Jason A. Smith | The Valdosta Daily TimesThe fire proof safe in the reception area at Closson, Bass and Tomberlin, where they keep their files. 

VALDOSTA — Closson, Bass and Tomerblin will observe 37 years of business in July. 

Luke Closson opened his practice in 1979 at 112 W. Central Ave. The building was previously a bank and he only had a portion of the building, he said.

The building is located in historic Downtown Valdosta. Along with the bank, the space has housed an insurance office at the same time as Closson’s practice. 

In 1993, his practice expanded to include the entire section of the building, including the safe that is now used to store files, he said. The office still has the original fireproof safe the bank used. 

“The safe is a great fireproof place for our files,” said Closson. 

Along with his expansion in the ’90s, Closson added two attorneys to his practice: Michael Bass in 1991 and Lucy Tomberlin in 1994. 

With the new attorneys came small changes in what the office could do. 

Closson’s area of practice is focused on injured workers, pilot FAA certificate problems and Social Security disability, according to the firm’s website. Bass’ area of practice is focused on worker’s compensation for injured workers and criminal defense. Tomberlin’s focus is Social Security disability. 

While all three partners practicing injured worker cases, they said they pride themselves on their specialties.  

“We don’t try to do anything else,” said Closson. “We try to fight against the ‘jack of all trade and the master of none’ idea. Nine times out of 10, we know what to do with an injured workers or criminal case immediately.”

“Yes, we still do research” said Bass. “But I don’t have to look up all the details every time I have a case. Part of our expertise comes from working with every doctor in the area.” 

“I make sure of the medical care they need,” said Closson. “We know the doctors and the employers in the area. We know what is possible and what is not. The average worker doesn’t know if they have a $50 case or a $5,000 case.”

In their line of work, cases can last for long periods of times. 

“It’s sad for Social Security disabilities,” said Closson. “Claims take an average of two years to get through the legal labyrinth.”

Injured worker cases can take decades, said Closson. 

“I have cases that are from the early ’80s and ’90s that we are still working with,” said Closson. 

Throughout the years, each has been involved in several different organizations.

Closson is rated as an AV attorney by MartinDale-Hubbell. 

“AV Preeminent is a certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards,” according to the firm’s website.

He is also one of the directors of the Georgia Legal Foundation and is a founding member of the Georgia Injured Workers Advocates.

Bass is a past vice president of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, was a founding member and initial president of the the Valdosta Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is one of the directors of the Southeastern Trust for Parks and Land. He is also rated as an AV attorney by MartinDale-Hubbell peer review system.

Tomberlin is a member of the Valdosta chapter of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, a former president and district governor for the Valdosta Quota Club, a member of the National Social Security Claimants’ Representative and speaks at the national convention. She is rated as a BV attorney by MartinDale-Hubbell peer review system.

Closson, Bass and Tomberlin is located at 112 W. Central Ave. and can be contacted at (229) 269-4947.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1256.