ml State Bar E!I of Georgia

Professional Liability Insurance Committee

AGENDA

July 17, 2020

Zoom meeting

I. Welcome & Introductions (Twyman)

(Twyman)

JI I. Discussion Items (Frederick)

a. Judge Edwards' email and survey results

b. PL! options

c. Voting and Recommendations Options

d. Future meeting dates

i. August 18 or 19 via Zoom for vote

LY~. A<ii.ill!!'!l

Page Nos .

2-3

4-12

13-20

2020-2021

Professional Liability Insurance

This special committee will study and make recommendations to the Executive Committee and Board of

Governors on issues concerning lawyers' professional liability insurance.

Chairperson

Christopher Paul Twyman, Rome 2021

Member

Sarah Brown Akins, Savannah 2021

Kimberly Cofer Butler, Savannah 2021

Gregg Jarvis Conley, Atlanta 2021

Stephanie Kirijan Cooper, Birmingham 2021

J. Hamilton Garner, Moultrie 2021

Brandon Cory Goldberg, College Park 2021

Warren Raymond Hinds, Roswell 2021

Kenneth Bryant Hodges, Ill, Atlanta 2021

Linley Jones, Atlanta 2021

Herman Maddox Kilgore, Marietta 2021

David Neal Lefkowitz, Athens 2021

Daniel James O'Connor, Vidalia 2021

Dennis C. Sanders, Thomson 2021

Toronda Michelle Silas, Atlanta 2021

R. Gary Spencer, Atlanta 2021

Shannon McKenzie Sprinkle, Atlanta 2021

Meredith Wilson Sutton, Marietta 2021

Executive Committee Liaison

David S. Lipscomb, Lawrenceville 2021

Staff Liaison

Paula J. Frederick, Atlanta 2021

- 1 -

Professional Liability Insurance Committee Meeting of January 10, 2020

Atlanta, Georgia

MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 2:05 p.m.

Attendance:

Committee m mber : Christopher P. Twyman, Sarah Akins, Christy Childers (phone), Gregg

Conley, .I. Hamilton Garner (phone), Brandon Goldberg, Warren Hinds, Kenneth B. Hodges, lll,

Linley Jones, Herman Kilgore, David Lefkowitz (phone), Daniel J. O'Connor, Dennis Sanders,

Toronda Silas (phone), R. Gary Spencer, Shannon Sprinkle, and Meredith W. Sutton.

E ·e utive Comm. Liaison: David S. Lipscomb

~J£ff: Jeff Davis, Paula .I. Frederick, Jenny K. Mittelman, William NeSmith. Andreca Morrison,

and Katbya S . .Jackson.

Guest: Justice Robert Benham.

Approval of Meeting Minutes:

The Committee approved the Minutes from the December 4, 2019 meeting.

Informational Item:

Report from Gregg Conley, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's Office Gregg Conley reported that if professional liability insurance is mandated:

• Attorneys that currently have insurance will not see a significant change in their premiums. • Attorneys who have been practicing law for a long Lime and never had insurance, will

probably have a higher premium. • Attorney who takes a risk assessment course, that is approved by the insurance company,

will see a reduction in their premium. • There are insurance products available for small firms and solo practitioners that are

discounted, provided certain conditions are met.

PLI January 10, 2020 Minutes

- 2-

Discussion Items:

The Committee reviewed the changes to all 4 options. The changes remove language that requires lawyers to give policy information or to maintain proof of insurance and added new provision requiring the lawyer to produce the information if the Bar requests it. The exceptions were added to all 4 options.

The Committee discussed adding two other options: • None o I' the above • Information gathering

After discussion the Committee did not vote to add either option.

The Committee discussed holding a town hall meeting in Macon in March 2020.

Possible meeting dates for February, April and May will be circulated via email.

The meeting adjourned at 3: 10 pm.

PLI January 10, 2020 Minutes

-3-

From: Chris Edwards <JudgeChrisEdwards@hotmail.com>

Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:59 PM

To: DLS@Suttan-Law-Group.com; Dawn M. Jones; 'elfite@gmail.com'; Sally Akins;

will@nsfamilylawfirm.com; bert.humrnel@lewisbrisbois.com; rin.aocnnor@gmail.com;

hodgesk@gaappeals.us; chris.twyman@cbtjlaw.com; kharris@epra- law.com;

.. ~bfJ.?..1Y_@f.!!.ilQ_~rsmcca in .. co1n; f:)Con ley@oci.ga.gov; skcooper@southe mco ,~_Q_.QJ;

jt1g_(ir__O£.L@yY-~g<.J@_~ co rri; warren hi ndsla w@grn a i I .corn; Un le y_@Jjr)J~yj9r:_ig_~,\.Q.Q1;

kilgore .law@comcast.net; @!@lefkowitzfi rrn.com; cl jo @bryantocon 11Ql~.Qff1.; Q~9. fJQ ~C~~.f@\Q .. ff1C~!..:Df!; tsilas@sgrlaw.com; garv@rgaryspencer.com; ssprinkle@csl I.law; meredithwsutton@gmaij.com;

david@lipscornblaw.com; Paula Frederick

Cc: Kaye - Office; Taylor Wood; Chris Edwards

Subject: Professional Liability Insurance Survey

Friends:

