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Live Event

2026 Update on Georgia Law Ski LE


CLE Hours: 11 including 11 General, 1 Ethics, 1 Professionalism, 4 Trial Practice

Categories:
Ethics |  Professionalism |  Trial Practice |  AI Artificial Intelligence
Location:
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley - Avon, Colorado

Dates
Schedule at a glance



Description

 

  • Speakers, session times and credit hours are subject to change.
  • Ethics | Professionalism | Trial Practice

 

  • Program Chairs:
  • Dennis T. Cathey, Program Co-Chair, Partner, Cathey and Strain LLC, Cornelia, GA
  • Matthew A. “Matt” Cathey, Program Co-Chair, Partner, Cathey and Strain LLC, Cornelia, GA

  • Sunday,
    February 1, 2026


  • 4:30–5:30
  • Early Registration
  • Riverside Foyer

  • Monday,
    February 2, 2026


  • 7:00
  • Registration and Breakfast

  • 7:30
  • INTRODUCTION
  • Julia D. Neighbors, ICLE Director, State Bar of Georgia, Atlanta, GA

  • 7:35
  • WELCOME AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW
  • Dennis T. Cathey
  • Matthew A. “Matt” Cathey

  • 7:45
  • REAL PROPERTY
  • Carol V. Clark, Founder, Carol Clark Law, Atlanta, GA

  • 8:30
  • EVIDENCE (provides trial practice credit)
  • Philip R. Green, Partner, King & Spalding LLP, Atlanta, GA

  • 9:30
  • PROFESSIONALISM (provides professionalism credit) (provides trial practice credit)
  • Hon. Warren P. Davis, Judge, Superior Court of Gwinnett County, Lawrenceville, GA

  • 10:30
  • EMPLOYMENT LAW
  • Charles B. “Chuck” Lee, Member, Miller & Martin PLLC, Chattanooga, TN

  • 11:15
  • Recess

  • 6:00
  • Cocktail Reception
  • Riverside Foyer

  • Tuesday,
    February 3, 2026


  • 7:00
  • Breakfast

  • 7:40
  • WELCOME
  • Dennis T. Cathey
  • Matthew A. “Matt” Cathey

  • 7:45
  • INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
  • N. Andrew Crain, Managing Partner, Thomas Horstemeyer LLP, Atlanta, GA

  • 8:45
  • RECENT LEGISLATION AND ITS EFFECT ON CASES/TRIALS
  • Mike B. Terry, Partner, Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP, Atlanta, GA
  • Amanda Kay Seals, Partner, Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP, Atlanta, GA

  • 9:45
    FAMILY LAW and A VIEW FROM THE BENCH OF A FAMILY LAW JUDGE (provides trial practice credit)
    Hon. Alice E. Benton, Judge, Superior Court of Fulton County, Atlanta, GA
    Kristin R. “Kristy” Barnhart, Founding Partner, Barnhart Family Law, Atlanta, GA
    Rachel L. Platt, Founding Attorney, Platt Family Law, Roswell, GA

    10:45
    Recess

  • 6:30
  • Dinner Party
  • Hosted by Carol Clark Law
  • Room #151AB

  • Wednesday,
    February 4, 2026


  • 7:00
  • Breakfast

  • 7:40
  • WELCOME
  • Dennis T. Cathey
  • Matthew A. “Matt” Cathey

  • 7:45
  • JUDICIAL UPDATE/VIEW FROM THE BENCH (provides trial practice credit)
  • Hon. Amanda H. Mercier, Chief Judge, Georgia Court of Appeals, Atlanta, GA
  • Hon. Paige Reese Whitaker, Judge, Superior Court of Fulton County, Atlanta, GA
  • Hon. Brian M. Rickman, Judge, Georgia Court of Appeals, Atlanta, GA

  • 8:45
  • UPDATES IN FIDUCIARY LAW—"The Intersection of Family Law and Probate"
  • Robert C. Port, Partner, Gaslowitz Frankel LLC, Atlanta, GA

  • 9:30
  • TORTS
  • Michael J. “Mike” Gorby, Founder, Partner, Gorby Peters & Associates LLC, Atlanta, GA
  • Mary Donne Peters, Founder, Partner, Gorby Peters & Associates LLC, Tucker, GA

  • 10:15
  • Recess

  • Thursday,
    February 5, 2026


  • 7:00
  • Breakfast

  • 7:40
  • WELCOME
  • Dennis T. Cathey
  • Matthew A. “Matt” Cathey

  • 7:45
  • ETHICS (provides ethics credit)
  • Michael J. “MJ” Blakely, Jr., Managing Attorney, The Blakely Firm LLC, Decatur, GA

  • 8:45
  • WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LAW FIRMS BREAK UP
  • Joyce Gist Lewis, Co-Managing Partner, Krevolin & Horst LLC, Atlanta, GA
  • Jeffrey D. “Jeff” Horst, Founding Partner, Krevolin & Horst LLC, Atlanta, GA

  • 9:45
  • ADJOURN

Version 6


Handouts

Speaker

Mr. Dennis T. Cathey Related Seminars and Products

Cathey & Strain LLC


Dennis T. Cathey is a graduate of the University of Georgia undergraduate and law school. Mr. Cathey was born in Rabun County, Georgia, and has served on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia, as president of the Mountain Circuit Bar Association, is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, has served on the Investigative Panel of the State Bar of Georgia Disciplinary Committee, has been a member of the Federal Bar Council for the Northern District of Georgia and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a past recipient of the State Bar of Georgia Traditions of Excellence Award and past-president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.

