2017 - 2018 GTLA President
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
Georgial Trial Lawyers Association