Georgia Tech Bar Association

What is the Georgia Tech Bar A message from the outgoing Association? president, Todd Heffner. The Georgia Tech Bar Associ- This past year saw the return of the at Second Self Brewery (owned by ation is an “affinity group” that Georgia Tech Bar Association, and two Georgia Tech grads!) in Septem- is part of the Georgia Tech I could not be more proud to look ber. We had a fantastic turnout with back on what we accomplished as a over 30 Yellow Jacket lawyers joining Alumni Association. It’s for group. First, however, I’d like to thank us! The turnout and buzz surround- that reason you’ve never had the other people who helped make it ing the event made it clear that peo- to officially join—simply by happen: Kat Ballou from the Georgia ple were excited for the return of the Tech Alumni Association, who pro- group. being a Georgia Tech alumni vided invaluable support for every- and a lawyer (or law student) thing we did; the original founders In November we were privileged to you’re automatically a mem- of the Georgia Tech Bar Association, host Judges May and Batten for a Q&A because without them this group lunch. Both judges graduated from ber. Other examples of affinity wouldn’t even exist; and my fellow Georgia Tech and now serve on the groups include the Hispanic executive committee members, who Northern District of Georgia Federal have volunteered their time and en- District Court. They were so gracious Alumni Network, Band Alumni ergy to help make this year a suc- with their time and wisdom, and ev- Association, and Military Affin- cess: Ryan Gentes, Ansley Sluss, Matt eryone who attended gained valuable ity Group. Cohen, Jenna Lee, and Dustin Weeks. insight into what makes judges tick. We kicked off our return with a social Continued on next page A message from the president- elect, Ryan Gentes.

Thank you to everyone who came out to our events this year and made the re- turn of the Georgia Tech Bar Association a resounding success. Under Todd’s leadership, we hosted great social and CLE events that brought together a diverse group of Yellow Jackets in the legal profession. We enjoyed getting to know and reconnect with each of you. We are hopeful that we can schedule one more social event over the summer – be on the lookout for updates.

While our focus this year was to reintroduce the Georgia Tech Bar Association through social and CLE events, our long-term goal is to develop an organiza- tion that is beneficial to not only Yellow Jackets currently in the legal profes- sion but also to current students and alumni pursuing a career in law. I think we can all agree that Georgia Tech grads make the best attorneys, and we Message from want to encourage more of our fellow alumni to join our ranks. Todd Heffner, With that goal in mind, this year we hosted an event to encourage our mem- continued: bers to be volunteer judges at the Georgia Tech Mock Trial Team’s invitational tournament. I echo Todd’s thanks to everyone who came out to judge. As the In January we hosted a social in con- Georgia Tech Bar Association grows, we hope to increase our support and junction with the undergrad Mock outreach to Tech students and Alumni law students through different events Trial Tournament. A big thank you to and programs. all of you who volunteered to judge a round! This summer, the Georgia Tech Bar Association Board will meet to reflect on this past year and develop not only a plan for next year but also long Our expert event in March was a term goals for this organization. We would love to hear from you with any chance to learn from seasoned law- comments and ideas for the future. We believe that Georgia Tech grads are yers and expert witnesses alike. We unique in the legal profession and staying connected is to all of our benefit – put together a panel where every- especially in these uncertain times. Please reach out and let us know how we one had a Georgia Tech connection, can make the Georgia Tech Bar Association as successful as it can be. whether as an undergrad, graduate degree, or professor. I want to close by thanking Todd again for his leadership. He worked tirelessly to get the ball rolling on the “reboot” of this organization. We can’t wait to Throughout the year, we had reg- build on the momentum that he has established. Please be on the lookout for ular midtown lunches. These were updates on our upcoming events and programs. We look forward to seeing a more informal way to gather and you all in the fall and stay safe! network. They happen on the second Wednesday of every other month at noon at Fado’s. We’re not sure if the event will make its return in June or August—stay tuned.

It has been my privilege to help bring this group back and connect with so many of you. It’s heartening to know how many of you came to our events, ordered one of our t-shirts, or sent along a note expressing appreciation for the group.

Left to right: Dustin Weeks, Holmes Hawkins, Vijay Madisetti, Andy Ackel, Jim Bidgood Get Involved! We still have t-shirts

There are three main ways you can mental position, and make sure that be involved: (1) come to our events; they are following us on LinkedIn or (2) apply to join the executive com- Facebook (if they didn’t get a copy mittee (more below); and (3) help us of this newsletter, have them send spread the (good) word about the Todd Heffner an email (theffner@ Georgia Tech Bar Association. For joneswalker.com)). Also, please let number three, simply make sure all us know if you have any feedback, the Yellow Jacket lawyers you know ideas, or suggestions about anything got this newsletter, particularly if we do or could be doing. they work in-house or in a govern- Executive Committee

Anyone who is interested should apply to join the executive committee as a member at large. Members of the executive committee help plan and orga- nize the events throughout the year, brainstorm new ideas, and help adver- tise the Georgia Tech Bar Association and its events. We mirror the school year, so, if selected, expect to serve from mid-summer 2020 to mid-summer 2021. To apply please email Todd Heffner ([email protected]) with Didn’t order a t-shirt but still want your practice area and practice setting, Georgia Tech graduation year and one?! We ordered several extra. degree, and a brief explanation of why you would like to join the executive Email [email protected] committee (limited to no more than 250 words). for details.

Left to right: Ryan Gentes, Todd Heffner, The Honorable Timothy Batten, The Honorable Leigh May, Ansley Sluss, Dustin Weeks