Mr. Cathey was an officer in the United States Army Medical Service Corps, has served as a youth sports coach for the Habersham County Parks and Rec Department, is active in the Cornelia United Methodist Church and serves on the Board of Trustees of Piedmont College.

EDUCATION

  • University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, Georgia
    • J.D. - 1970
  • University of Georgia
    • A.B. - 1967

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • Georgia, 1970
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit, 1982
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia, 1971
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of Georgia, 1973
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of Georgia, 1991
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 1973

HONORS

  • Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Georgia delegate to ATLA
  • Selected as “Georgia Super Lawyer” by Atlanta magazine
  • Selected as “Georgia Legal Elite’ by Georgia Trend magazine
  • Selected as “One of the Most Influential Georgians” by James magazine
  • Diplomate of American Board of Trial Advocates
  • State Bar Traditions of Excellence Award

PRO-BONO ACTIVITIES

  • Cornelia United Methodist Church
  • Youth Sports Coach, Habersham County Parks and Rec Department

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  • Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, President, 2004 to 2005
  • Mountain Circuit Bar, President, 1972 to 1973
  • American Bar Association
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • State Bar of Georgia, Board of Governors, 1985 to 1999
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
  • Investigative panel of the State Bar of Georgia Disciplinary Committee, 1992 to 1995
  • Federal Bar Council for the Northern District of Georgia, Member, 1993 to 1995
  • Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, Board of Trustees
  • Piedmont College, Board of Trustees

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT POSITION

  • Member

PAST POSITIONS

  • United States Army Medical Service Corps, Officer

 


Mr. Matthew Adam Cathey's Profile

Mr. Matthew Adam Cathey Related Seminars and Products

Cathey & Strain LLC


Matt is a plaintiff’s civil trial attorney with an emphasis on catastrophic injury cases, including product liability, trucking, roadway, railroad, medical malpractice and mass tort cases. Matt was raised in Habersham County, Georgia and received his undergraduate degree cum laude from the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, he attended Georgia State University College of Law where he graduated with honors in litigation. Matt began his professional career working in Atlanta, where he practiced for five years prior coming to Cathey & Strain.

Throughout his legal career Matt has successfully tried numerous jury trials as well as litigating and handling all other aspects of trial practice, including trial preparation, appeals, motions, hearings, Daubert challenges, motions for summary judgment and expert testimony development.

EDUCATION
Georgia State University College of Law, Atlanta, Georgia
J.D. - 2006
Honors: With Honors

University of Georgia
B.B.A. - 2003
Honors: cum laude

BAR ADMISSIONS
Georgia, 2006
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Tennessee, 2010

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT POSITION
Attorney


Ms. Carol V. Clark's Profile

Ms. Carol V. Clark Related Seminars and Products

The Law Offices of Carol V Clark, LLC


When the dinosaurs were still among us, Ms. Clark was hunting and gathering real property cases to prepare for the Judicial Update from her vibrantly decorated cave.  Caught in a wrinkle in time, she managed to graduate as a Double Dawg from UGA (English and Law), represent hundreds of fellow travelers in fascinating (to them) disputes and collect some lucky awards, the Pindar being especially cherished.   She expresses gratitude for the long standing patience of the Real Property Institute audiences and their feigned laughter at what passes for her idea of wit.


Mr. Philip Robbins Green's Profile

Mr. Philip Robbins Green Related Seminars and Products

King & Spalding LLP


Philip Green is a partner in King & Spalding's Atlanta office, and he is a trial lawyer specializing in the trial of high exposure product liability cases. He has represented a variety of clients in federal and state courts, and he has tried dozens of multi-million dollar cases to verdict. He has tried dozens of multi-week jury trials. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America’s “Ones to Watch” list and Benchmark Litigation’s “40 and Under Hot List.”

Philip has extensive experience not only at trial, but in coordinating defense team efforts, including leading the management of cases on behalf of industry teams from the filing of the complaint to trial and through the appeal process. His trial experience and knowledge of strategies employed by the plaintiffs’ bar informs his case management and discovery practice. He represents clients in personal injury and products liability litigation in the transportation, consumer products, agricultural, and medical device industries. He also manages litigation in Hawaii, Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and Pennsylvania on behalf of his clients.

 

Admissions

Georgia

Florida 

Hawaii

Credentials

EDUCATION

J.D., University of Georgia, cum laude

B.A. Political Science, University of Georgia


Hon. Warren P. Davis's Profile

Hon. Warren P. Davis Related Seminars and Products

Gwinnett County Superior Court


Most lawyers and litigants want to know more about the judge before whom their case is assigned. Judge Davis began his judicial career as a magistrate in 1984 serving in the Gwinnett Magistrate Court. In 1987 he became Chief Magistrate where he served for over twenty-one (21) years supervising 26 magistrates in the court which operated 24 hours/day, 365 days per year. In 2008 he was appointed to the Superior Court. He earned his Master in Judicial Studies Degree from the National Judicial College/University of Nevada. He also earned a B.A. and LL.B. Judge Davis has authored numerous legal articles for training both judges and lawyers. He has received state and national bar association awards for court innovation and public service.
 

  • Thomas R. Burnside, Jr., - Excellence in Bar Leadership Award – State Bar of Georgia (2009)
  • William R. McMahon Award from the American Bar Association, New York City Annual Convention received the annual award for technical innovation in a court of limited jurisdiction. (2000)
  • Georgia Council of Court Administrators, for help creating video warrant system. (1998)
  • National Association of Counties, Achievement Award Winner for pioneering court innovation. (1998)

Prior to admittance to the Georgia Bar in 1979, Judge Davis was a Gwinnett County police officer and detective.

