Georgia Defense Lawyers Association - GDLA

08/14/2026

GDLA was proud to again cosponsor the Gate City Bar/Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) Judicial Reception last night with a record turnout of 120 judges. We’re especially proud GABWA President Gillian Crowl-Parrish and Gate City Past President Candis Jones Smith are GDLA members. President Marty Levinson offered remarks on behalf of GDLA.

07/15/2026

🚂 All aboard! The 6th Southeastern Women Litigators (SEWL) Summit is headed to Chattanooga!

Full steam ahead to the Scenic City on March 4-5, 2027, at The Westin Chattanooga as GDLA teams up with the Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, NC Association of Defense Attorneys, South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association, and Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association.

Hop on the litigation track with inspiring speakers, practical litigation strategies, professional development, and exceptional networking with women litigators from across the Southeast.
From the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo to Chattanooga's vibrant downtown, scenic riverfront, and mountain views, the 6th SEWL Summit promises to be an unforgettable destination for learning and connection.

📍 Save the Date: March 4–5, 2027
🏨 The Westin Chattanooga
🚂 Full Steam Ahead—see you in Chattanooga!

06/22/2026

The weather finally cooperated on Saturday afternoon for some fun in the sun at the 59th GDLA Annual Meeting! We thank Collision Specialists, Inc., and ESi for sponsoring the hospitality cabanas and the co****le tournament. That evening, Mother Nature was not as kind when we were forced indoors for our last event. Still everyone enjoyed the Closing Reception and Dinner, sponsored by Forcon. See y'all next June for the 60th GDLA Annual Meeting at The Breakers in Palm Beach!

06/22/2026

Thank you to our GDLA sponsors, especially the Platinum and Gold Sponsors who participated in the 59th GDLA Annual Meeting! One of the most anticipated moments of the conference is the sponsors' prize drawing. Our lucky winners are pictured below.

Special thanks goes to these Platinum Sponsors for their support of the following Annual Meeting events: BAY Mediation - Welcome, Y'all Opening Reception and Dinner; Collision Specialists, Inc. and ESi - Hospitality Cabanas and Co****le Tournament; Veritext - President's Reception; and Forcon - Closing Reception and Dinner.

06/22/2026

The last morning at the 59th GDLA Annual Meeting was a busy one! President Ashley Rice presented GDLA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Past President Staten Bitting and the President's Award to Leah Fox Parker. Ashley was honored for her year of service as she joined the Past Presidents' club, the 2026-2027 board was selected, Fulton State Court Judge Wes Tailor swore in the new officers, and we had several great CLE presentations, including professionalism insights from Judge Tailor.

06/20/2026

Friday events at the 59th GDLA Annual Meeting included great CLE presentations, the 2026-2027 officers' photo shoot, and our traditional President's Reception. We're grateful to Veritext for sponsoring the party honoring outgoing President Ashley Rice and congratulate her on an outstanding year of service!

06/19/2026

The 59th GDLA Annual Meeting kicked off last night with our traditional opening reception and dinner sponsored by BAY Mediation & Arbitration Services. The weather forced us indoors but everyone still had a great time!

05/22/2026

GDLA Past President Matt Moffett who is incoming DRI SE Regional Director, Georgia’s DRI State Rep Robert Luskin, and Executive Director Jennifer Davis Ward spent a few days with fellow leaders from the Southeast, Southern and Mid-Atlantic Regions at the DRI Regional Meeting in Boston. Matt was part of a panel discussing professionalism and civility. Great idea sharing — and exploring Boston’s Freedom Trail — with other state and local defense organization (SLDO) leaders!🙌

04/27/2026