Villard S. Bastien

A native New Yorker now practicing in Atlanta — bringing nearly 25 years of trial-tested advocacy to every client.

BIOGRAPHY

Villard Bastien was born in New York City and was raised with an appreciation for the diversity of people, cultures, and perspectives that shape our world. From an early age, his parents instilled in him the belief that people have a responsibility to understand, respect, and help one another regardless of their background.

That philosophy became an important part of Mr. Bastien’s life. During his childhood, teenage years, and adulthood, he had the opportunity to study and spend significant time abroad, including in the Caribbean, Spain, Mexico, Austria, and France. These experiences broadened his understanding of different cultures and communities and reinforced his belief that effective advocacy begins with listening, understanding, and appreciating the individual circumstances of each person.

Mr. Bastien earned his Bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and later earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, California, with a concentration in Transnational Business Practice. He considers himself a lifelong learner and continues to pursue opportunities to expand his knowledge and professional experience.

Throughout his career, Mr. Bastien has gained a unique understanding of the legal and insurance industries from virtually every side of a dispute. Early in his career, he worked with the District Attorney’s Office and in legal aid. He subsequently worked as a claims professional and as a defense attorney representing insurance companies. Today, he primarily represents plaintiffs and their families in serious personal injury matters, with a particular emphasis on medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and abuse, and other cases involving significant injury or loss.

His experience on both sides of litigation provides him with valuable insight into how insurance companies, corporations, and defense attorneys evaluate claims. He understands not only the legal issues involved in a case, but also the practical considerations that influence how defendants and insurers respond to serious claims.

Mr. Bastien also maintains an active criminal defense practice, representing individuals facing serious criminal allegations. His background in prosecution, legal aid, criminal defense, insurance claims, and civil litigation allows him to approach legal problems from multiple perspectives and to develop strategies tailored to the circumstances of each client.

His LL.M. education in Transnational Business Practice has also strengthened his ability to understand businesses, organizations, contracts, and the financial and operational considerations that can arise in complex disputes.

Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Bastien is deeply committed to serving his community. He has served on numerous civic, professional, and community boards and has held leadership positions in civic and professional organizations. His commitment to public service most recently led to his appointment as a Municipal Court Judge.

Serving as a judge has given Mr. Bastien an additional perspective on the legal system and the responsibilities of lawyers and litigants before the court. At the same time, he values the opportunity to continue representing clients in private practice. The combination of judicial service and an active legal practice has further strengthened his appreciation for fairness, preparation, advocacy, and the importance of treating every person who enters the legal system with dignity and respect.

For Mr. Bastien, practicing law is more than a profession. It is an opportunity to help people navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives, to hold individuals and organizations accountable when appropriate, and to use his experience to pursue justice for the people and families he represents.

(404) 378-4344

470-275-3906

Emai Me

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Personal Injury
Nursing Home Abuse
Criminal Defense
Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice
Business General Counsel

Bar Admissions

Georgia
New York
New Jersey

Education

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

Sacramento, California — LL.M., Major: Business Practice

State University of New York

Stony Brook, New York

Pro Bono & Community

Former Chairman, current Member — Dunwoody Zoning and Appeals Board
Former Board Member, current Member — Leadership Sandy Springs
Secretary to the Board — Community Assistance Center of Sandy Springs and Dunwoody
Member — Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber
Former President, current Board Member — Dunwoody Rotary