The attorneys of Arnold Stafford & Randolph held a grand-opening ceremony Tuesday as the Hinesville firm
opened an office in Ludowici.

“We have had a vision of opening an office over here in Long County, and we are very pleased to now be over here,” Jeffery Arnold said.

Arnold, along with Craig Stafford and Tyler Randolph, welcomed a crowd to their new office, which is on the left of Highway 84 when entering Ludowici from Hinesville.

Members of the Long County Chamber of Commerce and other local citizens also were present for the grand opening
“Being over here is a wonderful opportunity to expand our law firm and also to be able to provide legal services to Long County,” Arnold said.

“I am from this area; my wife is too,” Stafford said. “We’re all homegrown from the Hinesville area, and we’re glad to be over here in Ludowici. … Being over here allows us to help even more people. Long County is a part of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit, and it is a good fit all the way around.”

Randolph commented on the importance of the firm, not only providing legal services but also becoming a part of the community.

 “We are already a member of the chamber of commerce (and) supporters of the high school football team and the schools,” he said. “We want to get to know the folks over here in Long County and become more connected with everyone.

In addition to now having an office in Long County, Arnold also is the sitting state judge for the county, replacing the late Richard Phillips. Arnold discussed his relationship with Phillips and his desire to serve the people of the county.

“I knew Richard a long time. He was a good friend,” Arnold said. “He also was an outstanding lawyer who was loved by the people in this community. That combination kept a lot of other lawyers from ever wanting to come over here, and that is a great testament to him. … With his passing, there was a need for someone to provide legal services, and we want to help fill that need.”

Long County Sheriff Cecil Nobles praised Arnold and his fellow associates. Nobles also spoke highly of Arnold as Long County’s state judge.

“It is so good to have Jeff over here in Long County,” Nobles said. “I’ve known him for over 30 years, and he will do a good job as our judge.”

In addition to Arnold, Stafford and Randolph, attorneys Andrew Johnson and Geoffrey Carson also work in the office.