Meet our team

John Strauss

John is a product of Newton County, having moved here at the age of 4 when his father became the Alcovy Circuit’s first District Attorney. John attended Newton County schools and graduated from Newton County High School in Georgia’s first “Million Dollar Class.” Thereafter, he graduated from the University of Georgia’s undergraduate (1990) and law school (1993) programs, and John began practicing in Covington in 1993 in the same building Strauss & Dunn now occupies – one that John helped remodel in the 1980’s while still in high school.

During a career spanning over three decades, John has conducted civil and jury trials in courtrooms throughout the state, securing numerous acquittals for his wrongly accused clients and successful verdicts for his aggrieved civil clients.

John is married to Teresa Strauss, and they share five children and eight grandchildren.

Bret Dunn

Bret graduated from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in 2020 and is licensed to practice in Georgia, including before the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. He is also admitted to practice before all U.S. military trial courts.

After completing the Naval Justice School, Bret served as a Marine Corps defense counsel, representing Marines in Administrative Separation Boards, Boards of Inquiry, and every level of court-martial. He has defended hundreds of service members in complex, contested cases across multiple jurisdictions.

Recognized for exceptional trial advocacy, he was selected by the Chief Defense Counsel of the Marine Corps to return to the Naval Justice School as an instructor, teaching trial advocacy to new Judge Advocates. He has also served as a trial-advocacy instructor for the Marine Corps Defense Services Organization and as a judge at the National Law School Mock Trial Championships. Bret is a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College and continues advanced advocacy training.

Bret and his wife, Kennedy, have one son and reside in Covington.

Rhiannon Lowery

Rhiannon is a dedicated legal assistant with 16 years of experience, known for her strong attention to detail, exceptional communication skills, and solutions-oriented approach. She plays a vital role in keeping cases moving efficiently and accurately through every stage of the legal process.

Over the course of her career, Rhiannon has developed a reputation for her strong work ethic, calm and steady demeanor, and genuine commitment to supporting clients during some of their most challenging moments. Whether coordinating hearings, organizing evidence, preparing filings, or ensuring compliance with court requirements, she is an essential part of delivering high-quality, client-focused legal representation.

Teresa Strauss

Teresa Strauss serves part-time as an Office Manager and Legal Assistant at Strauss and Dunn, LLP, where she has contributed since 2023. Before that, she spent her career teaching in Newton County and Social Circle Schools. Teresa brings a lifelong passion for organization, service, and helping others into every role she fulfills. Outside of work, she devotes her time to her family, her church—where she greets and attends Bible study—and her community through volunteering at First Call Pregnancy Center. Teresa also enjoys staying active with pickleball and expressing her creativity through painting. Her favorite place to be is anywhere with sunny skies and soft, white-sand beaches, especially when shared with the family she loves most.