I conducted an anonymous survey through SurveyMonkey with Bar members in the Griffin ,Judicial Circuit to get feedback on how I should vote on the issue of Professional Liability Insurance (PLI). The attorneys being surveyed were provided with the Bar's own summary of the four options before taking the survey. Your summary was objective, not pushing any outcome, as I read it.

The results are a combination of the anonymous survey responses and a fe,-v email responses from those eschewing the Survey Monkey response format . Those emailed responses included recitation of oft heard arguments. For example, some members of the Criffin Judicial Circuit Bar suggested I do nothing, hovvever, I understand that doing nothing is not one of the options posed by the Bar.

Option 1: 27% Option 2: 9% Option 3: 18% Option 4: 40.9%

It seems the PU discussion has slowed, with no majority emerging, in part because we have four options presented. As one acquainted with building consensus vvithin institutions, sometimes a principled fresh decisional framework and method can move the discussion forward. I suggest you consider suggesting that other Board members try th is survey method and survey their constituencies, perhaps with the advance disclosure, like mine, that a directly representative vote of the majority or plurality SlH\·ey response may be expected. Of course, that is up to each Board member. I'm sending you exactly what I sent out to my constituents for your consideration, but they vvould do vvell to make theirs shorter. If they lack an email list vvithin their circuit, their chief judge can usually provide the email list, or maybe the Bar can advise on filtering to create circuit by circuit email lists to Board members.

Chief Judge Christopher C. Edwards Cell: 770-823-6115 Office: 770-716-4275

- 4 -

Gmail - Yo,H survey votG . ple <ise!

Grnail Taylor Wood <gjc.taylorwood@grnail.com:>

Your survey vote, please!

Taylor Wood <gjc.taylorwood@gmail.com> Fri, May 8. 2020 at 3:56 PM To: DJOYNER@cdavidjoynerpc.com. pshewmaker@shewmaker1aw.com. Adam Nagel <anagel@pnlawgroup.com>, Adam St1oemaker <associace@kreuzigerlaw.coin>. Alan Connell <aconnell@connellandwheeler.com>. Alex Dolhancyk dolhancyklaw@yahoo.com:>. Alexandre Kachm <Alexandre@llptc.com> . Allsha Thompson

<Juvenileprosecutor@gmail.com>. Allen Adams <aadams@gapublicdefender.org> . Allen McDuffie <inlo@rothlriwyer.com>, All ie Edwards <aarmistead@unitedbank.net>, Alonzo Bentley <ajbjr@windstream.net>, Alvah Pasley <apasley@spnlaw.com>, Amil Johnson <amil@rsjohnsonlegal.com>, Andrew Valli <ahvalli@gmail.com>. Angela Hamilton <angelalham@yahoo.com>, Angela Landgaard <Angelalandgaard@slepianfirm.com>_ Anissa Pallon <anissa.parton@lultoncountyga.gov>, Anita Clark <anitaj2004@gmail.com>. Anita Price <aprice@anilrapriceesqlaw.com:>. Anne Myers <annemyers21@aol.corn::-, Annette Strong <anneHestrong@hotmail.com>. Arthur Moss <c rthurmossv@aol.com>. Ashton Fall in <afallin@pacga.org> "B. Murphy o:· <lynn@bdrnurphy.com::- . Ben Coker <bnjmncoker@gmail.cum>. "Ben Miiier, Jr" <benmillerjr@yaMo.com>. Beri Musgrove <ben@themusgrovefirm.com>. Ben Smrtn kaben@windstream.net> . Benjamin Terry <bh.@bhtlaw.com>. Bill Dallas <wdallas@beckowen.com>, Bill Johnson <;nslaw@bellsouth.net>. Bill Johnston <w)ohnston@johnstonowen.net::... Billy Maddox <bi lly_maddox@bellsouth.net> . Bob Ruppen(hi'll <bobruppenthal@msn.com>. Brandon Cline <brandonclinelaw@yahoo.com>. Brandon Taylor <blaytor@webb­lirm.com>. Bree Lowry <:ealdwellandlowrylaw@gmail.com>. Brennan McDowell <btmacdcwell@yahoo.com>, Brent Hutcllison <brenthutchison@live.com>. Bridge Ile Palmer <bridgette@fayettelawgroup.com>, Caldwell & Irwin <Caldwellandlrvinlaw@gmail.com>, Camille Heath <cheath@bellsouth.net> Carma McCallie <mccallte_law@bellsoutll .net>, C<i therine Baity <catherine®abhemlaw.coni:>. Catherine Sanderson <cathsand@sandersonlaw.com> . Calherine Semler -ccs@wtldc law.net>. Ct1ao Nuce <cnuce@spn1aw.c0m>, ChClrles Ballard <lawyersa@bellsouth.net>, Charles Jones David -qones@becko ven.com>, Charlie O' eill <charlesboneill @art. net>, Charlorte Thacker <ccthackeratty@gma1l.com::- , Chiara LrncJley-Myers <n 21awr.:6@y;:ihoo.com>, Chris Brown <chris@bbtlawgroup.corn>. Chris Edwards

