GDLA | Georgia Defense Lawyers Association

New President and Officers Sworn in
During 57th GDLA Annual Meeting

GDLA’s 2024-2025 officers were sworn-in during the 57th GDLA Annual Meeting. They’re pictured (left to right) at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club: President-Elect Ashley Rice, Waldon Adelman Castilla McNamara & Prout, Atlanta; Treasurer Marty Levinson, Hawkins Parnell & Young, Atlanta; President Bill Casey, Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers, Atlanta; and Secretary Tracy O'Connell, Ellis Painter, Savannah.

New VP and Board Members Elected

Jason Lewis, Chambless Higdon Richardson Katz & Griggs, Macon,
was elevated to Vice President and the following were elected to the Board of Directors:
Jake Daly, Freeman Mathis & Gary, Atlanta;
Beverly O'Hearn, Lueder Larkin & Hunter, Savannah;
and Shepard Smith, James Bates Brannan Groover, Athens.

Mel Haas Honored with Distinguished Service Award

GDLA Past President Mel Haas was honored with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by GDLA for meritorious and extended service to the mission and goals of the Association. He's pictured with his wife, Linda, and outgoing President Pamela Lee at the 57th GDLA Annual Meeting, where the award was presented.

Elissa Haynes Honored with President’s Award

Outgoing President Pamela Lee selected Elissa Haynes as this year's President's Award recipient in honor of her four years of service chairing the GDLA Amicus Committee, which she continues to lead. Elissa is a partner with Freeman Mathis & Gary in Atlanta.

GDLA is Committed to Advancing the Civil Defense Bar.

Committed to Diversity

The Georgia Defense Lawyers Association (GDLA) is an association for all lawyers who practice law principally in the area of civil litigation representing defendants. The GDLA has always maintained an open membership policy and has welcomed into its membership defense lawyers of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race or national origin.

Committed to Education

Trial & Mediation Academy
Callaway Gardens Lodge & Spa
August 20 - 23, 2025

Committed to Excellence

The Georgia Defense Lawyers Association was founded in 1967 by a group of civil defense attorneys, who wanted to create a forum for networking outside of the office, courtroom and arbitration table.

New President and Officers Sworn in During 57th GDLA Annual Meeting