Attorney Marlan Wilbanks has been selected to receive the 2022 HCHS Lifetime Achievement Award. Wilbanks is a member of Habersham Central High School’s 1979 graduating class. He earned his undergrad and law degrees at the University of Georgia.
As an attorney practicing in Atlanta, Wilbanks’ cases have resulted in a number of record-breaking recoveries, according to the HCHS nominating committee. For over 25 years, he has specialized in representing whistleblowers who file lawsuits when taxpayers have been defrauded by individuals or large corporations. His whistleblower cases have resulted in over $2 billion being obtained for his clients as well as the United States Taxpayers.
Wilbanks has previously been named the National Lawyer of the Year by the Taxpayers Against Fraud organization – the largest organization of its kind in the United States. He and his cases have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Atlanta Business Chronicle, CNN, NBC, ABC, Fox News, and dozens of other media outlets across the country.
In addition to his legal work, Wilbanks actively supports organizations dedicated to protecting and educating children. In conjunction with the UGA School of Law, he founded the Wilbanks Child Endangerment and Sexual Exploitation (CEASE) Clinic. This first-of-its-kind clinic in the nation provides free legal representation to the survivors of child sex abuse and their families in Georgia. It also gives law students an opportunity to participate in the legal process.
Wilbanks provided funding for an orphanage and school in the Guntar Region of India and helped establish six literacy teaching locations in the tribal regions of India.
The HCHS alum currently serves as Chairman for the UGA Law School Board of Visitors. He is an Executive Committee member and Trustee at Young Harris College. Wilbanks also serves as Chairman of the Board for Hope Thrives – a Christ-centered organization that assists victims of child sex abuse in Georgia and seven other states.
Locally, Wilbanks supports various organizations including FAITH, the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia, and Freedom Hill.
In support of his nomination, it was stated that Wilbanks “demonstrates the highest values and impeccable ethics in both personal and professional areas. His generosity and commitment to making the world a better place for those less fortunate or those who just need a hand has impacted, not only his immediate and extended family, but many families in the Habersham and surrounding counties, the state, nation, and world.”
Habersham County Schools Superintendent Matthew Cooper calls Wilabnks an “excellent choice” for the HCHS Lifetime Achievement Award.
“We are grateful for his contributions to our community and to the children of Habersham County. We are very proud that Mr. Wilbanks is a product of Habersham County and a graduate of Habersham Central High School,” Cooper says.
HCHS Principal Jonathan Stribling says Wilbanks’ professional and personal accomplishments “embody bold ethics and a spirit of service, making him an excellent role model for our current students.”
Marlan Wilbanks is married to Diane and is the father of Madie Wilbanks and Lauren Crites. He is the son of Marilyn and Aubrey Motz of Clarkesville, Georgia.
Wilbanks will be the featured guest speaker during Habersham Central High School’s graduation ceremony on May 27 at Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy. He is the third person to receive the HCHS Lifetime Achievement Award since its inception in 2020. Previous recipients include Dr. Stacy Nicholson (Class of ’77) and Dr. Emily Foster Howell (Class of ’96).