christopherct)::irlesadwards@gma1l.com>. Chris Harris csharris@tlarris-harrislaw. co m>, Chris Ramig <cramig@fayeilecounlyga.gov>, Christy Dunkelberger <cadunk@bellsouth.net>. Cl1risly Jindra < ~jindra@fayettecountyga.gov>. Chuck Sylvester <sylvesterlaw1@gmail.com>. Cindy Manning <cmanning@manninglegafgroup.com>, Claude Pacquin <cypaquin@yahoo.com:> . Clay Collins <clay@gocollinslaw.com>. Clin t Barbour <cl int@bbtlawgroup.com>. Colleen Golden <cgolden@fayettecountyga.gov> . Corlis Cummings .corliswrnmings@clayton.edu >, Cynthia Plunkett <harpplunk@aol.com:> . Daniel Gibbs <-Dan@danielg1bbs.com>. Daniel

H1, ti <dhiatl@fayettecountyga.gov>. David Bal lard <dballard@layettelawyer.com> . David Brisendine • re<l lestate@dgblawfinn.com> . David Dunaway <david@ddunawaylaw.com::- , David Dunham <dav1d.dunham@au.net::-. Oav1Cl Moor .::david@peachlreeltiwgroup.com . David Moulds <david@mouldslavv.com>, Dawn Lewis <mom2zepl1yr@yahoo.com>. Deann Wheeler <dwheeler@connellandwheeler.com> . Deborah Floyd <dmf_Ooydlawofc@bellsouth.net>, Deborah Temples <dlemple @wwUaw.com::-. Debra Dutton <dbduttonarty@gmail.com::>, Dennis Davenport <dadaven@bellsouth.net>, Derrick Johnson <dljlaw@bellsouth.net>. Dexter Wimbish <dexterwfmbish@bellsouth.net>, Dick Collier <rcollierlaw@bellsouth.net>, Dinah Rainey <dinah@draineylaw.com> , Doc Upshaw <doc@saichezhayeslaw.com>, Don Germano <dgermano@bellsouth.net>, Don Hawbaker <don@hawbakerlaw.com , Don Johnson <dwj1johns0n@gmail.com>, Don Snow <donsnow30286@yahoo.com>, Donald Comer <dmc@doncomerlaw.c0m>, Donald Horace <donaldhorace@hotm;iil.com>. Donna Gopaul <dgopaul@pacga.org>. Doug Wamer <warner@warnerlawfirm.ne!>. Douglas Tingle <dtingle@1888mills.com>. "Douglas Wilde A." ' daw@wr ldelaw.net>. Drew Whalen.:ajwnalen3@whalenlaw.ne1> _ Dwayne Singleton <ab@dwaynesingleton.corn>. Echols Law <echolslaw@ecl1olsfirm.com> Ed Bullard <edward@buliardlaw.net>. Elizabeth Ray <elynnray@aol.com>. Emily Franke <ern1ly franke@ormelawfirm.com> . Eric Hearn <oldmaster30204@hotmaiLcom>. Enc Maxwell <eric@erickmaxwell.com>, Erin Chustz <thechuslzlawfirm@attnet>. Ernest Tate <bernardtale@msn.com>, Eugene Dabbs <ewdabbsiv74@grnail.com>. Felisa Harris <fh::irris@theharrislawgroup.com>, Fernanda Hottle <fern<inda@hot11elaw. om>. "Forrest Watson A." <Forrest@forres twatson.com . Frank Harper <harperlawfirm@yahoo.com>, Gary Chapman <1hudphantom@yahoo.com>. Gary Lawson <gary@ggfpc.coni:> . Gary Stiner <gs!iner@ofdenburglaw.com>. Gera ld Dodson Alan q dodson@alandodsonlaw.com>. Ginny Duhan <glndu@comcast.ne t>. Glen Burn <gpb0yer57@yahoo.com>, Glen Jnrrell Michael <9Jarrell@gma1Lcorn>. Greg Rogers <grogers@rhkpc.com>. "Griffin Howell E.'' <newhow@bellsoulh.nel>. Harriett AbuBakr <abubakrh@bellsouth.net>. Harry Chartes <hcllarles@gap blicdefender.org> . Hearh En glish <hea1J1@engl1shlawgroupllc.com>. Heather Dognazzi <healher@lawsonandbeck.com> . Heather Karrh <hkarrh@rhkpc.corn>, Heather Loridas <hloridas@oldenburglaw.com>. Heather Ryfa <Heather@llptc.com>. Holly Peace <l1pea ce@rnanninyteyalgroup.com>, lvars Lacis <lacislaw@comcast.net:>. "J. Fowler David" <fowtcr5434@bellsouth.net>, "J_ Kalamaro Daniel" <dkalamaro@gmail.com>, "J_ Kim" <jklm@pacga.org>, "J. Up on Michael" <mikeuplon1025@comcast.ne1"' . Jack Overman <jack@overmMllc.com>, Jacquelyn Ftirnber <j_famber@yahoo.com>, James Baker <jimbaker.ally@comcast.net> . James Biles <jimbiles@bellsouth.net>. James Clifton <James.clif1on@cliftonlawfirm.com> . James Dallon <lawdallon@aol.com>. James Dutton <james:@jamesrdutton.com>. J<w:es Hollin <hollinjr@hotmail.com>. James Stanley <jnsmiami@aol.com::- . James Webb <JWebb@webb-firrn.com>, Jamie