 

For more info, see Gwinnett Courts bio


Mr. Charles B. Lee's Profile

Mr. Charles B. Lee Related Seminars and Products

Miller & Martin PLLC


Charles (Chuck) Lee, Vice-Chair of the firm's Litigation Practice and Co-Chair of the firm's Labor & Employment Practice, has been with Miller & Martin since 1985 and concentrates his practice primarily on employment law, corporate/commercial litigation and federal agency investigations.

 In the employment law practice area, Chuck is lead defense counsel for a number of major companies and other employers in connection with wrongful discharge, discrimination, retaliation, FLSA, ADA, FMLA and whistleblower claims. He has coordinated responses to charges of employment discrimination filed with EEOC and analogous state and local agencies, including on-site investigations by agency investigators. He advises employers with respect to minimizing exposure in connection with reductions-in-force (RIFs), workforce restructurings and day-to-day employment issues. He assists employers in designing, implementing and enforcing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) programs, including mandatory pre-dispute arbitration agreements. He also advises clients on conducting corporate and workplace investigations, including federal and state agency investigations.

In connection with commercial litigation, he served as lead counsel for the FDIC as receiver of a number of failed financial institutions in connection with multi-million dollar commercial disputes as well as professional liability investigations, lawsuits and related insurance coverage issues. He has handled insurance coverage disputes pertaining to D&O insurance and fidelity bond claims.

Chuck also is a Rule 31 civil mediator and has served as an advocate in over 100 successful mediations. He has been AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and is admitted to practice in Tennessee and Georgia state and federal courts. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for Labor and Employment Law since 2010 and was selected in the 2020 Edition of Best Lawyers®  as Labor & Employment Litigation "Lawyer of the Year" for the Chattanooga, Tennessee market.

 


Mr. Norman Andrew Crain's Profile

Mr. Norman Andrew Crain Related Seminars and Products

Thomas Horstemeyer LLP


Andrew is the Managing Partner of Thomas Horstemeyer, LLP and leads the firm’s intellectual property litigation practice.

Andrew represents clients in litigations involving all types of intellectual property (IP) issues, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and unfair competition. Andrew’s practice involves both the assertion of clients’ IP rights against accused infringers and the defense of clients accused of infringing the IP rights of others. Over his 25-year-plus career, Andrew has appeared in federal district courts throughout the U.S. and has represented clients at the appellate court level, including the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Eleventh Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Andrew has also been appointed to serve as a Special Master in a patent infringement litigation in the Northern District of Georgia. Andrew’s special master appointment was for claim construction proceedings and summary judgment.  

Andrew is also a registered patent attorney at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. His patent prosecution experience includes a wide range of electrical, electromechanical, and mechanical technologies. Additionally, Andrew represents several clients with substantial trademark portfolios and manages the prosecution of clients’ trademarks both in the United States and abroad.

 


Ms. Amanda Kay Seals's Profile

Ms. Amanda Kay Seals Related Seminars and Products

Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP


Amanda Kay Seals represents plaintiffs and defendants in complex trial and appellate litigation. Though she has substantial business litigation experience, Amanda Kay currently devotes much of her practice to consumer and business tort cases at both the trial and appellate level, including fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and business and personal injury. She also has extensive experience in class action cases. 

In 2022, Amanda Kay was recognized by the Fulton County Daily Report as a Georgia Lawyer “On The Rise,” an annual listing of the most promising legal minds under 40. From 2019 to 2023, she has been named a Rising Star, an annual honor given to no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in Georgia under 40 who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Amanda Kay previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable Joel F. Dubina, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and Chief Judge W. Keith Watkins, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.

She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law and was recognized with the institution’s inaugural Young Alumni of Excellence Award in 2017. Amanda Kay holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from South Carolina Honors College at the University of South Carolina.

Outside of the office, Amanda Kay serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Georgia School of Law, where she teaches a course on sexual orientation and gender identity law. Amanda Kay is passionate about her volunteer involvement with Kate’s Club, a nonprofit organization that empowers children and young adults facing life after the death of a parent or sibling. She also serves on the National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of Chi Omega, the largest women’s fraternal organization in the world.


Ms. Alice Elizabeth Benton's Profile

Ms. Alice Elizabeth Benton Related Seminars and Products

Fulton County Superior Court


Alice Benton was admitted to the practice of law in the summer of 1994 after graduating cum laude from the University of Georgia School of Law. She received her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University. Prior to be appointed to the bench by Governor Brian P. Kemp in December 2023 and sworn in on January 10, 2024 as the newest Fulton County Superior Court Judge, Judge Benton practiced  family law from 2010 until 2024. Judge Benton is also a former Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office and former civil litigator.

 

In addition to litigating family law cases, Judge Benton served as a Guardian Ad Litem for both paying clients and pro bono through A.V.L.F. She has been recognized by her peers as an AV rated lawyer by Martindale Hubbell, as a Super Lawyer,  as a Top 10 Attorney (Nationally), and Top 10 Attorney in Georgia Family Law on numerous occasions.

 

Judge Benton started a two year term as President of the Weltner Family Inn of Court in May of this year and is involved in many volunteer, civic and bar organizations. Currently, Judge Benton volunteers in Atlanta though the National Charity League and volunteers through her church, the Cathedral of St. Philip. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Atlanta, Inc.

