Federal public defender dies in apparent suicide
12:53 pm, February 13th, 2013
Jake Waldrop, a federal public defender, was found yesterday afternoon dead in an apparent suicide, an Atlanta Police report said.
The police Wednesday released a report from an officer who responded to the scene on the 10th floor of the State Bar of Georgia’s parking garage, where Waldrop was said to park regularly. His office was across the street.
Waldrop had a gunshot wound in his chest, the report said. ”There were no signs of a struggle or foul play and the scene appeared to be consistent with that of a suicide,” it added.
Bar president Robin Frazer Clark confirmed Wednesday that Waldrop’s body was found in his car in the garage.
“The State Bar is obviously saddened at the loss of one of our members, especially one so young,” Clark said. ”We will be working on new ideas to make our members and their office mates and family and friends more aware of the risk of suicide and what we can each do to help prevent it.”
Contributor: Greg Land in Federal courts, Legal Community | subscribe to rss | 
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February 13th, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Rest in peace Jake. We miss you already. Your presence always filled the room. You will be remembered for how you followed your heart in all things, how you always treated situations with a concern for people first, and for how you were not afraid to tell people how much you loved them. Glad I got to know you. You taught us all so much!
February 13th, 2013 at 3:06 pm
Jake was a wonderful man and an amazing attorney. The world is less beautiful because he is no longer in it.
February 13th, 2013 at 3:12 pm
RIP Jake. You were one of the good ones…
February 13th, 2013 at 5:55 pm
Jake, you will always be loved. Rest in Peace.
February 13th, 2013 at 8:44 pm
His presence was ALWAYS big. RIP Jake, you brought a smile too many faces.
February 13th, 2013 at 9:47 pm
Our hearts are broken. We miss you so much. Rest in peace my friend.
February 13th, 2013 at 10:06 pm
Rest In Peace. You will be missed. I will always remember yout kindness, your fun loving ways, and your love for people.
February 14th, 2013 at 12:09 am
Jake gave me my first shot as an student intern in college, he really showed me what it took to be a complete attorney/advocate. He could light up a room and was just an awesome person to be around. We lost a great one…RIP and prayers for your family/love ones
February 14th, 2013 at 9:17 am
Jake, we love you and all you stand for. We are so sorry that you’ve gone. RIP.
February 14th, 2013 at 9:31 am
I remember Jake Waldrop as one of the kindest and caring people I know. He was almost always the first to provide assistance to another attorney in need. Tasha is correct that his “presence always filled a room.” I know that when I greated him it was always with a big smile because Jake exuded love and acceptance. Jake will be missed immensely.
February 14th, 2013 at 9:37 am
Jake was a wonderful, singular lawyer and person; unique and irreplaceable. This is devastating. It leaves a void that cannot be filed. I am so glad I had the blessing of knowing him. I am so sorry that he is gone. Rest in Peace, my friend.
February 14th, 2013 at 9:39 am
Jake was a wonderful, singular lawyer and person; unique and irreplaceable. This is devastating. It leaves a void that cannot be filled. I am so glad I had the blessing of knowing him. I am so sorry that he is gone. Rest in peace, my friend.
February 14th, 2013 at 10:47 am
Dearest Jake, I shall miss you beyond what words can comprehend. You were one of the greatest friends, supporters, defender’s and teachers I have ever had the privilege of knowing. You humanized and personalized everything you encountered. You were the best example of love I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, your loved ones and your child. Be in peace my love.
February 14th, 2013 at 10:52 am
Jake Waldrop was a man with a huge and thoroughly kind heart. He was a tireless, principled advocate for his clients. Jake, you were a worthy adversary in court, and a real friend.
February 14th, 2013 at 11:34 am
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend, Jake Waldrop. I am not surprised to read the heartfelt responses of others. Jake had that impact on people in his life. The sad irony is that Jake would have been the first person to offer a kind word or emotional support to anyone else who was hurting. I will miss him.
February 14th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
Jake,
Everyone that knew you will miss your physical presence but your spirit will always be with us. You always had a kind word to say, encouragement for those around you and a sense of humor that no one could top. You fought 101% for each of your clients and were always so appreciative of the assistance you received from others. I love you my friend and miss you.
February 14th, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Whenever I saw Jake, I made it a point to talk to him because I knew he’d make me laugh, and he always obliged. The courthouse is a lesser place without you my friend. RIP
February 14th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Jake, I am crushed. to say you were one of the good guys is truly an understatement. I will miss seeing you at lovejoy (hey Mike, he is charged with this…what can i tell him he is getting…quick mike!!!!), miss having to explain to you that i am not actually Mexican…, miss your unending charm and presence. you were a tremendous attorney and a better friend. May God keep you and rest in peace my friend.
February 14th, 2013 at 5:45 pm
An outstanding, magnificent and selfless individual, larger than life. His legacy will remain with us. He was all about helping others develop, both personally and professionally, and was never too busy to lend a helping hand. We are all better for having known Jake and his inspiration and zeal, and he will remain with us in spirit.
February 14th, 2013 at 9:02 pm
Whenever I think back to my years at law school, I see Jake cutting a swath through the place like a force of nature, a manic grin on his face and wisecracking hilarious non sequitors. Jake was the motivator for our student community, organizing everything and befriending everyone. He was a provocateur par excellence: no one was safe from his gleeful wit. He was funnier because he seemed to have no boundaries, and like an overgrown precocious child would say whatever was on his mind. But whatever it was,everyone loved him. There’s a little less color in our world without him around.
February 16th, 2013 at 7:01 pm
Jake did the very best he could in defending my son, who was not guilty of the charges laid against him. I am so saddened to hear this tragic news, as is my son. They became good friends before, during and after his trial. He was a good man.
February 25th, 2013 at 1:12 pm
Jake we sure will miss you. You did so much for my son and I, in the short time we knew you, you made a huge impression on us. Thank you, please leave the doors of Heaven open for us. Love you,
February 27th, 2013 at 8:59 am
Jake: My heart hurts. I am sad for myself. I am sad for the future accused you would champion. And I am sad for every person you ever touched. We are all grieving. You are a beautiful spirit. More fearless with your heart than I have ever been. I will never forget your example. And I will start not-forgetting by telling you that I love you.