-5-r.t!ps: •, nia il .google com1nia il1 t.. iO'.>ik=ef95!lc09ef&v.ew=pl&search=all&pcrrnnis9id=msg-a%3Ar363412301628:i263863 &s11i~p! " lllSg-a%3;\r:?-63,11230 1 1/4

fi '3!2020 Grnail - Yo1;1 swvey vote. please!

lnagawa <jinagawa@fayettecountyga.gov>. Janice Wallace <Jwallace@beckowen.com>. Janis Jones <_icjones_attorney@yahoo.com>, Jason Cramer <jason@cramerpeavy.com>. Jason Schultz <jason@jasonschultzpc.com>. Jciy Cl1C1ndler <cf1andlertr@yahoo.com>, Jeffery Moulds <jeffery@mouldslawyers.com>, Jeffrey Ellington <jefl_ell@yahoo.com>. Jeffrey Reeves <jeffreyalanreeves@gmall.com>. Jessica Asbill <jasblll@cordelllaw.com>. Jessica O'Connor Whatley <joconnor@cityofgriffin.com>. Jim Bischoff <bischoff.jim 1@gmail.com>. Jim Fortune <jforlune@beckowen_com>, Jim Hendrix <hendrix7560@bellsouth.net>, Jim Peavy <jpeavy@cramerpeavy.com>, Jim Westbury <jrw@westburylaw.net>, Jim Whitlock <ATI JLW@aol.com>. Jody Sellers <jsellers@thesellerslawfirm.com>. "John Joiner P.'' <attyjOiner@joinerlawfirm.com>, John Kimbell <jkimbell@eklawllc.corn>, John McGinn <jcmcginnO 1@bellsouth.net>, John Merrels <john.merrels@grnail.com>, John Mrosek <john@mroseklaw.com>, John Ne1Nton <Jin 127@bellsouth.net>. John Stanley <rowrowjls@comcast.net> , John Tri<::e Edward <etrice@mallorytrice.com>. John Wright <jpwright8@gmail.com>, Jonathan Wade <jwade@wadelawga.com> , Jordan Jewkes <Jordan@jewkesfirrn.com>, Jorge Carabajal <jcusaf18@bellsouth.net>, Joseph De Pew <joedepew@hotmail.com , Joseph Myers <J111yers@fayettecountyga.gov>. Joyce Bussey <jbussey@gapublicdelender.org>.Judge Brown-Valencia Kathy <kvalencia@fayeltecounlyga.gov>, Judge Edwards <judgechrisedwards@holmail.com>, Judge Ingram Marcia Calloway <magjudge_pikeco@bellsout11.net>. Judge Jackson Ann <annj@fa~1ellecounlyga.gov". Judge Murray Charles <chnrles.murray@ssa.gov>, Judge Sams <flelcher@fayettecountyga.gov>, Judge Thompson Jason <jthompso @·ayellecountyga.gov> . Judge White James <jawhb@beflsouth.net>, Judy Chidester <jchidester41aw@aol.com>, Judy Hor man <lawoffice100@att.net>, J\Jslin Grubbs <grubbslawfirm@yahoo.com>. Justin Guido Michael <jgu1do02@yrnail.com>, Justin Thrailkill <justin@bbtlawgroup.conv, "Karen Fite-Matthews E." <travelattorney@yahoo.com> , Karen Gainey <karen@kgaineylaw.com>, Karl Broder <kbroder@beckowen.com>, Kathy Harringlon <kathy@patentax.com>. Kriye - Office <kmrozinski@fayettecountyga.gov>. Kevin Hun Ray <hunlawfirm@gmail.com>. Kevin Parker <kevinparkeresq@gmail.com>. Kimberley Clark <k.clark@swtwlaw.com>, Kimberly Gross <kimgross@bellsoulh.net>. Kyle King <kyle@l1rnklawoffice.corn>, Lance McMillian <lpm@numail.or-g>. Lance Owen <lowen@johnstonowen.net>. Larkin Lee <larkinlee67@hotmail.com>, Larry Evans Keith <lkevans@bellsouth.net>, Laurel Johnson <laureljhnsnesq@yahoo.com>, Lauren Sprayberry <laurenkingsprayberry@gmail.com>, Lee Mason <lmason@camga.com>, Leonard Presberg <lenliz@bellsouth.net>, Lesley Dinoff <LESLEYDINOFF@gmail.com>, Leslie Wade <lesliewwade@aol.com>, Ligi George <lig1yc@gmail .com>, Linda Wells <linda@lindawellslegal.com>, Lisa lnagawa <lisa@isonlriagawa.com>, Lisa Loftin <l1salof11n@bellsouth.net=-. Lisa Richardson <lricha8504@aol.com>. Lloyd Walker <::killk.ubota@i'lol. com>. Lorraine Hayes <! orraine@theconsensusgroup.com> , Lou Thacker louistt1acker@yahoo.com;'. Lucinda Dallas <lucindrid;:illas@gma1l.com-> , Lura Landis <luralandis@bellsoulh.net>, Lynn Wendt <lynne@wwilaw.com>, Marcia Moran <rnmoran@peachtree-city.org>, Maria Santiago-Warren <angiedswarren@comcast.net>, Marian McDonald <toddmanan5@aol.com>. Marie Broder <rnbi·oder@pacga.org>, Mark Irvin <mirvin@pacga.org>, Mark Oldenburg <molde11b:irg@oldenburglaw corn=>, Mark Peek <rnpeek@unitedbank.nel>, Mark Ski bi el <mark@skibiellaw.com> . Mary Kirby Lynn <maryl~mn@taycttelawgroup.com>, Mart Harr; s <rnharris@gapublicdefender.org>. Matt Ramsey <mramsey@warnerlawfirm.nel>, Matthew Johnson <Joi1nsonma tr'@gmail.com>. Matthew Mallory mmallory@mal lorylrice.com> , Melanie Nrchols <mn1chOls@fayettecountyga.gov>, Melinda Whillock <whitlockmellnda@aol.com>, Melissa Orme <Melissa.Onne@ormelawfirm.com>. Mel issa Sanford <melissa@melissasanfordtaw.conr. Melvin White <at!ymelv1nwhite@aol .com>. Meredith McClure <mafoxlaw@gmall.com>. Michael Brennan <:Jrnict1aelbrennanpc@gmail.com> . Michael Burnett <mburnetl@msb-law.com> . Mictwel Dawson Ryan qn1chaelryandawson2@gmail.com>, Michael Newton <rntnewton@grnail .com>, Michele Lord <mlord@lawyer. 1:orn> . Michele Oqletree <ssopc@bellsouth.net>, Mike Hofnchler <rnhofrichter@rhkpc.com> . Mike Maxwell <maxwemike@gmail.com>, Mike McElroy <rnwrncelroy@aol.com>. Mike Rogers <michaelhrogers@gmail.com> . Mindy Hooper <mhooper@warnerlawfirrn.net>, Monica Hamlett <rnhamlett@gapublicdefender.org>. Morgan Kendrick <mkendrick@fayettecountyga.gov>. Muriel Montia <snap1801@msn.com>, Nail ah McFarlane <grant_law@bellsouth .net>, Natrille Temples <alfordnd@hotmail.com>, Newton Galloway <ngalloway@gallyn-law.com>, Nie G.reco <greco@lhegrecolawnrrn.com>. Nicholas Garcia <npgarciaO 1@bellsouth.nel>, Nick Granade <ngranade@cordelllaw.com>. Nick Kaigler <nka1gler@warnerlawfirm.net>. Pamela Patterson <pspatlerson.esq@gmail.com>, Paschal English <paschal@englishlawgroupllc.com>. Pat Fox <pjfoxatty@att.net>, Patricia Buttaro <buttaro@bellsouth.net>, Patrick S~1ept1 erd <patrick@shepherdslaw.com>. Patrkk Stougr1 <pstough81@grnail.com>. Paul Cognac <pmcognac@gmail .com>. Paul Donahue <vrna 311 donho@yahoo.com>, Paul L1sto11 <paulliston@aol.com>. Penny Ammons <pcornrnons@bellsouth.net>, Peter Weisz <prw@weiszlaw.com>.Phil Coe <pscoe@bellsouth.net> Phil Grant ·~ppgr;,ntlaw@gmail.com>. Phillip Brooks <phillipebrooks@bellsouth net">, Quinton King <2kingmonl@bellsou:h.net> R;:;ct1el o· Toole <rotoole@oldenburglaw.com>. f~andall F~oberts <randy799@aol.com>. Rebecca Kozyck1 <rebecca@kozyckilaw.com>. Rebekah Betsill <rebekahbetsill@gmail.com>, Regine Eugene-Bu1·ke <reg1ne.burke@ymail.corn> . Reid Turner <donna@reidturner.coni:>. Rhonda Kreuziger <rhondak@kreuzigerlaw.corn>, Richard Bishoff <rbishoff@bishofflaw.com>, Richard Hobbs <hobbslawoffice@yahoo.com>. Richard Lord <lawlord@live.com>. Rick Lindsey <Rick@llplc.corn>, Ricky Bradley <rlbradley@bellsouth.net>. Rob Morton <rob@mortonanorneys.com>, Robert Black <robe11_s_black@yahoo.com>, Robert Goldberg <rgoldberg@goldbergep.com>, r~obe11 Jaeckel <qjaeckel@earthlink net>. Robert Lester <rlester123@aol .com >. Robert Smith <rwsm ith@pacga org>. Ron ~)m1th <Ron@altorneyronsrn1lh.conc>, Ronald Barfield <ronaldb.=i1iield@cibhemlciw.con1 > Ror'.11iE~ M.:cib1a <ronn1e@mabraf1rlll .colll>, Roy Huff <hurflaw@msn.corri> . RudJard Hayes <Rudjard@sanchezhayeslaw.corn>. Ryan Johnson <ryan@cramerpeavy.com>. Salena Gordon <salena.gordon@gmail.com>. Sallianne Harclwick Prolhro <sallianneorothro@gmail.com>. Sam Beck <sam@lawsonandbeck.com>. Sam Murray <smurrayjr@beckowen.com>, Scott Ballard <sballard@fayettecountyga.gov>, Shane Smith <Shane@shanesmilhlaw.com>, Sharon Law <ls.law@att.net>, Shaion Pie1ce <juh1et@aol.com>, Shawn Elzie <shawn.elzie@grnail.com>, Sheila Huddleston