 

Judge Benton has called the City of Atlanta home since 1994 where she has reared her three children, Mary Eliza, Wells and Ella.


Ms. Kristin Reid Barnhart's Profile

Ms. Kristin Reid Barnhart Related Seminars and Products

Barnhart Family Law


Kristin (Kristy) Barnhart, one of Atlanta’s most prominent Family Law attorneys, practices exclusively in areas the of divorce and family law throughout the greater Atlanta area. Kristy’s well-established experience and expertise is rooted in successfully representing clients across areas of simple and complex actions for divorce, high-net worth divorce, asset division, child custody, child support, alimony, legitimation and paternity, modifications of prior orders, contempt, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. After spending the first 10+ years of her career at a premier boutique Atlanta family law firm, Kristy founded Barnhart Family Law in the Spring of 2023 to better serve clients throughout metro Atlanta. Kristy’s compassionate and personalized approach ensures that her clients are heard and valued throughout the process. Kristy is committed to developing a close working relationship with her clients and providing individualized, high-quality, and cost-efficient legal services. As a client, you will feel empowered to make informed decisions and enter the next chapter of life.

 

Kristy is trained as a Guardian ad Litem and has considerable experience litigating all elements of complex family law cases. From the initial consult, Kristy approaches cases with a goal of achieving the best outcome for her clients, whether through settlement or trial. Kristy listens to and strategizes with her clients to achieve their desired result. She prides herself on being responsive and providing each client with the personal attention they deserve.

 

Kristy’s clients rely on her compassion, skill, and respect in the legal community. She has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named a Georgia Super Lawyer in 2024 after having been recognized as a Rising Star in the area of family law from 2017-2023, an honor bestowed on the top 5% of attorneys throughout the State, and as a Legal Elite by Georgia Trend magazine.

 

In addition to her litigation practice, Kristy is actively involved in several local bar associations.  She has served as the Chair of the Women in the Profession section of the Atlanta Bar Association, where she is also a member of the Family Law and Solo/Small Firm sections. Kristy has served in various roles on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) for several years and currently serves on the Board for the GAWL Foundation, the charitable arm of the organization.

 

A native of the Washington, DC metro area, Kristy now lives in North Buckhead with her husband and two daughters. Kristy graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and obtained her Juris Doctor at Charleston School of Law.


Ms. Rachel Leigh Platt's Profile

Ms. Rachel Leigh Platt Related Seminars and Products

Platt Family Law


Rachel Platt is the founding attorney of Platt Family Law.  She is a highly respected attorney among her peers and clients. Since 2014, Ms. Platt has been selected as a Georgia Super Lawyers in the field of family law. Additionally, since 2018, Georgia Super Lawyers named her to the Top 100 Attorneys and to the Top 50 Women Attorneys for the State of Georgia. Previously, Ms. Platt was an honoree on the Georgia Rising Star list in the field of family law from 2010-2013, voted by her peers as one of the best young lawyers in the state. She has also been recognized as one of Georgia’s Legal Elite in the area of family law by Georgia Trend magazine. Ms. Platt also currently holds a “Superb” rating on avvo.com.

Ms. Platt graduated cum laude from the University of Georgia in 2000, and obtained her Juris Doctor at the University of Colorado, School of Law, in 2004. She became a member of the Georgia Bar in 2004.

Ms. Platt is an active member of the Cobb County Bar Associate and North Fulton Bar Association.  Ms. Platt has been practicing law for the last 20 years and is currently concentrates her legal practice in the areas of family law and special education law and frequently lectures on both topics.

Ms. Platt completed her mediation training 2016 and also regularly serves as a Guardian ad LItem.



Hon. Paige Reese Whitaker's Profile

Hon. Paige Reese Whitaker Related Seminars and Products

Judge, Fulton Superior Court


Judge Whitaker is a Fulton County Superior Court judge and a 32 year resident of Fulton County. She has served as a trial judge since 2017, winning election twice since that time.  She currently presides over felony criminal cases, civil suits, equity cases, and other matters.  She served as a Fulton Family Division judge from 2018 – 2020, handling divorce and family matters and presided over the Parental Accountability Court during that time.  Judge Whitaker is a graduate of Duke University School of Law and the College of Charleston. 

Judge Whitaker has practiced as a civil litigator, a prosecutor, and an appellate lawyer. As a Georgia Senior Assistant Attorney General, she practiced extensively in Georgia’s state and federal trial and appellate courts, winning national accolades for her work.  Immediately before being selected as a Superior Court judge, she served as the Deputy Fulton County DA leading the Appeals Division of the State’s largest and busiest district attorney’s office.

Judge Whitaker currently serves as Chair of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, Secretary/Treasurer-Elect of the Council of Superior Court Judges, and Treasurer of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta.  She holds an elected seat on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Georgia, is a Master with several Georgia Inns of Court, and serves as a board member or committee chair of numerous other bar organizations.  Judge Whitaker has also served as a Committee Chair on the Chief Justice’s Statewide COVID Task Force and on the Chief Justice’s Ad Hoc Committee of Criminal Justice Reform. Judge Whitaker has trained at the prestigious National Judicial College, is a certified neutral/mediator, and is a regular presenter at trainings for fellow judges and practicing lawyers. She was an adjunct law professor at Mercer Law School for several years, where she taught a third-year seminar on Advanced Persuasive Legal Writing.  Judge Whitaker is an alumna of the YWCA’s Georgia Women’s Policy Institute and the Leadership Academy of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers.  

