Georgia Defense Lawyers Association - GDLA

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Georgia Defense Lawyers Association - GDLA GDLA is the association for trial lawyers who defend businesses and individuals in civil litigation.

The Georgia Defense Lawyers Association (GDLA) was founded over 50 years ago by a group of civil defense lawyers who wanted a forum for networking outside the office. While its initial focus was camaraderie, the GDLA has evolved to offer formal avenues for training, networking and communication. GDLA is the Georgia affiliate for DRI, the voice of the defense bar. GDLA membership benefits include CLE seminars, judicial receptions, a newsletter and annual Law Journal, plus an e-mail blast system that allows members to pose questions about experts, points of law, emerging issues, and more. With almost 1,000 civil defense lawyer members regularly defending businesses and individuals in all types of civil litigation, we are the best civil defense lawyers in the state of Georgia.

GDLA's Board of Directors held its Fall Meeting at Barnsley Gardens over the weekend. Thankfully, Hurricane Isaias did n...
10/12/2026

GDLA's Board of Directors held its Fall Meeting at Barnsley Gardens over the weekend. Thankfully, Hurricane Isaias did not wash out our working hard and playing hard.

Congratulations to the GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy Best of the Best Award winners: (l-r) Leah Parker, Swift Currie Mc...
08/31/2026

Congratulations to the GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy Best of the Best Award winners: (l-r) Leah Parker, Swift Currie McGhee & Hiers; Miranda Lykins, Fulcher Hagler; Will Barillas, Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial; Kristy Nguyen, Hawkins Parnell & Young; Owen Peters, Gray Rust Moffett Brieske; Tim Peacock, Hudson Lambert Parrott Walker; Jenn Sands, Wilson Elser; and Jill Hartsfield, Dieterich & Kelly Legal Group. Also below is the annual Academy “class photo.”

Scenes from the final day of GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy: participants discussed civility and ethics, top trial tips,...
08/30/2026

Scenes from the final day of GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy: participants discussed civility and ethics, top trial tips, and also performed their closing arguments. Eight were honored with Best of the Best Awards for their hard work and excellent performances during the Academy.

Scenes from Day 3 of the GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy: participants learned about and practiced direct and cross-exami...
08/29/2026

Scenes from Day 3 of the GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy: participants learned about and practiced direct and cross-examinations of experts, motions in limine, consolidated pre-trial orders, and closing statements. They'll deliver their own closings the next day.

Scenes from Day 2 of the GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy: participants learned about and practiced opening statements, as...
08/28/2026

Scenes from Day 2 of the GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy: participants learned about and practiced opening statements, as well as direct and cross-examinations of parties and lay witnesses. After a long day of “trial,” everyone enjoyed getting better acquainted at a pizza party.

GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy opened yesterday with record attendance. We were honored to welcome Court of Appeals Judg...
08/27/2026

GDLA Trial & Mediation Academy opened yesterday with record attendance. We were honored to welcome Court of Appeals Judge Jeff Davis as the first speaker. GDLA Platinum Sponsor representatives Thomas Lyman of BAY Mediation & Arbitration Services and Nigel Wright of Henning Mediation & Arbitration Services, Inc. then guided attendees through a mock mediation. Following the welcome reception, Fulton State Court Judge Susan Edlein shared professionalism insights during dinner.

GDLA was proud to again cosponsor the Gate City Bar/Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) Judicial Recept...
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.

🚂 All aboard! The 6th Southeastern Women Litigators (SEWL) Summit is headed to Chattanooga!Full steam ahead to the Sceni...
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!

The weather finally cooperated on Saturday afternoon for some fun in the sun at the 59th GDLA Annual Meeting! We thank C...
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!

Thank you to our GDLA sponsors, especially the Platinum and Gold Sponsors who participated in the 59th GDLA Annual Meeti...
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.

Address

P. O. Box 67
Rossville, GA
30741

Telephone

+17069564848

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Georgia Defense Lawyers Association - GDLA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Georgia Defense Lawyers Association - GDLA:

Shortcuts

Share

Category