-6-tct tps mad.qoosle comnnail:uCl'c'ik"'ef95!:ic09ef&.v:ev.r.pt&search"ali&pormmsgid -=msg-<1':03Ar36341230162852G3863&sirnpl=rnsg-a%3Ar363412301 . .. 2;,

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6/8/2020 Gmail - Your survey vote. pleasel

<Sheilahuddleston@yahoo.com>, Sheila Rambeck <sheila@rambecklaw.com>, Skyler Taylor <skyter@taylor-legal.com>, Stacy Morris <rebecca.stacy@gmail.corn>, Stephanie Windham <swindhorn@beckowen.com>, Stephen Ott <sdolaw2001@yahoo.com>, Steve Kiser <stcphenmkiser@gmail.com>, Steven Jones Lewis <sjones@gallyn-law.com>, Susan Baudhuin <susan@jasonschultzpc.com>, Susan Bentley Smith <susan.s.bentley@lexisnexis.com>, Susan Brown <sbrown@smblawpc.com>. Susan Jones <susan.smithjones@lexisnexis.com>, Tammy Griner <lgriner ~grinerlaw@yahoo.com>, Tara Moulds <lara@mouldslawyers.com>, Terri Lynda II <tlyndall@gallyn-law.com>. Terry Long <Lerry.long0220@grnail.corn>, Thomas Guzzo <element01@charler.nel>, Tim Baynt1am <docs907@aol.com>, Tim Cramer <tim@cramerpeavy.com>, Tim Shepherd <tim@shepherdslaw.com>, Tina Richards Marie <tinarichards54@aol.com>, Todd Harding <kamikazehitman@comcast.net>, Tom Cook <tcook@tomcooklaw.com>, Tom Lacy <tlacy@llplc.com>, Tom Morgan <morganlawoffice@aol.com>, Tom Morton <tom@mortonattorneys.com>, Tom Tierney <tierneylawyer@yahoo.com>, Tommy Ison <ti23@mindspring.com>, Tracy Waldrop Trite <tracy@waldropandtrite.com>, Travis Johnson <tliamjohnson@gmail.com>, Trinh Nguyen <tnguyen1983@gmail.com>, Truitt Mallory <tmallory@mallorytrice.com>, Van Vandiver <vswv@comcast.net>, Vicky Farrell <victoria@fayettelawgroup.com>, Vilma Rodriguez <vrodriguez@gapublicdefender.org>, Virgil Brown <virgil@virgilbrownlaw.com>, Virginia Martin <vcsmartin@gmail.com>, Walker Chandler <walker@chandlerandchandlerlaw.com>. Warren Sellers <wsellers@fayettecountyga.gov>, Wayne Charles <wc115@bellsouth.net>, Wayne Howell <hwhowell@me.com>, Wilhelmenia DeVone-Harvey <wilhelmenia?@bellsouth.net>, William Cook <william.cook@cooperindustries.com>, Zachary Davis <zdavis@mallorytrice.com>

