Bentley C. Adams, IV

Biography

Bentley C. Adams, IV serves as an Associate Attorney at The Manely Firm, PC. Columbus Office, where he focuses his practice on family law litigation. Bringing over a decade of complex felony criminal trial and appellate experience to the firm, Bentley provides clients with strategic, aggressive, and comprehensive representation during high-conflict domestic proceedings—including temporary hearings, spousal support disputes, and cases involving allegations of domestic violence.

Bentley’s practice is particularly tailored to navigating complex family law matters that involve concurrent criminal issues, law enforcement involvement, or Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs). His extensive background as a lead felony defense attorney and public defender across Georgia gives him a unique, trial-tested vantage point when presenting evidence in temporary hearings, litigating spousal support and expense reimbursement requests, and advocating in domestic violence matters where protection and constitutional rights intersect.

In addition to his deep courtroom experience, Bentley possesses a background in appellate practice and legal drafting. Having served as a Staff Attorney for the Georgia Public Defender Council– Appellate Division, Bentley ensures that every motion, temporary hearing presentation, and appellate record is prepared with meticulous detail. His federal and state courtroom credentials include admission to the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Court of Appeals of Georgia, Middle District of Georgia, and the Supreme Court of the United States. His legal career also includes federal court practice as a Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorney for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, as well as service as a Guardian Ad Litem in probate proceedings.

Driven by a lifelong commitment to service, Bentley spent two months in Kenya with Mercer on Mission during his undergraduate studies, learning Kiswahili and pre-colonial history while constructing a school, establishing a community garden, and installing a rainwater collection tank. His dedication to community service spans a decade of pro bono work with the Chattahoochee Family Law Center’s Legitimation Project, assisting local fathers in establishing legal rights to their children. In his free time Bentley enjoys being with his wife and two pups, Tango and Coco.

Education

• J.D., Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (2014)
  • ABA Negotiations Competition; Transactional Drafting Competitions
• B.A. in History, Minor in Business Administration, Mercer University (2010)
  • Mercer on Mission: Kenya (Two-month study abroad in Kiswahili and pre-colonial history; hands-on school, garden, and rainwater collection construction)

Bar Admissions

• State Bar of Georgia (2014)
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia (2015)
• Court of Appeals of Georgia (2015)
• Supreme Court of Georgia (2015)
• Supreme Court of the United States of America (2025)

Professional Affiliations & Honors

• Scholarship Winner & Graduate, Daryl Dantzler Trial Practice Institute, National Criminal Defense College (2024)
• Graduate, Bill Daniel Trial Advocacy Program (2015)
• Member, State Bar of Georgia (Family Law, Criminal Law, and Appellate Practice Sections)
• Member, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL) & NACDL
• Pro Bono Volunteer, Chattahoochee Family Law Center / Legitimation Project (2014–2024)
• Former Board Member, National Civil War Naval Museum, Columbus, GA (2018–2020)