The Monthly Docket

New On Verdict Microsite!

February 2021 -- Verdict

Many Georgia trial attorneys are struggling right now to keep their cases moving forward. Courts have encouraged litigants to be proactive, where possible, to prevent COVID-19 from slowing justice to a halt. However, as a practical reality, whichever party would prefer things go slow—more often than not the defendant—has the most leverage to control the pace of litigation.

How Lawyers Can Honor Black History Month With Action

February 2021 -- Feature

A look at ways in which the legal profession is honoring Black History Month. How will history treat us as we move through these historic times? Will lawyers be the heroes of this story, or will we fail to meet the moment? (By Lauren Stiller Rikleen, ABA Journal)

Are You A GTLA Member? If Not, Join Today!

February 2021 -- Feature

As we start a new year, we want to invite you to joing GTLA if you are not already a member. Click below to learn more about how to join GTLA and take advantage of the many benefits to membership.

Since 1956, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association has worked in the legislative, political and media arenas to ensure that Georgians know and understand the importance of their Right to Trial by Jury and the vital role of the Civil Justice System, and to make certain that these rights are safeguarded and protected.

Predicting The Enforcement Priorities Of The Biden DOJ

February 2021 -- Legislative News

With President Biden’s nomination of D.C. Circuit Judge Merrick Garland for U.S. attorney general proceeding toward confirmation in the Senate, the leader of the nation’s legal department is poised to change enforcement priorities and will seek to shift the public’s perception of federal law enforcement.

Advice From A Soon-To-Be Attorney

February 2021 -- New Lawyers Division

Despite the difficulties of this year, I have witnessed moments of patience and grace when interacting with my teachers, classmates, and colleagues alike. Since getting into law school, the legal community has been a source of encouragement and support without which I would not still be in law school. Each person I have interacted with this year are living in their own dystopian versions of life, happy to have more time with those in the home while struggling to separate out responsibilities and necessary down time. Regardless of what the new normal looks like, I look forward to experiencing it with you all as an attorney soon.

Civil Justice PAC, Inc. of GTLA

February 2021 -- Civil Justice PAC

The Civil Justice PAC, Inc. is the political arm of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. We are a bi-partisan organization striving to ensure public safety & justice for all Georgians. The PAC supports those who uphold our Constitution’s promise of protecting and defending the civil justice system.

Click below to learn more and to get involved.

AAJ Calls For Action To End Forced Arbitration

February 2021 -- Update from AAJ

Statement from American Association for Justice CEO Linda Lipsen on Feb. 11 hearing in the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law concerning the dangers of forced arbitration, as well as the introduction of the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act to end this practice.

Save The Date: GTLA's 2021 Convention

February 2021 -- Upcoming GTLA Events

April 29-30, 2021

The GTLA Annual Convention is one event you don't want to miss. Stay tuned for more details!

New on Verdict Microsite!

January 2021 -- Verdict

I was working for a criminal-defense firm in Decatur, and our cases included a number of traffic citations, which are misdemeanors in Georgia. We were approached by a young man who had recently been involved in a severe collision with a DeKalb County Police Officer, and was issued the ticket, but felt he was not the cause of the wreck. We agreed.

Message from the President�

January 2021 -- Feature

As Americans we have said the words “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” more times that we can count. Those words are a commitment to uphold the sanctity of our democracy, and as lawyers we have sworn to protect and defend the Constitution.

New Georgia Laws Effective January 1�

January 2021 -- Legislative News

A new year brings some new laws for the Peach State. Starting Jan. 1, there are a new laws signed by Gov. Brian Kemp during the 2019-20 legislative period that will go into effect. These inlcude everything from health reform to grapes.

New Lawyers Corner

January 2021 -- New Lawyers Division

During the middle of March, Emory Law switched to remote learning. The one-week break suddenly turned into an endless one. Hundreds of thousands of people were (and still are) physically suffering during this challenging time, and the unemployment rates are approaching historical highs. Amidst this pandemic, I continued to focus on my development as a trial attorney and adapted to the changing times by adding new ways to connect and foster relationships with the legal profession and my community. I want to share my story and offer three pieces of advice to other new and aspiring trial lawyers.

Civil Justice PAC, Inc. of GTLA

January 2021 -- Civil Justice PAC

Practicing During the Pandemic Project

January 2021 -- Update from AAJ

COVID-19 has resulted in unprecedented interruptions in jury trials across the country. The impact on juror attitudes and beliefs on science, accountability, healthcare workers, and more will affect how you prepare and try your clients’ cases. And, as business owners, trial lawyers must be prepared for challenges of practicing in a pandemic. AAJ is here to help.

Save the Date: GTLA's 2021 Convention

January 2021 -- Upcoming GTLA Events

April 29-30, 2021

The GTLA Annual Convention is one event you don't want to miss. Stay tuned for more details!

2020 Year in Review

December 2020 -- Feature

As we wind down an exhausting 2020, we wanted to share some good news about GTLA and our accomplishments this year. Despite the many challenges of this unprecedented year, GTLA is in very good shape and has managed to maintain important programs, provide networking opportunities, and continue our vital role in the political process.

