Meet the Savannah Law Firm Team

J. Patrick Connell has been practicing law in Savannah, Georgia, since 2006. Prior to attending Georgia State University’s School of Law, Connell obtained a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia and worked as a city planner. Connell’s background and strong belief in the primacy of private property rights motivated him to develop a specialized practice in real estate transactions, land use and zoning law, government permitting, and real estate development. Connell also possesses extensive experience litigating and trying cases, which enables him to effectively assist his clients before state and federal courts when their property rights are unjustly violated. Connell serves as General Counsel for the Tourism Leadership Council, the leading trade organization for the hospitality industry in Georgia. He provides legal and policy counsel to the Council and frequently offers its members legal advice on transactional and regulatory matters. Connell is committed to community service. He currently serves as the board chair for REACH Public Schools, a locally authorized public charter high school serving grades 9-12, which will open in the fall of 2026. Additionally, he serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the University of Georgia’s College of Environment + Design. Connell actively participated in and co-chaired the Savannah Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year Campaign. From 2014-2016, he collaborated with the Savannah LLS team to raise over $1,500,000.00 for LLS research and patient assistance initiatives. Furthermore, Connell has held positions on various boards, including the Savannah Technical College Foundation, the East Savannah Community Housing Committee, the Habersham YMCA, the Savannah Downtown Business Association, the Savannah Bar Association, the Young Lawyers Division of the Savannah Bar Association (President), and the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia (Executive Council). Connell is a graduate of Leadership Savannah and Leadership Southeast Georgia. He was recognized as a Generation NEXT (Savannah Magazine) award recipient in 2014 and consistently named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2012 to 2017. As a lifelong musician, Connell has generously donated his musical talents to support charitable causes throughout Savannah.

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.