Hall McKinley Sworn-in as 51st President, New Officers Installed
During the 51st GDLA Annual Meeting at Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Fla, Hall F. McKinley III of Drew Eckl & Farnham in Atlanta was sworn-in as President of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association. Fulton State Court Judge Wes Tailor (right) conducted the ceremony, which also installed as new officers: (left-right) Secretary George R. Hall of Hull Barrett in Augusta; Treasurer Jeffrey “Jeff” S. Ward of Drew Eckl & Farnham in Brunswick; and President-Elect David “Dave” N. Nelson of Chambless Higdon Richardson Katz & Griggs in Macon.
Past President Jerry Buchanan Honored with GDLA Distinguished Service Award
Jerry A. Buchanan, who served as President from 2002-2003, was honored with the inaugural GDLA Distinguished Service Award during the 51st Annual Meeting at Hammock Beach Resort on June 16, 2018. As Past President Matt Moffett said,” Leader, teacher, and mentor – three words that describe our friend, known to all as “Jerry B,” who is most deserving of GDLA’s highest award.” He is still active at our Board of Directors meetings and has been on the faculty of Trial & Mediation Academy for over 25 years. Matt continued, “Watching a ‘Buchanan examination’ there is like watching an artist create a masterpiece.” Jerry practices at The Buchanan Law Firm in Columbus. He’s pictured with outgoing President Sally Akins.
Georgia Defense Lawyer Editor-in-Chief Jeff Ward Honored with President’s Award
Jeffrey S. “Jeff” Ward was honored by President Sally Akins (left) with the President’s Award for his dedication to the Association while serving three years as editor-in-chief of the magazine, Georgia Defense Lawyer. During his tenure, GDLA was twice presented the Best Newsletter Award for local and voluntary bars by the State Bar of Georgia. Jeff practices with Drew Eckl & Farnham in Brunswick.