Griffin Judicial Circuit Counsel:

It has heen my honor to represent you on the State llar Board of Governors for just over one year. First, I offer a prngress report on my service to you. Second, I seek your anonymous advice by survey response on a major Boar<l vote on nrnndiltoiy professional liability insurance (PLI) covernge.

l ran not \,rrite to you without mentioni11g our situation . !~'"''Y•' ring requires social interacrinn , su this is probably thr most difficult time of your kg;il l'arPf'r \.Ve ;1re ;l\,·arc that manv lawyers have not taken in any new dicnts in the last couple months. We arc trusting and obeying our Supreme Court's evolving directions on moving toward resuming a new form of normalcy in providing dnc process. \"1/e have no foresight when that wiU occur.

As a cin:uit we are grateful for the addition of our two new Superior Com1judges, ,Judge Coker and Judge Miller. As your chief ju<lge in my twenty-second year as your Superior Court judge, I am delighted to see the bright future of our circuit taking form. No date is yet set for Judge Miller's investiture. Nonetheless, yesterday we sent you our calendar fur July through Dect•mber. My thanks to my former staff altorrH:') Kyle Timmons for writing all I he case assignment docnmcnlation and crcatinp, the case assignment distribution for the transition to five judges. many months ago, and to 111)' current staff attornc)· Taylor Wood for making needed re\'isions including the calendar you wen: sent yesterday.

Fl RST, THE L\.ST YEAR Since beginning service on the Hoard of Governors, 1 have proposed a major rewrite, including the official commentary you see as part of the revised rule, copy attached, of Uniform Superior Court Rule 3.3 regarding case transfer. J also serve on the Board of the General Practice and Trial Section of the State Bar, and that Board has also been supportive uf this revisiun. The revision has passed first reader in the Uniform Rules Committee, on which I also serve, of the Council of Superior Court .Judges. Tt is up for second reader vote in August. If passed, and then approved by the Supreme Court, it becomes law. This rcv'ision reconcile.<; the extant law ofjudi<:ial disqualification with the transfer rule. protecting you and your clients.

I hav~ published two articles in the last yellr, one in the l!11lton Daily Report regardini; attorney foe contral'ts and the ullier in the Georgia Courts .Journal regarding a Superior Court judge's election day duties. Please consider amending your fee contract as the attached article below suggests. You will efficiently but professionally innease your collection of attorney fees.

ln the p:1st year f have spoken at four legal conferences including three one-hour CLE presentations for members of the bar to attain credit for their professionalism hour: - Ccor~ia EMC Counsel Association Meeting, on Professionalism, ,June 2019:

- National Association of Court .'v1aoagers (NACY!) Annual Meeting, plenary session, introducing Dr. Will Simmons at his investiture as President of NACl\ll, .July :w19; - l·';1yr>tte lfar Association Annual CJ.Eon Prnfcssioanlism Odober 2019; and - Stale Bar uf C~orgia, General Practice and Trial Section Annual Seminar, on Professionalism, March 2020.

The Board of <~ovcrnors decided at the last meeting that Bar dues would not be increased because the State Bar received a grant I voted with the majority to terminate some lesser nones~entiaJ programs of the Bar to cut costs. It still appears the Bar will be seeking an indefinite dues increase next year due to operating c:osts. The B<ir notifies yo\I cll!'cclly of other clrnnges, so l won't redundantly recite those here. ·

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G/8/2020 Grrail - Your survey vote, please'

YOLIR GUIDANCE, PLEASE.

A~ I came on the Board of Governors, debate raged on whether Georgia lawyers in private practice shou1d be required to buy $100,000 of PLI eoverage. As a late-comer to this debate, the committee was formed and the options defined, without my participation. r have not yet spoken or cast any vote on the issue, because I want to hear from you first. Soon, the Huard of Governors will be voting amoni; four options.

I would like your opinion, to inform my vote. The proposed options are de-Scribed in the survey below, from the attached Ilar memo. There is only one question contained in the survey. Please complete the anonymous survey linked below regarding attorney insurance by May 31, 2020.

h ttps ://www.surveyrnonkey.com/r /3VXK9MZ

Of course, Twill publish the survey results. Thank you for your participation.

