Meet the Savannah Law Firm Team

Savannah Real Estate, Land Use & Closing Attorney J. Patrick Connell is a Savannah, Georgia real estate attorney and founding member of Connell Law, LLC. He represents buyers, sellers, developers, lenders, and businesses throughout Savannah, Chatham County, and Coastal Georgia in real estate closings, land use and zoning matters, title curative work, government permitting, and property rights litigation. His practice combines real estate closings with sophisticated development and regulatory representation, giving clients comprehensive legal support from contract to closing — and, when necessary, through dispute resolution. Real Estate Closings in Savannah & Coastal Georgia Mr. Connell oversees residential and commercial real estate closings across Coastal Georgia through Savannah VIP Closings, the branded closing division of Connell Law. His office handles significant transaction volume for homebuyers, investors, developers, and lenders. Connell Law and Savannah VIP Closings provide: Residential real estate closings Commercial real estate closings Refinances Construction loan closings Investor and portfolio transactions Settlement and escrow services In addition to facilitating smooth closings, Mr. Connell regularly handles complex title curative and defect resolution matters, including lien issues, boundary disputes, ownership defects, probate-related title problems, unreleased security deeds, and other impediments that can delay or prevent closing. This depth of title and transactional experience allows him to anticipate and resolve issues efficiently — protecting timelines and reducing risk. Land Use, Zoning & Development Counsel Mr. Connell represents property owners and developers in zoning approvals, conditional use permits, variances, development agreements, and regulatory compliance matters. With a background in landscape architecture and prior experience as a city planner, he understands how local governments structure and evaluate land use decisions. He regularly assists clients appearing before municipal boards, planning commissions, and local government authorities in Savannah and surrounding communities. Real Estate & Property Rights Litigation When disputes arise, Mr. Connell represents clients in Georgia state courts and the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Georgia. His litigation practice includes: Zoning and permitting appeals Property rights disputes Quiet title actions Title litigation Contract and development disputes Because he structures transactions and handles closings regularly, he approaches litigation with a practical understanding of how deals are built — and how they break down. General Counsel & Community Leadership Mr. Connell serves as General Counsel to the Tourism Leadership Council, Georgia’s leading hospitality trade association, advising on legislative and regulatory matters affecting the industry statewide. Commitment to Community Service Mr. Connell currently serves as Board Chair of REACH Public Schools, a non-profit, public charter high school. He also serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the University of Georgia’s College of Environment + Design. He is a graduate of Leadership Savannah and Leadership Southeast Georgia and a former Super Lawyers Rising Star.

Khara-Beth Harbin, a graduate of New York University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts program in 2003, began her career in real estate as a broker with her family’s brokerage in Maryland. After five years, she relocated to Savannah in 2009 to establish a family and embark on a career as a real estate paralegal. Over the past fifteen years, Harbin has honed her expertise in handling all aspects of residential and commercial closings for title companies, lenders, and multiple law firms. Her extensive network of relationships with mortgage lenders, real estate agents, underwriters, developers, contractors, home builders, design professionals, appraisers, and government officials has earned her widespread recognition as one of the most proficient real estate paralegals in the Savannah area. Her exceptional knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, professionalism, and interpersonal skills have contributed to this reputation. Harbin is an ardent supporter of St. Andrews School, where her children are enrolled. A lifelong animal enthusiast, she also actively supports non-profit organizations dedicated to animal rescue and relocation. In 2025, Harbin founded Second Chance Theatre Company, creating a nurturing environment for adults seeking to rekindle their passion for performance. The company is founded on the principle that it is never too late to return to the stage and celebrate the artistry of storytelling.