MEMBERSHIP you are a young practitioner , so join early to take advantage of the opportunities to network and learn from others in the industry !
Business & Finance Section : Chair Christopher S . Dillon ( Holland & Knight LLP ): For many , Banking & Finance is an area that is more often than not practiced on a regional , national , and international basis , which means we can easily lose track of our colleagues right here in Atlanta . The Banking & Finance Section through social events and CLEs offers the opportunity for its members to discover ( or rediscover perhaps ) our common interests locally .
Vice Chair Katelyn H . Fredericks ( Nelson Mullins ): Like many practices areas , most practitioners do not have an Atlanta-based practice . Joining the Section provides an opportunity to network on the local level and support the Atlanta Bar community .
Construction Law Section : Chair Jake Carroll ( Nelson Mullins ): Since construction overlaps with many other practice areas — from real estate and labor to dispute resolution and bankruptcy — we host joint CLEs and community service events that offer opportunities to learn , network , and collaborate with members from other Sections .
Vice Chair William J . Shaughnessy ( Jones Walker LLP ): Inperson meetings , hosted by prominent industry leaders in the Atlanta construction market .
Corporate Counsel Section : Chair R . Douglas Balyeat ( Pratt Industries ( USA ) Inc ): Great networking opportunities and CLE on pressing , timely legal matters facing our Section members .
Vice Chair Jerico J . Phillips ( Graphic Packaging International LLC ): Networking and having peers to bounce ideas off of each other regarding common things facing every company .
and Section .
Dispute Resolution Section : Chair Douglas J . Witten ( BAY Mediation & Arbitration Services LLC ): Mediation , arbitration , negotiation , and other facets of dispute resolution -- the topics on which our Section focuses -- are relevant and can provide value to any practice area
Estate Planning & Probate Section : Chair Kevin T . O ' Sullivan ( Cohen Pollock Merlin Turner , PC ): The consistent educational and professional development opportunities we provide to our members . We continued to do so throughout the pandemic , and now that our events are all in-person , our members are getting even more value through networking and social interaction .
Vice Chair Hamida Jackson-Little ( Offices of H . J . Little ): By joining the Estate Planning and Probate Section , members can take advantage of consistently excellent monthly speaker programs to help them in their practice , while enjoying collegial interactions with colleagues . It is a win-win proposition !
Family Law Section : Chair Dawn R . Smith ( Smith & Files LLC ): One advantage is connecting and networking with colleagues , judges and professionals that work with the family bar .
Intellectual Property Section : Chair Meredith H . Ragains ( Georgia Lawyers for the Arts ): One advantage is to get to know other lawyers in my practice area ( some of whom volunteer with the organization I run , Georgia Lawyers for the Arts ).
Labor & Employment Law Section : Chair Neal F . Weinrich ( Berman Fink Van Horn ): Joining the Labor & Employment Section is a great way to meet and network with local employment lawyers and to stay abreast of timely employment law developments through the programming our Section offers .
Litigation Section : Chair E . Tyron Brown ( Hawkins Parnell & Young ): An opportunity for professional , personal and community development .
Vice Chair Amy B . Cheng ( Nelson Mullins ): The people . As cliché as that reads , it is true - you are making lifelong friends and mentors . We celebrate the wins , and we are here to support you during a loss as well . You are joining a community when you join the Litigation Section .
Privacy & Cybersecurity Law Section : Chair Dorian W . Simmons ( Alston & Bird LLP ): Students and practitioners are able to explore a rapidly evolving area of law that intersects with many different practice areas .
Vice Chair Erik J . Provitt ( GuideHouse ): Being able to help build and shape the Atlanta Bar Association ’ s newest Section ; and doing so in a region and practice area that needs talented practitioners .
Public Interest Law Section : Chair Ayanna Jones-Lightsy ( Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation ): The opportunity to connect with like minded attorneys as well as reach out to collaborate with other Sections .
Vice Chair Cari E . King ( Atlanta Legal Aid ): Attorneys working in the public interest or even just interested in public interest law can network with each other and create programming useful for both
Sole Practitioner / Small Firm Section : Chair Jason N . Wiggam ( Wiggam Law ): There is a significant advantage to joining our Section for attorneys of all levels . You network with new colleagues , meet potential mentors , and make referral connections . There is also value in coming to the meetings with questions and brainstorming issues like practice management and cases with attorneys outside your direct network .
Women in the Profession Section : Vice Chair Barclay H . Vallotton ( Krevolin Horst ): I love that our Section draws attorneys from a wide range of practice areas . This provides a great opportunity to meet folks you may not otherwise public interest communities and attorneys at large .
www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 41