Judge Whitaker has held leadership roles in several civic and charitable organizations as well, including chairing a committee advising Fulton’s Juvenile Court on foster care placements for the County’s youth and serving on the March of Dimes Atlanta Chapter’s Prematurity Prevention Committee. She is a sustainer with the Junior League of Atlanta, an ambassador for breast cancer survivors, and a parishioner at the Cathedral of Christ the King. 


Hon. Brian M. Rickman's Profile

Hon. Brian M. Rickman Related Seminars and Products

Georgia Court of Appeals


2015 – Present

Chief Judge Brian M. Rickman was appointed to the Georgia Court of Appeals in November 2015 by Governor Nathan Deal and took office on January 1, 2016.

Born in Madison County, Georgia, Judge Rickman was a jailer working in the Rabun County Detention Center before entering Piedmont College where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in 1998. He earned his Juris Doctor from The University of Georgia School of Law in 2001. While in law school he was a member of the Mock Trial Board and was involved in the Prosecutorial Clinic. Judge Rickman was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia on October 29th, 2001. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for the Alcovy Judicial Circuit and then the Mountain Judicial Circuit. In 2004 he left the District Attorney’s Office to become a partner in a small town law firm in Rabun County, Georgia. He was a partner at Stockton & Rickman. At Stockton & Rickman, in addition to taking on whatever clients came through the door, including several pro bono cases, he was involved in civil litigation and was defense counsel in several cases including murder cases. In 2008, Judge Rickman was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to be the District Attorney for the Mountain Judicial Circuit and this was the position Judge Rickman held prior to taking office at The Georgia Court of Appeals.

In 2004, Judge Rickman became an adjunct professor at Piedmont College. He has taught several courses, including, American Government, Criminal Law and Procedure, and Courts and Society. He is a member of the Piedmont College Board of Trustees.

Judge Rickman was involved in several Professional Organizations as District Attorney. He was a member of the Georgia Board of Public Safety. The Georgia Board of Public Safety has statutory oversight over the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Department of Public Safety, and the Georgia Public Training Center. He was elected to be Secretary of the Georgia Board of Public Safety. Judge Rickman also served on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council as the Board of Public Safety representative. Judge Rickman was elected by colleagues to serve on The Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia. The Prosecuting Attorney’s Council has statutory oversight over the State budget and training of Georgia’s District Attorney’s Offices. He served as chairman of the Personnel Committee.

In 2008, Judge Rickman was a recipient of the Piedmont College Alumni Association’s Pacesetter Award. In 2013 he was named by the Fulton Daily Report as a “40 under 40 On the Rise,” selection.

Judge Rickman’s most important role is as husband to his wife, Maggie, and father to his two young children.


Mr. Robert C. Port's Profile

Mr. Robert C. Port Related Seminars and Products

Gaslowitz Frankel LLC


Robert C. Port is a partner with Gaslowitz Frankel LLC, Atlanta, Georgia. The firm focuses on fiduciary litigation arising from disputes related to trusts, wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, partnerships, closely held corporations, and securities and investment fraud. 

 

Robert is a member of the Georgia and Tennessee Bars. He is admitted in the Northern, Middle, and Southern Federal Districts of Georgia, the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Eleventh and Third Circuits, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of the Georgia Bar, the Atlanta Bar Association, and the American Bar Association (ABA).

 

Robert is the Editor of “Georgia Business Litigation,” a one-volume, comprehensive guide to many of the issues business litigators often encounter, including officer, director, shareholder, partnership and LLC disputes; securities litigation; non-compete and trade secret issues; RICO; intellectual property issues; business torts; insurance liability; fraudulent transfers; employment litigation; bankruptcy, and the ever-increasing use of arbitration.  https://www.lawcatalog.com/georgia-business-litigation.html

 

Robert has litigated cases in federal and state courts in Georgia and throughout the country, as well as arbitrated before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the American Arbitration Association (AAA). He also serves as a FINRA chair-qualified arbitrator, an arbitrator for both the Consumer and Commercial Panels of the AAA, and serves as an arbitrator for the Georgia State Bar’s Fee Arbitration Program.

 

Robert is a frequent speaker on estate and trust litigation, securities litigation, and securities arbitration before a variety of audiences, including the Georgia Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), the Atlanta Bar Association, The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the Georgia Society of CPAs, the National Business Institute (NBI), and the Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA). He has also published numerous articles on fiduciary litigation, securities law, and other legal topics in the Georgia Bar Journal and other publications.

 

Robert attended the University of North Carolina, where he obtained a B.A., with Honors, in 1979, and a J.D., with Honors, in 1983. Following law school, he was a Law Clerk for Hon. Eugene N. Gordon, Senior United States District Court Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina.

 


Mr. Michael J. Gorby, Founder / Partner's Profile

Mr. Michael J. Gorby, Founder / Partner Related Seminars and Products

Founder / Partner

Gorby Peters & Associates LLC


Mike Gorby has tried hundreds of cases and handled thousands of matters for corporations and individuals across the United States throughout his legal career. Mike’s practice focuses on Insurance Coverage Disputes, Commercial Litigation and Liability for Owners and Managers of Property. He is also a certified mediator.

Mike is a passionate teacher. He’s chaired the Premises Liability Seminar for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education of Georgia (now a Division of the Georgia State Bar) for over twenty years. He is a frequent speaker for state and national legal education programs, including the ICLE.

Mike is the author of Premises Liability in Georgia, which was originally published by Thomson-Reuters® in 1998 and which is updated annually. Mike is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law.

