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
Sixteen of GDLA’s Past Presidents were on-hand to be honored at the 50th GDLA Annual Meeting at The Breakers in West Palm Beach, Florida. Pictured are (left to right) Grant Smith, Bruce Welch, Ted Freeman, Bubba Hughes, Warner Fox, Lynn Roberson, Jimmy Singer, Salty Forbes, George Duncan, Kirby Mason, Mel Haas, Steve Kyle, Staten Bitting, Johnny Foster, Jerry Buchanan, Matt Moffett, Peter Muller and Walter McClelland.
