, Olivia.