Mike is rated AV-Preeminent ® (the highest level of professional excellence) by the Lexis-Nexis Peer Review Ratings™ system and has been selected as a Super Lawyer® by the Thomson Reuters® peer review system.


Ms. Mary Donne Peters's Profile

Ms. Mary Donne Peters Related Seminars and Products

Founder/Partner

Gorby Peters & Associates LLC


Mary Donne Peters’ background includes extensive commercial and tort litigation experience across over thirty states. Mary Donne holds licenses to practice law in South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama and has received the peer-reviewed rating of AV-Preeminent® (the highest available) by Martindale-Hubbell and has been honored as a Georgia Super Lawyer®.

Mary Donne is the author of The Admissibility of Expert Testimony in Georgia, published by Thomson-Reuters, the world’s largest legal publishing company. Her book has been updated annually since 2005.

Beyond her legal expertise, Mary Donne is an active member of various civic and business organizations, including the Women President’s Organization, an international business organization open to second-stage companies that are owned and operated by women. Mary Donne also has a strong commitment to philanthropy, notably having served on the Boards of the Red Cross (Metropolitan Atlanta) and Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta.

A passionate educator, Mary Donne is also the co-founder of Land of Opportunity Training, LLC, an online, on demand training platform that helps businesses achieve growth through government contracting.


Mr. Michael Joseph Blakely Jr.'s Profile

Mr. Michael Joseph Blakely Jr. Related Seminars and Products

The Blakely Firm LLC


M.J. Blakely, Jr. is a Georgia native. He attended Oxford College and Emory College of Emory University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in 2002. M.J. earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2006.

Immediately after law school, M.J. began pursuing his passion for helping individuals and their families address tragedy by developing a specialty in catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and civil rights litigation.  M.J. broadened his practice to include mass torts, class actions and other complex litigation, which has expanded his ability to obtain justice for those harmed by defective products and consumer fraud.  

M.J. has worked at the most preeminent law firms in the nation, where he gained invaluable experience as a litigator and trial lawyer.  He has had the pleasure of representing and providing legal counsel to large corporations and small businesses, as well as individuals and their families.  M.J. founded The Blakely Firm in 2023 with a mission to offer the highest quality legal support, more personalized service to his clients, and a commitment to improving and supporting our community.  

In addition to M.J.’s experience in mass torts, class action and other complex litigation, he and The Blakely Firm are also sought-after for trial expertise.  M.J. has tried numerous cases and secured several multi-million-dollar verdicts as part of some of the most prolific trial teams in the country. 

M.J. is a skilled negotiator who has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlement victories and corporate recovery for deserving clients.  When it comes to settling complex cases, The Blakely Firm prides itself not only on achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, but also on creating practical solutions.   

MJ currently serves on the Board of Directors for Leadership Georgia. He is a proud member of 100 Black Men of Atlanta and has served on the University of Georgia’s Law School Association Council, where he is a former President of the Council. In addition to helping plaintiffs seek justice, MJ enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs, coaching youth sports, running, cycling, and all things outdoors.


Ms. Joyce Gist Lewis's Profile

Ms. Joyce Gist Lewis Related Seminars and Products

Krevolin & Horst LLC


Joyce Gist Lewis- Co-Managing Partner

Joyce Gist Lewis is a skilled and tenacious advocate for private companies and governmental entities in and out of the courtroom. Joyce’s two decades of experience includes serving as lead counsel for claims involving professional liability, director and officer liability, business divorce, real estate litigation, employment discrimination defense, and catastrophic injury defense. Her appellate experience includes arguing cases before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and successfully petitioning for certiorari to Georgia’s Supreme Court. Joyce is also a top choice for government clients seeking counsel in sensitive intra-agency disputes and investigations. Her reputation as a principled trial advocate has resulted in Joyce being previously named to the “short-list” of nominees recommended by Georgia’s Judicial Nominating Commission for appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals and to the Atlanta Judicial Circuit.

Joyce received her BA, magna cum laude from Wake Forest University and her law degree from Georgia State University College of Law. She is Chambers-ranked in Litigation: General Commercial, holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, and has been consistently recognized by her peers in Super Lawyers, including its Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia and Top 50 Women Lawyers lists. Joyce has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in America (Commercial Litigation; Employment; Personal Injury Defense) and by Legal 500 Elite in the category of Commercial Disputes.

Joyce represents the Atlanta Circuit on the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors, where she serves on the Executive Committee, the Advisory Committee on Legislation, and the Statewide Judicial Evaluation Committee. Joyce is a past recipient of the State Bar of Georgia’s Thomas O. Marshall Professionalism Award and the Atlanta Bar Association’s Outstanding Woman in the Profession Award.

Joyce’s past leadership positions include serving as President of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta, President of the Board of the Federal Defender Program, Inc., and President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. She is a Master in GSU’s Bleckley Inn of Court, a Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and a Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America.


Mr. Jeffrey D. Horst's Profile

Mr. Jeffrey D. Horst Related Seminars and Products

Krevolin & Horst LLC


Mediocre skier; former adventure traveler (summitted Mt. Kilimanjaro); pretty good lawyer

Jeff has a national business litigation practice in federal and state court (and arbitration) for both plaintiffs and defendants, including appeals, corporate governance, contracts, noncompete/restrictive covenants, employment, intellectual property, officer/director/shareholder, professional liability, securities, and trade secrets. Jeff also advises lawyers and law firms on partner transitions and disputes and has served as a mediator, arbitrator, and expert witness.

