This year, GTLA has created a brand new 'LEAD' Program within its New Lawyers Division for the purpose of educating and grooming some of our state's most promising young trial lawyers for future leadership roles in GTLA ('LEAD': Leadership Education and Advanced Direction).

The 2013-14 LEAD Program will feature five monthly CLE sessions beginning in Athens on Nov. 22-23 (including the UGA vs. Kentucky football game) and concluding with a final session and graduation at the GTLA Annual Convention April 24-25, 2014. The various CLE sessions will be focused on the important topics including but not limited to: fostering leadership within GTLA, building and maintaining strong relationships with the state legislature and judiciary, expanding and involving our local TLA's, improving our community service efforts, membership recruitment, and encouraging fundraising contributions and Directed Giving. The LEAD Program itinerary will also include a "class retreat" session one weekend in March or April at a resort venue in Georgia (exact location TBD).

Applications for the 2013-14 LEAD Program will be available online by July 1 at www.gtla.org. The deadline for submitting an application is Aug. 1. Applicants should submit a color photo and are encouraged to include letters of recommendation (but not required). Firm sponsorship of applicants is encouraged and appreciated.

For more information about this year's LEAD Program or to suggest a candidate, please contact co-chairs Michael Geoffroy (770-483-6557) or Ryals Stone (229-724-8531).