News Summary
Chatham County is investigating Nicole Sharong Johnston for allegedly practicing law without a valid license. Once a paralegal, Johnston claimed to have graduated from law school and passed the BAR exam. However, an attorney discovered the truth that she was never licensed. This raised serious concerns within the local legal community as clients may find their legal matters in jeopardy due to Johnston’s actions. The investigation continues as authorities look into her past behavior and the consequences for affected clients.
Investigation into Nicole Johnston for Allegedly Practicing Law Without a License in Chatham County
Chatham County, Georgia, is buzzing with the news of an investigation into Nicole Sharong Johnston, who is under serious scrutiny for allegedly practicing law without a valid license. It seems like something out of a legal drama, but it’s the real deal here in Georgia.
An Interesting Background
To give you a little background, Johnston once worked as a paralegal for Effingham County Judge Melissa Calhoun. However, she was let go in December 2021. Interestingly enough, when she first met Chatham County attorney Amy DeLozier, Johnston introduced herself as a law student working with Judge Calhoun. Talk about living a double life!
Johnston claimed that she graduated from law school and passed the BAR exam back in 2020. With these supposed credentials, one can’t help but wonder how she managed to present herself as a licensed attorney.
DeLozier’s Discovery
As the plot thickens, it turns out that Johnston allegedly took advantage of her role and offered clients legal advice, drafted important legal documents, handled mediations, and even appeared in court while accepting payments from those she represented. It wasn’t until November 2023 that DeLozier uncovered the bombshell revelation: Johnston was not a licensed attorney. After this disturbing discovery, she fired Johnston and promptly reported the situation to the State Bar of Georgia as well as the Savannah Police Department.
Legal Community Shocked
This revelation has sent shockwaves through the local legal community, with many members expressing feelings of being deceived. It appears that Johnston’s claims have left a sour taste in the mouths of many who perhaps believed what she presented. The Chatham County District Attorney, Shalena Cook Jones, has confirmed that her office is also looking into this intriguing case against Johnston.
The Consequences for Clients
In light of these developments, attorney Jonah Pine indicated that any legal matters Johnston handled might end up being declared void due to her lack of proper licensure. For clients who trusted her with their cases, this could spell big trouble. They might now find themselves in uncertain legal territory—definitely not the kinds of situations anyone wants to be in!
The Past Haunts Johnston
Add to this story a twist from Johnston’s past. She was previously arrested in 2010 for theft by deception and deposit account fraud. It seems there’s a pattern that’s being closely scrutinized. This begs the question—how did Johnston manage to navigate through the legal world without proper credentials?
Johnston’s Response and Future Updates
When approached for her take on this whole messy affair, Johnston was rather evasive. She didn’t confirm whether she was indeed licensed to practice law but hinted that an attorney would contact the media on her behalf. However, as of now, no attorney has come forth to clarify Johnston’s position.
As for Judge Calhoun, she has remained tight-lipped about the situation, citing her ongoing campaign for a state judge as a reason for her lack of comments—perhaps more interested in her political future than in addressing Johnston’s actions.
What Comes Next?
With the State Bar of Georgia confirming that an investigation is in full swing, the legal community and residents alike are eager for updates. This case isn’t just a talking point; it raises serious questions about the integrity of the legal profession and highlights the importance of licensure for anyone wishing to practice law.
Stay tuned as this intriguing case unfolds. The coming days promise to shed light on many unanswered questions, and we can only hope for justice to prevail!
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: Bouhan Falligant Attorneys Named 2025 Super Lawyers
- ABA Journal: Legal Community is Bamboozled by Woman Who Allegedly Posed as Attorney for Years
- Law.com: Savannah Jury Returns $3.4M Injury Verdict Against State Farm Client
- Insurance Journal: Southeast News
- Wikipedia: Law
