Fred Elarbee

Fred W. Elarbee was a distinguished attorney and legal advocate, is renowned for his influential contributions to the legal profession and the founding of the esteemed law firm Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLP.

Elarbee was born on August 10, 1925. With a strong educational foundation, Fred Elarbee graduated from Emory College in 1949 and subsequently earned his law degree from Emory Law School in 1952. Armed with his legal expertise and passion for labor law, he embarked on a remarkable journey, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Fred Elarbee’s name became synonymous with nimble adaptation and innovative legal strategies. Beginning with traditional labor law, he dedicated himself to assisting clients in fighting and often prevailing in union campaigns, negotiating contracts, and skillfully representing management in grievance and arbitration matters. His notable accomplishments include arguing for the respondent in the landmark case National Labor Relations Board v. Baptist Hospital, Inc., where his formidable advocacy skills and legal acumen played a pivotal role in securing a favorable outcome for his client.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Fred Elarbee was revered for his commitment to great service. Elarbee led by example, mentoring his firm’s current partners and instilling a culture of excellence, accessibility, and responsiveness. These principles continue to be the hallmarks of Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLP, as they uphold their commitment to providing exceptional client service and delivering sophisticated legal work.

The Fred W. Elarbee Scholarship, established with gifts from friends after his passing, honors the distinguished attorney’s influential contributions to the legal profession and the founding of Elarbee, Thompson, Sapp & Wilson, LLP. This scholarship supports aspiring legal minds who exemplify nimble adaptation, innovative thinking, and a commitment to exceptional client service, perpetuating Fred Elarbee’s enduring legacy in the field of law. He died in March 1986.