Brian M. Rickman

Brian M. Rickman brings a depth of experience to Cathey & Strain that is rarely found in private practice. After more than two decades in public service—including service as Chief Judge and Presiding Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals—he now represents individuals and families in serious injury and wrongful death cases across Georgia.

During his time on the Court of Appeals, Mr. Rickman authored hundreds of appellate opinions, helping shape the law in areas such as wrongful death, medical malpractice, product liability, and catastrophic injury. That experience gives him a unique perspective when evaluating cases—understanding not only how they will be presented to a jury, but how they may ultimately be reviewed on appeal.

Before joining the Court of Appeals, Mr. Rickman served for nine years as an elected District Attorney, where he prosecuted and supervised complex felony cases, including murder, child abuse, fraud, and racketeering. He began his career as an Assistant District Attorney and, at the time of his appointment as District Attorney, was the youngest District Attorney in Georgia. He served for two years as Chief Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals, reflecting the trust placed in him throughout his career.

Mr. Rickman is a graduate of Piedmont University and the University of Georgia School of Law.  In 2008, Judge Rickman was a recipient of the Piedmont College Alumni Association’s Pacesetter Award. In 2013 he was named by the Fulton Daily Report as a “40 under 40 On the Rise,” selection.  In 2026 he was awarded the Alumni Service Award by the Piedmont University Alumni Association.

In addition to his judicial and prosecutorial work, Mr. Rickman has been actively involved in statewide service. He has served on the Judicial Qualifications Commission, the Georgia Board of Public Safety, and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia, contributing to the oversight of the judiciary and public safety policy across the state. These roles reflect a longstanding commitment to Georgia’s legal system and the communities it serves.

At Cathey & Strain, Mr. Rickman focuses his practice on wrongful death, medical malpractice, catastrophic personal injury, and appellate litigation. His work is centered on helping clients navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives, with a commitment to careful investigation, clear communication, and thoughtful advocacy.

Mr. Rickman works closely with attorney Maggie Hastings, his longtime colleague and former staff attorney at the Court of Appeals, as well as with the experienced team at Cathey & Strain, including Dennis Cathey, Matt Cathey, David Dickerson, and David Sleppy. Together, the firm brings a collaborative, team-based approach to every case—combining trial experience, appellate insight, and a shared commitment to representing clients with diligence and care.

His experience on the bench informs his work for clients today. Few attorneys have had the opportunity to evaluate cases from the appellate court’s perspective and then return to private practice to advocate for individuals and families. That perspective allows Mr. Rickman to approach each case with a clear understanding of both the legal issues involved and the path forward.