One of the most telling signs that the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association is increasing its visibility and role in statewide matters of importance to the civil defense bar is that our board meetings are now stretching to four-hour, jam-packed work sessions with more than 20 attorneys from across the state gathering to discuss dozens of items that affect the practices of lawyers in our area of the profession.

From responding to tort reform to adding more training for younger lawyers, from filing amicus briefs in important matters before our appellate courts to increasing our face-to-face social contacts with the judiciary, from improving opportunities for women and minorities to participate in the association to creating a vibrant younger lawyer section, from providing more specific practice area information via our substantive law committees to building a database of expert witnesses and trial work product . . . the GDLA is becoming known today as a very strong and more respected voice of the civil defense bar in Georgia.

-- In recent years, Georgia's Judicial Nominating Commission has begun requesting that the GDLA review the applications of potential candidates and participate in the screening process, including appearing before the Commission.

-- Membership is increasing each year, as more and more Georgia lawyers learn about the breadth and quality of the benefits we offer to their practice . . . and renew their memberships after they've liked what they've seen.

-- Industry vendors are approaching us in record numbers to work with us on CLE seminars, provide articles for our newsletter and to provide speakers at our academies and meetings.

-- More and more judges are attending our cocktail receptions in cities across the state and getting to hear our voices.

-- Our relationship with DRI remains strong, as Georgia appoints their next Southeast Region representative for a three-year term.

We are even making inroads with the one group of attorneys who have traditionally not participated in the GDLA — those who practice at the "mega firms" in Atlanta. These firms have traditionally viewed the GDLA as insurance defense lawyers, and have had little to no knowledge of what the association actually does.

Recently, the perception of the GDLA at these firms has begun to change, and they are learning about the value of GDLA membership for their associates, including our invaluable blast e-mail system which connects an attorney with close to 700 of his or her peers across the state for case research at the touch of a button.

While many associations ask their members to "support the association," the GDLA board of directors has worked hard in recent years to ensure that the association supports the members.

If we can get you involved with the GDLA, you will not simply be supporting your association, but rather helping your peers advance the civil defense bar in Georgia.

Never before has there been a time when the possibilities for you to make your mark on the profession have been this great.

Please visit and click on the "About Us" button to see how you can make a substantive contribution to the profession in our state.

We look forward to continuing to serve you and hope you will join us in pursuing the mission of the GDLA — "Advancing the Civil Defense Bar" in Georgia.

Yours for the Defense,

Bob Travis
President, GDLA