GDLA Membership: Benefits
BLAST E-MAIL SYSTEM
Do you need an expert witness, information on jury tendencies or a judge in a particular venue or another defense lawyer's take on a complex point of law? Use the GDLA blast e-mail system to quickly ask your colleagues for information with the touch of a button.
GEORGIA DEFENSE LAWYER NEWSLETTER
The Georgia Defense Lawyer newsletter contains not only information about GDLA activities, but also recent developments in case law. In addition, the newsletter reports attorney moves, law firm news, honors, big wins, and more. It also offers you an outlet for publishing articles.
LAW JOURNAL
The Law Journal is published annually in June, and contains articles on trends and legal updates by members of the GDLA. The Law Journal, which is published as a searchable pdf on CD-ROM, is also distributed to judges statewide.
ANNUAL MEETING
This yearly event brings together civil defense lawyers statewide from all firm sizes and practice areas for networking, CLE and social activities. There's also an exhibit hall where you will find tips and tools to enhance your practice from a variety of vendors. The Annual Meeting takes place every June from the second Thursday to Sunday at a beach location. It offers blockbuster CLE, golf and tennis tournaments, and networking opportunities at social events – bring the whole family!
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, so check the calendar at www.gdla.org.
CLE SEMINARS & WEBINARS
The GDLA regularly offers CLE seminars - whether lunch-and-learn, half-day, all day or webinars - as well as extensive training like Deposition Boot Camp and Trial Academy.
DEPOSITION BOOT CAMP
Deposition Boot Camp is an intensive two-day lecture and demonstration seminar that covers all aspects of taking and defending depositions in civil litigation. Seasoned litigators guide younger lawyers through a series of lectures and breakout discussions to hone their deposition skills.
TRIAL ACADEMY
Each year, the GDLA hosts an intensive three-day Trial Academy for younger lawyers covering a variety of trial techniques. Attendees watch and learn from seasoned lawyers; then it's their turn to present what they've learned. Social activities and networking round out this educational event. It is held annually in January at Callaway Gardens.
YOUNG LAWYERS
The GDLA is expanding its Young Lawyers (YL) offerings, giving younger lawyers an opportunity to get published, find a mentor, network with experienced defense attorneys and judges at members-only events, as well as attend great CLE seminars like our Trial Academy and Deposition Boot Camp.
BRIEF BANK & TORT REFORM DATABASE
The GDLA has a Brief Bank, as well as a database of documents pertaining to Senate Bill 3.
SPONSORS RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Need a court reporter? Jury consultant? Engineering expert? Accident reconstructionist? Trial graphics? Our sponsors are a great resource for our members.
ONLINE ATTORNEY DIRECTORY
Our membership directory is searchable by name, city and firm name by consumers and others on our website. Members can keep their information updated directly themselves.
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 will be able to cite your membership in the GDLA whenever you present your personal and professional credentials.
FIRST-YEAR DRI MEMBERSHIP -- FREE!
GDLA members who have not previously been a member of the Defense Research Institute qualify for their first year of DRI membership free.