Civil Justice PAC, Inc. of GTLA

December 2020 -- Civil Justice PAC

Save the Date: GTLA's 2021 Convention

December 2020 -- Upcoming GTLA Events

April 29-30, 2021

The GTLA Annual Convention is one event you don't want to miss. Stay tuned for more details!

In Memoriam

December 2020 --

The Georgia legal community lost one of its greats on November 27 with the passing of former Chief Justice George Carley. Chief Justice Carley served on the Georgia Court of Appeals from 1979-1993, and on the Georgia Supreme Court from 1993 until his retirement in 2012. He was many things to many people, among them – a friend, a family man, a devoted legal scholar, a mentor, a leader, a gentleman and a colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carley family as we mourn the loss of Chief Justice Carley. His contribution to Georgia law over the course of his career was significant and he will be greatly missed.

The Language of Civil Justice: Finding and Working with Interpreters

November 2020 -- Verdict

INTERPRETTING IS HARD! Being conversant or fluent in a foreign language is one thing; being able to quickly process information between two languages, while accounting for different dialects and legal and/or medical jargon, all the while upholding the ethical requirements of a legal interpreter is something entirely different and more difficult than many of us fully appreciate

Click below to read full article.

Save the Date: GTLA Annual Holiday Workshop 2020

November 2020 -- Feature

Click below to learn more!

Donate to Support Justice During Pandemic

November 2020 -- Feature

We appreciate the Daily Report's follow-up article on our fundraising efforts for Mask Up for Justice. Please make a donation today! Georgia courts need our support to keep the wheels of justice turning during this pandemic.

Read the Daily Report article here!

Click below to make a donation!

Civil Justice PAC, Inc. of GTLA

November 2020 -- Civil Justice PAC

Save the Date: NLD Virtual Breakfast & Brain Food

November 2020 -- Upcoming GTLA Events

December 2
8-9 AM (EST)
Virtual Event

Join NLD for a virtual BREAKFAST and Brain Food where we will discuss techniques and strategies for effective mediations. Joining us will be Mediators Gino Brogdon, Sr., Sally Akins, Nigel Wright, and Leslie Cushner, along with moderator Rob Register to discuss their approaches and what lawyers can and should do to get the most out of their mediations.

Questions?
Sheila Thomsen
sthomsen@gtla.org

Click below to learn more and register.

Save the Date: GTLA's 2nd Annual Legislative Bootcamp

November 2020 -- Upcoming GTLA Events

December 10
2:30-5:00 PM (EST)
St. Regis Atlanta

We hope you will make plans to join us on Thursday, December 10th, from 2:30-5:00 PM, for GTLA’s Legislative Bootcamp.

Among the topics we’ll discuss:
• Building Relationships with Legislators
• Testifying at the Capitol
• A Day at the Capitol for a GTLA Member
• GTLA’s Legislative Strategy for the upcoming 2021 Legislative Session

As you know, GTLA leadership has a renewed commitment in our members being involved in our legislative efforts. Our Legislative Bootcamp will provide you an opportunity to learn more about our political efforts and prepare you for further engagement in the 2021 Legislative Session.

Questions?
Caroline McLean
cmclean@gtla.org

Click below for more information.

A Shattered Life: How Time and Patience Led to Justice

October / November 2020 -- Verdict

This trial was a long time in the making. We believe it was the last verdict before COVID-19 brought our judicial system to a halt. In fact, the jury rendered its verdict less than 18 hours before Chief Justice Harold Melton entered his first Judicial Emergency Order on March 14. By that time, over seven-and-a-half years had elapsed since the collision, and much had happened.

Click below to read full article.

'Uncharted Territory': Georgia Trial Lawyers Prepare to Resume Jury Trials

October / November 2020 -- Feature

Jurors' possible fears of contracting COVID-19 during a trial and how to broach the issue with potential jurors "is going to be a huge question," said the president of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association.

Click below to read the full article on Law.com!

Save the Date: GTLA Annual Holiday Workshop 2020

October / November 2020 -- Feature

Click below to learn more!

Civil Justice PAC, Inc. of GTLA

October / November 2020 -- Civil Justice PAC

Meet GTLA’s 2020-2021 LEAD Class

October / November 2020 -- LEAD Program

The Georgia Trial Lawyers Association has announced the selections for the 2020-21 Leadership Education & Advanced Direction (LEAD) Program. Now beginning its eighth year, the widely-acclaimed LEAD Program serves to train and equip GTLA members who have been identified as potential leaders in the association with the necessary tools to take the next steps in their legal careers, both in and out of the courtroom.

Click below to learn a bit more about the 18 attorneys and why they chose to participate in LEAD!

Save the Date: 2020 GTLA Political Summit

October / November 2020 -- Upcoming GTLA Events

December 10, 2020
12:00 PM (EST)
St. Regis Atlanta

Join President Dan Snipes, GTLA's Lawyer-Legislators, and members of the Lobbying Team for a legislative boot camp! As we prepare for the upcoming 2020 Legislative Session, we want to equip our membership like never before, and this Political Summit is the first stop on our road to success at the Gold Dome in 2020.

