Fellow GTLA Members,

Let me start off by thanking those of you who attended the 2012 GTLA Holiday Workshop here in Atlanta. We had a remarkable turnout, and I hope that you found the program and speakers to be as informative, insightful and thought provoking as I did. As you return to your law practices, it is our sincere hope that the ideas presented will be of great benefit as you continue to protect of the rights of your clients. 

I would be remiss if I also did not thank Justice David Nahmias for sharing his insight from the bench with us during the luncheon. Whether standing for a client before the court, petitioning for a writ of certiorari or simply submitting an amicus brief, I believe that we are all better equipped to pursue, uphold and protect civil justice for all Georgians while armed with the perspective Justice Nahmias shared. 

We will soon be fully immersed in the 2013 Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly. GTLA and the people of Georgia need each of you, now more than ever before, to stand against the well-funded and unfortunately coordinated attacks on our civil justice system. If you have not yet signed up for our Lawyer of the Day program, please do so today. There are  236 legislators under the Gold Dome who need to hear directly from you, their constituent, so it is never too late to reach out and say hello to your local lawmaker and let them know that you are here to help them when they need it. After all, what lawmaker doesn't need a good lawyer on his or her side?

The people and small businesses we represent do not have lobbyists and cannot make vast campaign contributions. They rely on us to protect the administration of justice, their rights and their day in court. We can never let them down, so let’s all get ready for a productive legislative session. 

Perhaps the best way to prepare for the coming challenges is to take stock of the benefits and blessings we all enjoy as trial lawyers. The Holidays are special to so many for us for so many different reasons. As we spend precious time with our family and friends over the coming weeks, let’s all be thankful for not just our own families, but the privilege we have in representing so many others in need. There is no greater gift than being blessed with the ability to give.  

I wish you and your families joy, peace, and Happy Holidays.

Jay Sadd

GTLA President 

Beginning in January, we will be consistently utilizing the GTLA Facebook Page and Twitter to open a new line of communication with our members, legislators and the general public. To get started, please "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GeorgiaTrialLawyersAssociation and "Follow" us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GeorgiaTLA. 

Due to the great success of our Lawyer of the Day program, we are committed to continuing this grassroots legislative outreach effort. Your participation in the Lawyer of the Day program speaks volumes about your commitment to Civil Justice and the clients you represent, and we need everyone to engage during this year's vital legislative session. During your day at the Capitol, you can expect to participate in the following activities:

• Read and review bills and resolutions
• Review relevant print media, blogs, and online articles
• Attend legislative committee meetings and hearings
• Monitor the House/Senate debates from the galleries
• Meet with your State Representative and Senator
• Meet with other state elected officials
• Attend lunch meetings with legislators
• Attend evening legislative receptions/dinners

If you care about the Civil Justice System and how our state government can affect that system, you will enjoy the experience of engaging in our legislative efforts and doing one more thing to make a positive difference for your clients and for your practice. If you wish to participate, please login and sign up under the Legislative Menu.  We look forward to seeing you under the Gold Dome!

Chris Kelleher joined the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association as the Communications Director in December of 2012. Previously, he served as the Director of Communications at the Georgia Republican Party, where he oversaw the Party’s highly-successful media relations and grassroots outreach initiatives during the 2011-2012 Election Cycle. Under his guidance, the organization’s social footprint grew by nearly 200 percent and earned media placement reached an all-time high. Chris was also the Georgia Media Liaison to the Republican National Committee and Governor Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign. 

Chris has served as a campaign spokesman for candidates at the local, statewide and federal levels. In addition, he is an Alumnus of the Republican National Committee’s Eisenhower Internship Program in Washington, D.C. and also served as a Legislative Intern to Senator Johnny Isakson. 

He was born and raised in Roswell, GA and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia Southern University in Political Science/Pre-Law. He was named Georgia Southern University’s 2010 Political Science Student of the Year, and was a member of the University Honors Program. 

Chris can be reached at (770) 355-6052 or at CKelleher@gtla.org. 

Chairman Brandon Peak and the Columbus TLA hosted former State Representative Stephanie Stuckey Benfield at their Dec. 19 luncheon at the River Club in Columbus. Stephanie Stuckey Benfield is now the Executive Director of GreenLaw.  

Additionally, Chairman Jack Clay and the West Metro TLA will host Justice Keith Blackwell of the Georgia Supreme Court on Monday, January 28th at Sam and Roscoe's Italian Bistro. The luncheon is open to all members of GTLA and can reservations are being accepted at jclay@jackclay.com.  

If you would like to schedule a lunch speaker for your local TLA, please contact Micah Gravley at mgravley@gtla.org or by cell at 404.759.5876.

Civil Justice PAC, Inc. of GTLA thanks our contributors for making this election cycle positive and successful. Your PAC has a singular purpose: to contribute to candidates we believe will help protect the Civil Justice System. Your generosity has helped to ensure that our voices – and the voices of our clients – will be heard under the Gold Dome. 

If you would like to make a year-end contribution or pledge to Civil Justice PAC, Inc., please contact Dawn Painter at dawn@civiljusticepac.com or 678-491-0462. Or visit www.civiljusticepac.com or mail a check to us at the address below. We give our sincere appreciation to the commitment and dedication of all Civil Justice PAC contributors.

Civil Justice PAC, Inc. of GTLA

101 Marietta Street

Suite 3350

Atlanta, GA 30303

Morgan Duncan & Leighton Moore

Laura McDonnell Barron, Erik Broel, Jeffrey Connelly, Tim Davis, Robert H. Edwards, Erin Fortner, Adam Hoipkemier, Ravneet Julka, Negin Kalantarian, Caroline Koenigshof, Kevin Leipow, Whitney Diane Mauk, Gus McDonald, Tawanna Morgan, Reilly F. Morrison, William Nabors, Jr., Patrick O’Connor, Shawn Owen, Jason Redmond, Jennifer Register, Candace Rodgers, Eric J.D. Rogers, Jason Adam Saltzman, Katherine Rutledge Silver, David T. Whitworth, James Wilson