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As your 2017-2018 GTLA President, it is my honor and privilege to serve you and this distinguished organization. Following such esteemed leaders as my predecessors, Darren Penn and Pope Langdale, I am grateful for the path that they have forged for both GTLA and myself as I attempt to lead one of the finest legal installations in the nation.
Each year, the GTLA leadership and staff have goals for the coming year; however, our unremitting goal has and always will be the protection of our clients’ Constitutional right to a trial by jury. As the son of a Cuban immigrant who fought communism during the Communist Revolution, the rights and privileges afforded to us through the United States Constitution have been revered and instilled within me from a very early age. Our job as plaintiff’s attorneys is to give a voice to those seeking justice, and the right to trial by jury is the only vehicle in which members of every walk of society are on equal footing. As such, it is our obligation to understand the bigger picture, and I can assure you that there are no greater advocates for championing our cause than the talented, passionate and compelling members we have across this great state.
As we move into this new term, I am encouraged by the increased interest we have seen from our membership. Last year, GTLA implemented the Justice Tour as a means to visit members in all corners of Georgia to hear their thoughts and concerns on the current state of the civil justice system as well as how we at GTLA could enhance their experience. After visiting with more than 150 members in nine cities, we not only successfully recruited new members but also reestablished multiple local TLAs in the process. We hope to continue building on that progress again this year as we kick off the second round of the GTLA Justice Tour at the end of the Summer. Additionally, we will also be building-out a committee structure for the first time in years as the result of several requests by members looking to further entrench themselves within the Association. And finally, we look to continue offering innovative and engaging events through CLEs, advocacy opportunities and community outreach in an effort to provide consummate networking outlets for our members.
This organization will only grow in number and influence, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve each and every one of you for this next year. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of your GTLA leadership or staff if you have any questions, concerns or just want to get more involved. With your help, we will continue to thrive as one of the largest and most effective organizations of its type. Thank you for your faith in me, and I look forward to continued work with all of you!
Mike Prieto
2017 - 2018 GTLA President
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Need a few CLE credits but don't want to give up your summer vacation? Well look no further than the GTLA Auto Torts Workshop! Held in sunny Destin, Florida at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, this is sure to be the most fun you will have earning your credit hours. Complete with receptions and beach parties, this family-friendly event will be the highlight of this summer's social calendar!
The GTLA room block is SOLD OUT, but there are still plenty of options for accommodations along the beautiful Florida coast! Register today to reserve your spot!
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Join AAJ in Boston for their Annual Convention on July 22-25. Come network at our various receptions, meetings and parties! Meet with leaders in your areas of practice and join the lively exchanges that take place during one of the more than 300 events scheduled at the Convention! Accomplished trial lawyers and experts will discuss the latest developments in trial advocacy and specialized topics at more than 45 cutting-edge Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs designed to help you better represent your clients.
For more information, follow the link below to the official AAJ Convention website! If you are interested in joining AAJ, contact Georgia's Regional Membership Manager, Ginger Jirik at ginger.jirik@justice.org or 202-450-7361.
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Local TLA Spotlight
This month, we would like to highlight the great work of the Savannah TLA! Under the leadership of chapter President, Zach Thomas, the STLA has grown to one of the largest and most active Local TLAs, hosting monthly meetings, special events and, now, a scholarship for a local deserving high school senior.
Their final luncheon of the year was held last month with special guests State Workers' Compensation Judge Elizabeth Gobeil and Chatham County State Court Judge Hermann Coolidge. They also awarded the annual scholarship to Richmond Hill High School graduating senior, Nicholas Schell, who will begin at Georgia Southern University in the Fall.
Judge Elizabth Gobeil
Judge Hermann Coolidge
STLA Scholarship Recipient, Nicholas Schell
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Thank You to Our
Newest GTLA Champion Members!
Keith Lindsay, Andy Rogers and Fatima Zeidan
Welcome New GTLA
Members!
Rian Ervin, Sarah
Haughton, Kurt Kastorf, Kurt Lawton, Angela Lizer, Richard Parsons, Todd Poole,
Charles Richards, Kimberly Richards, Richard Schroeder, Leon Van Gelderen and Edwin
Wilson
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