West Georgia TLA Recaps a Great Year

The West Georgia Trial Lawyers Association had another successful year in 2011.  In the spring, we partnered with the Carrollton Fraternal Order of Police for our second annual children’s bicycle helmet giveaway at Carrollton’s Mayfest celebration.  Our members raised funds from local law firms and civic organizations to purchase 300 bicycle helmets.  We worked side by side with bicycle patrol officers in fitting children for their new helmets and leading them through a bicycle safety road course.  We had tremendous community response to our efforts to help our local police and youth through this event.

In October, WGTLA hosted Senator Bill Hamrick (R - District 30).  He spoke to our group about

 the importance of having attorneys in the General Assembly and the many ways he has been called upon to lend his expertise as a practicing attorney on a variety of issues before the legislature.  He described his work as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, including the three-year effort to update the Georgia evidence code.  During this luncheon, our members also had the opportunity to thank Sen. Hamrick for his sponsorship of HB 41 to drastically reduce the increased costs for preparation of trial records for appeal, which helped Georgia’s courts remain accessible to all.  

Recently, WGTLA was honored to have GTLA Champion Member and State Bar President Ken Shigley join our group for a cocktail reception.  WGTLA members had a chance to hear from Ken about his work at the State Bar and efforts being made there to improve the practice of law in this state for all of us.  Between his bar duties and his private practice, Ken is a very busy man, so we were very grateful for the time he took to come meet with our group.  All members of the bar, whether GTLA members or not, benefit from Ken’s commitment to serve others.  

The West Georgia Trial Lawyers Association would not be what it is today without the support and guidance of GTLA and its staff, most notably Grassroots Director Micah Gravley.  He has been an invaluable resource to us as we founded and grew our organization.  His help has made this TLA a rewarding experience for everyone involved.  If you are not already involved in a local TLA, please join or start one.  It will be one of the most fun ways to forge new relationships to help your law practice and your community at the same time.