Jeff has won multiple cases of first impression in corporate governance and trade secrets matters. He has tried cases in five states ranging in length from 1 day to 7 months and currently has matters pending in Delaware, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, and Georgia courts (and Germany). Jeff has handled a number of high-profile matters covered by the media, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Tampa Tribune, National Law Journal, Raleigh News & Observer, Gainesville Times, Fulton County Daily Report, Atlanta Business Chronicle, and others. He was one of the trial defense lawyers in a five-month jury trial in Florida that The National Law Journal selected as a top 10 defense verdict. Although representing plaintiffs constitutes only 50% of his practice, Jeff has obtained millions of dollars in judgments and settlements over the last five years.

Jeff is a Fellow of the American Academy of Trial Counsel, an honor awarded to less than one-half of one percent of lawyers in the United States. He has been recognized by Chambers USA since 2008 as one of Atlanta’s top business litigators, described as a “successful trial lawyer with a bright mind and independent style.” Jeff has also been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America since 2014 for his excellence in commercial litigation, securities litigation, and arbitration. In addition, he has been consistently recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2004 (including its Top 100 Lawyers in Georgia list), Legal 500 Elite, and Georgia Trend magazine as one of the state’s most effective business litigators. In 2024, Jeff was named Board Member of the Year by the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and was also selected as a Distinguished Leader by Law.com and the Daily Report in the 2025 Southeastern Legal Awards.

Jeff was honored to be selected by U.S. Senators Ossoff and Warnock to serve on the Federal Nominations Advisory Commission to recommend federal judges and U.S. Attorneys.

 


Mr. Michael Brian Terry's Profile

Mr. Michael Brian Terry Related Seminars and Products

Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP


Mike Terry handles complex trial and appellate matters.  He was on the plaintiffs’ trial teams for the two largest verdicts in Georgia history.  He has been on the winning side on appeal for the largest verdict in Georgia ever reversed, and the largest verdict in Georgia ever affirmed on appeal.

Mike was recognized as the Lawyer of the Year for Georgia (2021) by American Lawyer Media and by the Fulton County Daily Report. Mike has been ranked by Chambers USA for General Commercial Litigation since 2008.

Mike has been recognized as a Georgia “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers five times, in three subject matter areas (Appellate Litigation, Antitrust Litigation, and Banking Litigation). Mike was a Top 10 Georgia “Super Lawyer” in 2022, and has been in the Top 100 Georgia Super Lawyers for the last 15 years.


Lodging

Booking Website:
https://book.passkey.com/e/51080651

Cutoff Date for Group Rate Reservations: (if applicable) 1/2/2026

Check-in time: 4 p.m.

Check-out time: 11 a.m.

Applicable state and local taxes are currently 14.9%. Resort fee is $25 per day parking is $25. Thirty (30) days prior to arrival, a non-refundable deposit equal to room and tax for all nights will be charged. If you have any issues reserving your room, please contact the In-house Reservations Department at (970) 790-2000.

All reservations must be accompanied by a major credit card. Hotel will not hold any reservations unless secured. No initial deposit is required at the time of reservation. 30 days prior to arrival, guests will be charged 100% of their stay, and it will be non-refundable at that time.

EARLY DEPARTURE FEES: In the event a GUEST who has requested a room within the STATE BAR OF GEORGIA block checks out prior to the GUEST'S reserved checkout date, the HOTEL will add an early departure fee in the amount equal to the entire cost of the room and tax to that GUEST'S individual account. GUESTS wishing to avoid an early departure fee should advise the HOTEL 30 days prior to the arrival date The HOTEL will inform the GROUP'S GUESTS of this potential charge on the GROUP reservations page and again upon check-in, and requests that the GROUP also inform GUESTS of this obligation.

Epic Pass

To learn more about what the 'Epic Pass' offers for access to activities around the area, check out the link below:

Important Things to Know

  • ICLE will automatically report your CLE credits to the Continuing Legal Education Regulation Department of the State Bar of Georgia. Allow up to two weeks for the credits to appear on your transcript ("Georgia Commission on Continuing Lawyer Competency CLE Status Report").
  • If you have any questions, or if you seek assistance in obtaining credit for ICLE programs from entities or jurisdictions other than the State Bar of Georgia, call us at (678) 529-6688 or email ICLE@gabar.org.
  • If you need assistance with reporting credits for non-ICLE programs, contact the Continuing Legal Education Regulation Department of the State Bar of Georgia at 404-527-8710 or CLE@gabar.org.
  • If you would like a certificate of attendance (and you were not a chair or speaker), please access your account (https://icle.gabar.org/Account/MyAccount), click the yellow Certificate tab, then click "Access Your Certificate."
  • Chairs and speakers who need assistance with certificates of attendance or with securing credit, call (678) 529-6688 or email ICLE@gabar.org.
  • Within the next two weeks of attending a live or livestream program, ICLE will notify you by email when the "archive" of the video recording of the program is available. Enjoy re-watching any or all of the program. (ICLE is able to provide an archive for most, but not all of its programs.)
  • Visit your account, where you can access course materials (e-book and electronic hand-outs), which may have been updated during and after the program. You may need to refresh your browser to access recently posted items.
  • If you ARE A MEMBER OF THE STATE BAR OF GEORGIA and have difficulty entering your login/password information, contact the Membership Department at 404-527-8777 or Membership@gabar.org.
  • If you ARE NOT A MEMBER OF THE STATE BAR OF GEORGIA and have difficulty entering your login/password information, contact the ICLE Department at 678-529-6688 or ICLE@gabar.org.
  • The State Bar of Georgia’s Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) strives to promote well-organized, balanced programs to help legal professionals stay current on law, ethics and professionalism. We collaborate with program chairs and speakers to ensure nonpartisan content that aims to improve legal services and the justice system. While ICLE fosters respectful and inclusive discussions, views expressed may not reflect those of the State Bar, its officers or staff.
  • Click this link to visit our full catalog for more continuing legal education, including upcoming live events, livestreams and on demand programs. https://icle.gabar.org

