Jeanne Lappin is a legal assistant with the firm, and her experience in the legal profession covers twenty plus years in Florida and Georgia. “Although my knowledge spans several areas of law,” she explains, “here I am focused on our representation of claimants in workers’ compensation.” Jeanne’s responsibilities include: speaking with clients, maintaining the hearings calendar, scheduling independent medical evaluations and depositions, tracking stipulations, factual investigation, and drafting correspondence, pleadings, discovery and other legal documents.

As a University of Miami Alumni, Jeanne cheers the Hurricanes on, but compares their football season to the stock market, up and down. “You win some and you lose some!”

“Like Mr. Burns, I have also worked on the defense side of workers’ compensation, but I find it much more fulfilling representing injured workers. J. Franklin Burns, P.C. exists to serve people who are injured; consequently, I continually strive to reflect our dedication to that purpose.”

When Jeanne is not in the office, you might find her pruning in her yard, enjoying family activities, or singing in the Praise Band at Cross of Life! “My plate is full!” What is the best part of her job? “Without a doubt, one of my favorite activities is giving that settlement check to a grateful client!”

Cynthia (Cyndi) E. Hurst, is from Tallahassee, Florida. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University in 1998. Following her undergraduate work, Cyndi worked for The Legal Aid Foundation of the Tallahassee Bar Association. Cyndi relocated to the Metro-Atlanta area to pursue her career and worked for one of the largest multi-national insurance companies in the world handling liability and bodily injury claims. After two years of the insurance industry, Cyndi continued her education at Kennesaw State University wherein she received her paralegal certification. Upon completion, Cyndi began her legal career working for several local Marietta law firms assisting in a broad range of legal matters including defamation, probate, contract, criminal, family, and negligence cases.

In 2008, Cyndi joined J. Franklin Burns, P.C. as a senior paralegal. Her former legal and insurance experience allows her a unique perspective in assisting our clients with their claims.

Presently, Cyndi is in the process of obtaining her Master’s Degree from Kennesaw State University. In her spare time, Cyndi enjoys Zumba Aerobic dancing, as well as cheering for the Florida State University Seminoles every Saturday during football season; however, Cyndi’s greatest passion is spending time with her son, Jackson.

Alison Easterby joined J. Franklin Burns, P.C.in June of 2010.  Before that time, she worked as a paralegal for a large insurance defense law firm in Atlanta for 7 years. That experience has given her a unique view and understanding of the complete workers’ compensation system. Alison says she feels much more rewarded helping injured workers than she ever did helping the insurance companies.

Yazmin Rodriguez is a legal assistant to Shannon Rolen. She has been with J. Franklin Burns, P.C. for approximately 7 years. Her responsibilities include opening files, scheduling mediations and depositions, and filing adequate documentation with the State Board of Workers' Compensation to process claimants claims in a timely manner. She is also the firm's Spanish liaison.

She has been a legal assistant for approximately 13 years. Through the years she has worked with several law firms specializing in different aspects of the law. She is currently working on obtaining her MA in Criminal Justice.

Cynthia P. Gehling is from Atlanta, Georgia. She has 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, handling all aspects of workers compensation claims. She is a licensed workers compensation adjuster and holds a CWCP (Certified Workers' Compensation Professional) certification.

Cynthia joined J. Franklin Burns, P.C. as a Legal Assistant in 2008. Her former insurance experience allows her a great knowledge of workers' compensation claims and laws.

Having previously represented the employer and insurance companies, she finds it much more fulfilling representing injured workers.

In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys watching football, baseball, hiking and traveling; however, Cynthia’s greatest passion is spending time with her husband Tom and son Logan.