DRI honors GDLA with Outstanding Defense Bar Award
DRI presented GDLA with the 2026 Rudolph A. Janata Outstanding Defense Bar Association Award during the DRI Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Executive Director Jennifer Davis Ward (center) and President-Elect Tracy O’Connell accepted the award. This is the third time DRI has recognized GDLA as the top defense bar association in the U.S. and Canada, following wins in 2013 and 2020.
Marty Levinson Sworn-in as 59th President New Officers Installed
During the 59th GDLA Annual Meeting at Hammock Beach Resort in June, Marty Levinson (left) of Shires Peake & Gottlieb, Alpharetta, was sworn-in as President. Other officers taking the helm were (left to right): Secretary Candis Jones Smith of Lewis Brisbois, Atlanta; Treasurer Jason Logan of Constangy Brooks Smith & Prophete, Macon; and President-Elect Tracy O'Connell of Ellis Painter, Savannah.
New VP and Board Members Elected
Anne Gower of Gower Wooten & Darneille, Atlanta, was elevated to Vice President and the following were elected to the Board of Directors: Christina Balanis of Young Thagard Hoffman, Valdosta; William R. “Bill” Merchant of Levy Sibley Foreman & Speir, Columbus; and Leah Fox Parker of Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers, Atlanta.
Past President Staten Bitting Honored with GDLA Distinguished Service Award
GDLA Past President N. Staten Bitting, Jr. of Bitting Law Office, Augusta, (right) 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. President Ashley Rice of Waldon Adelman, Atlanta, presented the award.
Leah Fox Parker Honored with President’s Award
Outgoing President Ashley Rice (right) of Waldon Adelman, Atlanta, presented the President's Award to Leah Fox Parker of Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers, Atlanta, for her work chairing both GDLA’s Young Lawyers Section and Women Litigators Section.
