236 Project: Lessons Learned So Far

In 2011, four of our neighboring states passed major anti-justice legislation that affect ALL types of cases, from car wrecks to medical negligence.  It’s not hard to see that we face a potential frontal assault here in Georgia and we must be prepared.  We don’t know when it will come or where it will focus, but we do know that we need legislators who are receptive to our arguments. 

Through our 236 Project, GTLA’s Legislative Team has been systematically approaching legislators and asking them who they turn to for explanation of legal issues facing the Georgia General Assembly.  This way, we know which lawyers the legislator considers particularly reliable.  

To date, we’ve spoken to well over 100 legislators – Republicans and Democrats, urban and rural, and leadership and rank-and-file.  We are starting to hear some common themes.   One state senator told us that he regularly calls a few of his college buddies who are now trial lawyers when seeking input on justice-related legislation.  Another state senator mentioned he attends the same church as a certain GTLA member and values that person as an important resource.  A state representative told us she trusts the trial attorney who represented her son in court a few years ago.

College friends, churches and clients.  Neighborhood associations, kids’ soccer teams and rotary clubs.  Take a minute.  Think about whether you know someone who is a state legislator through any of these experiences or community events.  

GTLA staff is working to ensure the trusted contacts have a solid relationship with the legislator.  To work, the 236 Project requires your prompt response when called.  When the time comes, we know these relationships will be the foundation from which we build our protections for civil justice.