BLAST E-MAIL SYSTEM
Do you need an expert witness; information on jury tendencies or the judge in a particular venue; another defense lawyer's take on a complex point of law; or their experience with opposing counsel and/or plaintiff’s experts? Use the blast e-mail system to quickly ask your colleagues for their input on this and more.
GEORGIA DEFENSE LAWYER NEWSLETTER
The Georgia Defense Lawyer newsletter contains not only details about GDLA activities, but also recent developments in case law. Additionally it reports attorney moves or promotions, honors, big wins, and more. It is an excellent outlet for publishing your own articles, and it is mailed to judges statewide. The Georgia Defense Lawyer has been honored by the State Bar of Georgia with the Best Newsletter Award for five consecutive years.
LAW JOURNAL
The Law Journal is published annually. Filled with articles on trends and legal updates, it is distributed in searchable format on CD to judges (both state and federal) and via online link to members. It is another excellent publishing opportunity for our members.
ANNUAL MEETING
This yearly event brings together civil defense lawyers and their families for networking, CLE and family time. There's also an exhibit hall where you will find tips and tools to enhance your practice from a variety of GDLA sponsors. The Annual Meeting takes place every June at a beach resort.
JUDICIAL RECEPTIONS
The GDLA hosts receptions for the judiciary around the state, allowing you to meet and mingle with judges in your area. We have hosted receptions in Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah. The Atlanta reception is traditionally held in February of each year.
MEMBER HAPPY HOURS
We hold happy hours during the year to give members the opportunity to mingle outside of the office or CLE environment. We recently began holding joint events with our colleagues on the other side of the “v.” so look for GDLA-GTLA happy hour announcements in your inbox.
DIVERSITY
We are a member of the Multi-bar Leadership Council (MBLC), a consortium of local bars that focus on diversity and networking opportunities. We participate in monthly meetings and also group events, including an annual cook-off. Members of MBLC bars, who have not been a GDLA member previously and otherwise meet our membership criteria, qualify for a free year of GDLA membership.
VERDICTS DATABASE
We launched the Verdicts Database in 2015 in the Members Only area. Members are encouraged to enter their own recent verdicts, regardless of outcome, so this becomes a robust resource for the civil defense community. It is searchable in a variety of ways, including by venue and attorney, and includes verdicts back to 2010.
CURRENT LEGAL TRENDS DATABASE
This database is housed in the Members Only area of our website, and includes these categories: Daubert & Expert Qualifications, Discovery of Surveillance, Joint & Several Liability, Medical Expenses, Motions in Limine, Qualified Protective Orders, and Social Media. Members are asked to contribute their own documents to make this a repository for information on important, and recurring, hot topics.
DEPOSITION BOOT CAMP
This intensive two-day lecture and demonstration seminar covers all aspects of pre-trial discovery in civil litigation. Seasoned litigators guide attendees through a series of lectures and breakout discussions to hone their skills, whether just learning or wanting to brush up.
TRIAL & MEDIATION ACADEMY
Each January, the GDLA hosts this intensive three-day CLE for lawyers covering a variety of trial and mediation techniques. Attendees watch demos of opening statements and more by seasoned lawyers; then it's their turn to present what they've learned in breakout sessions. Attendees also hear professionalism considerations from a trial or appellate court judge. Networking events round out this educational seminar, which is suitable for anyone needing to learn or even refine their skills.
YOUNG LAWYERS
The GDLA is expanding its young lawyer (YL) offerings, giving YLs an opportunity to socialize at happy hours; get published; network with experienced defense attorneys and judges at members-only events; as well as attend excellent seminars like Deposition Boot Camp and Trial & Mediation Academy. Our most popular seminar, Skits & Suds, exploring ethics and professionalism issues, is held at a local watering hole annually in Atlanta; we’ve also taken it on the road to other cities.
DRI - THE VOICE OF THE DEFENSE BAR
The GDLA is one of DRI’s State & Local Defense Organizations (SLDO). As the DRI state affiliate, we regularly participate in idea sharing and networking through the DRI Annual Meeting and Regional Meetings. In 2013, DRI honored us with the Outstanding SLDO Award.
SPONSORS RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Need a court reporter? Jury consultant? E-discovery specialist? Forensic engineer? Trial graphics? A mediator? A private investigator? An expert to review medical billing? Our sponsors in these areas and more are a great resource for our members.
ONLINE ATTORNEY DIRECTORY
Our online membership directory is searchable by name, city and firm name by consumers and others on the public side of our website. In the members’ only area, you can narrow your search by counties of practice, city, areas of practice, and more.
AFFILIATION WITH GEORGIA'S CIVIL DEFENSE COMMUNITY
In addition to the many personal benefits to your practice, your participation in the GDLA will bolster the defense bar and advance your client’s interests through shared knowledge, techniques and insights. In addition, you’ll be able to cite your GDLA membership whenever you present your personal and professional credentials.