Code of Conduct - 2026

State Bar of Georgia
Code of Conduct for Bar Events


Thank you for participating in a State Bar of Georgia-sponsored event. To ensure that everyone enjoys their experience, we kindly request your cooperation in adhering to the following code of conduct:

  • Please be considerate and respectful of fellow attendees, guests, and staff members.
  • Please refrain from disruptive behavior or engaging in any activity that may disturb others.
  • Attendees and guests who engage in harassing or disruptive behavior will be immediately ejected from the program or event without refund or reimbursement.
  • Attendees and guests are encouraged to promptly report any incidents, concerns, or instances of inappropriate behavior to State Bar or venue personnel.
  • Attendees and guests shall comply with requests from Bar or venue staff regarding operational and emergency procedures.
  • Guests who consume alcoholic beverages shall do so in a responsible manner.
  • Intervention with an impaired, intoxicated, or underage guest will be handled promptly and safely. The State Bar of Georgia reserves the right to deny entry into an event and/or refuse service to guests displaying visible signs of impairment/intoxication.

State Bar of Georgia staff members are trained to intervene where necessary to help ensure the above expectations are met, and guests are encouraged to report inappropriate behavior to the nearest staff member.

Attendees and guests who choose not to adhere to these provisions will be subject to ejection without a refund. If you feel that our staff does not address any issues to your satisfaction, please ask to speak with the Executive Director or General Counsel immediately.

Approved by the Executive Committee on October 3, 2024.

Know Before You Go...

PREPARING TO ATTEND

  • If you have an impairment or require any assistance, please email icle@gabar.org.
  • Children are not permitted to attend ICLE programs. Please arrange for childcare prior to arrival.
  • Although a power charging station will be available, please arrive with all electronic devices fully charged.
  • State Bar of Georgia members only need to check in once at the registration table; there is no need to sign out, nor to sign in on subsequent days.
  • ICLE NO LONGER PROVIDES BOOKS FOR CLE PROGRAMS. PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE E-BOOK AND HANDOUTS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL IF YOU WILL NEED WRITTEN REFERENCE MATERIALS.
    • If you ARE A MEMBER OF THE STATE BAR OF GEORGIA and have difficulty entering your login/password information, please contact the Membership Department at 404-527-8777 or Membership@gabar.org.
    • If you are NOT A MEMBER OF THE STATE BAR OF GEORGIA and have difficulty entering your login/password information, please contact the ICLE Department at 678-529-6688 or ICLE@gabar.org.
    • Once logged in, please select “Go to ICLE Classes/Seminars.”
  • Please be advised, updated speaker materials may not be available until the day of the program. Please be sure to check the HANDOUTS tab of your account for updates.

DURING THE PROGRAM

  • The program will take place at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa 126 Riverfront Lane, Avon, Vail Valley, CO in the Riverside Salon II, III and IV.
  • Breakfast and Registration begin daily at 7 a.m. (MST). If you have a dietary restriction, please email icle@gabar.org to notify our office. If you requested a special meal, please see the ICLE staff at the registration table.
  • Early Registration will be available on Sunday, February 1st from 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM in the Riverside Foyer.
  • State Bar of Georgia members only need to check in once at the registration table; there is no need to sign out, nor to sign in on subsequent days.
  • An evening reception will be held on Monday, February 2nd in the Riverside Foyer from 6-7 p.m. (MST).
  • Tuesday, February 3rd at 6:30 p.m., please join Carol Clark Law for an evening dinner. The dinner party will take place on the 1st floor of the Westin Riverfront in room #151AB.
  • Wifi Network: Westin Wifi (No password required)
  • The nightly parking fee has been reduced to $25.
  • The nightly resort fee has been reduced to $25.
  • Discount on selected spa services.

AFTER THE PROGRAM

  • Please complete a program evaluation: your input will help us improve. Program evaluations are in your bar account. Look for the yellow “Certificate” tab, near the blue “Handouts” tab. For certain programs, evaluations are not available until the program’s conclusion.
  • Upon completion of the program, ICLE will automatically report your CLE credits to the Continuing Legal Education Regulation Department of the State Bar of Georgia. Allow up to two weeks for the credits to appear on your transcript ("Georgia Commission on Continuing Lawyer Competency CLE Status Report").
  • Within the next two weeks, ICLE will notify you by email when the "archive" of the video program recording is available. Enjoy re-watching any or all of the program.

Location

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley

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126 Riverfront Lane, Avon, Colorado 81620, United States
(970) 790-6000
www.marriott.com

Important Information

Please be advised that your credit will not be reported to the State Bar of Georgia CLE Regulation Department until after you have completed the steps necessary to earn credit for that program. 

Self reporting is required for all other jurisdictions.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes. The opinions expressed by the faculty in their materials and presentations are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the State Bar of Georgia, its officers, directors and/or employees. The faculty is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional advice and these presentations and publications are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. All publications and presentations were created to serve the continuing legal education needs of practicing attorneys.

Clicking the Add to Cart button signals acceptance of ICLE’s registration guidelines.

You can find FAQs here.