Questions?
Caroline McLean
cmclean@gtla.org

Click below for more information.

The Decision to Open Your Own Firm

September / October 2020 -- Verdict

Over the last several years, a number of our GTLA members have taken the “leap of faith” and started their own firms. We are excited to feature some of them in this article and share with you the reasons for their decisions.

Save the Date: GTLA Annual Holiday Workshop 2020

September / October 2020 -- Feature

Last Day to Book:
Monday, November 9, 2020

Hotel offering our special group rate:
The St. Regis Atlanta for $296 (USD) per night

Click below to learn more, register, and book your hotel!

Make a Plan and Vote

September / October 2020 -- Feature

You vote matters. Make sure to have a plan and vote on Nov. 3. Click below to learn more about how to vote in Georgia, including key dates, COVID-19 info, and more.

GTLA COVID-19 Resources

September / October 2020 -- Feature

During this unprecedented time, we at GTLA wanted to make sure that you knew we are still here and working for you! Our hope is to provide you with some helpful tips or resources to make this period of uncertainty a little easier.

Civil Justice PAC, Inc. of GTLA

September / October 2020 -- Civil Justice PAC

Save the Date: WCCL For Your Eyes Only

September / October 2020 -- Upcoming GTLA Events

Click below to register!

Thank you to our sponsors: Ametros, Benchmark, Beasley Allen, Cattie, PLLC, & IWP

*Approved for 6 general hours of CLE credit.

Questions?
Sheila Thomsen
sthomsen@gtla.org
(404) 522-8487 ext. 2500

GTLA PRESIDENTS

August / October 2020 -- President's Message

Did you miss these important messages? Visit the Verdict Microsite to hear from Past President Dan Snipes and 2020-2021 President Lyle Griffin Warshauer.

Guide to Case Management Technology for Trial Lawyers

August / October 2020 -- Verdict

One of the most challenging parts about opening a new practice or revamping an old one is deciding which case management technology to use. A quick internet search reveals that there are seemingly endless choices out there for attorneys, each with different price points, features, and ratings. In an effort to put this information into a single place, members of GTLA’s executive committee recently sent our members a survey asking for their input on case management technology. Thanks to all of those who responded and shared their experiences, we have compiled some information about the platforms that our members most commonly use and hope this will be helpful to anyone considering making a change.

Thank You!

August / October 2020 -- Feature

Another GTLA Annual Seminar is in the books! Thank you to our members, speakers, staff and sponsors for making it a great event. It was so nice to see and connect with our GTLA family, virtually and in person! Click below to see more photos from the 2020 Annual Seminar, held Sept. 17-18 at The Whitley Buckhead. #GTLA #GTLA2020AnnualSeminar

Mask Up for Justice!

August / October 2020 -- Feature

GTLA and the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association have teamed up to establish Mask Up for Justice! This charitable effort will raise funds to provide supplies, including masks and PPE, for courthouse facilities in Georgia, with the goal of helping them resume jury trials and operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make your tax deductible donation today! #MaskUpForJustice #GTLA #GDLA

Civil Justice PAC, Inc. of GTLA

August / October 2020 -- Civil Justice PAC

Visit the Verdict Microsite

March 2020 -- Verdict

New articles from the Winter 2020 issue of Verdict are now available on the Verdict microsite! Read about Federal Court issues in our industry and check back for new content and updates from GTLA.

Also new on the microsite is the ability to search topics using key words, making it easy to find a variety of content on one subject with just one click.

How I Obtained Justice: Workday Turns Tragic

January 2020 -- Verdict

A 21-year-old man stood on the blacktop, in the south Georgia heat, in front of an industrial mill’s 40-foot tall chemical tank. Two identical tanks were behind it. As a contractor, he and his coworkers were tasked with opening up the tanks so that another contractor could clean the inside with a high-powered pressure washer. They were working the mill’s shutdown. The mill ceases operations every 12-16 months so it can perform a tremendous amount of maintenance and repairs in short order; to minimize down time and increase profit loss. This requires substantial help from outside contractors, increasing the roughly 200 mill employees to a workforce of many thousands. Our client had been a contractor for only three weeks. He had no previous industrial experience. He had never opened a chemical tank. But he was smart and followed directions well. The defense would tell the jury he was "inexperienced" and a "rookie."

Join us at the State Capitol!

January 2020 -- Legislative News

SAVE THE DATE!

January 2020 -- Upcoming GTLA Events

2020 GTLA Annual Convention & President's Gala
April 30 - May 1, 2020
The Whitley Buckhead

More details to come!

Make Your Contributions Before the End of the Year!

December 2019 -- Civil Justice PAC

The Civil Justice PAC is already hard at work preparing for the 2020 Election Cycle! Our allies under the Gold Dome depend on our help for success in their legislative races, which is where we need your help.

We need to close out the year strong, so if you have an outstanding PAC or Directed Giving contribution, please submit those ASAP to Caroline McLean (cmclean@gtla.org).

Thank you all for the success of 2019, and help us build upon that as we go into 2020!

Save the Date!

August 2019 -- Upcoming GTLA Events

2019 Holiday Workshop
December 6, 2019
St. Regis Atlanta