Chief Judge Christopher C. Edwards 770-716-4275

Taylor Wood Staff Attorney I Honorable Christopher C. Edwards Superior Court I Griffin .Judicial Circuit On e Center Drive, Fayetteville, GA 30~14 Email: qjc.taylorwood@gmail.com I Phone: (770) 716-4276

2 attachments

tj PUSummary_Options_Circult.pdf 220K

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~ Fulton Daily Report - Fee Contract Article.pdf 848K

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Attorney Liability Insurance

1. Below are the options being presented by the Professional Liability Insurance Committee of the State Bar of Georgia on the issue of mandatory insurance coverage for attorneys. Please select which option you

believe is the best.

Option 1 would require all lawyers in private

practice to disclose on their dues state111e11t

whether

they are covered by a malpractice insurance

policy. The info1·mation would be published in

the

member's listing in the online Membe1-

Directory. Lawyers in private p1·actice who fail

to disclose would

go out of good standing on Sept. 1 of the Bar

year, which is the same date that n1embers

who do not pay

their license fee s cease to be in good

standing. To return to good standing the

member would need to

make the disclosure to the Membership

Department of the Bar. Lawyers who do ha.ve O of 1 answerec.fld cove1·age wou

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not be required to provide information about

the insurance company, policy number or

policy limits.

Option 2 would include all of thE~ prnvisions

of Option 1, with an additional provision

encouraging lawyers who are not covered by a

PLI policy to take a free voluntary self­

assessment course provided by the Bar online

and designed to evaluate th e lawyer's

practice for the risk of malpract ice. The

assessment would be modeled on one used in

Colorado. Members could receive CLE credit

upon completion of the course. The results

would be confidential and members would

rece ive information about re so urces to help

reduce risk of a malpractice claim.

. . Option 3 would include all of the provisions

of option 1 and 2, with two changes: 1) the

self.-assessment course (Proactive

Management-Based Assistance) would be

mandatory for all lawyers who are not coverd

by a PLI policy, and 2) the information would

not be published on the website. If the lawyer

failed to make the disclosure or, if not

covered, to either complete the assessment

or to obtain coverage within one year of the

required disclosure date, he or she would go

out of good standing.

Option 4 is the proposal that requires

lawyers in private practice to be covered by a

Rldifpaii~y,-.eWel

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have amended the provision that required the

coverage to be non-eroding so that it would

only apply to

policies with minimal limits. This option would

require lawyers to obtain or be covered by a

PLI policy

and to report that fact to the Bar on the dues

statement. Members who do not corn ply

would go out of

standing as of Sept. 1 of the Bar year.

DONE

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0of1 answered

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6/9/2020

Shure Li ri k

Attorney Liability Insurance - Responses I SurvayMonkey

Attorney Liability Insurance

Q1 ,.-·, ··-:···

Below are the opt ions being presented by the Professional Liability Insurance Committee of the State Bar of Georgia on the issue of mandatory insurance coverage for attorneys. Pl ease select which op t io n you beliP- vP- is th e best. Acsw~r~d: 40 Skipped: O

Option 1 would require all ..

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ANSWER CHOICES

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Opf1on 1 would require all lawyers in private practice to disclose on their dues statement whetherthey are covered by a malpractice insurance policy. The infarmarion would be published in thememb•?r"~ lis.ting in the online Member Dire-ctory Law~1 P.1s in pri'1atc pract:cc whc fail to disclose wouldgu out of good sl<lnding on Sepl. 1 ol the- Oar yt:.ar, wt-.ich is i:ht! :>ame dale Lhal members who Co 1101

paytheir license feP.~ CP.aSP. rn h~ ir~ eo(ld Strlrfling To return CO good Stftndlng thP. m~mber would nc-ed to •nake th~ disclosure le tne t-itemb._.rship Departrnen ~ of lhc (far Lawyecs w-;o do have ~fr/Ctagl! wour~not be ,~quired tc, prm,:dl' •riformt:tli<> fl about lhe insurar . .;e company, policy rium~HH or p.:iliq· limils

Optio'l 2 would ind..:dc alt d th~ pruvh:dun:s ut Ootiun 1, ,...i"t'"I Jn M1d1t1on<:.~ provision

encoura,ging lawyers who am not covcr..icl 11y il PLI ;:Jolicy to tnke a lr~e volu:itary s11lf­a&.sessmen l CClLl(Sl:" provided Cy tile Brff on;ine and dest_gned lL> ev3\uate lhe lawye('S practice for che risk 01 malpractice The <3Ssessment would be modeled on one used in Colomdn. Merobers covld receive CLE credit upon complet'1o n of the course The ftlSuits would be confit.hmtial and memb<!rS would rccl'ive information al.Juul resources co help reduce risk of a malpractice ciaim.

Op~ion 3 would ;nc;ludc Jll 0f t:ic proviti!un:; o( opliur 1a.nd2. with tW'J chung~~ : 1) lhe !:.elf-c.1sst:;srnenL CO·.J1 5e (P·oact ve Mani.1g2r'1E-nr~Basea Assistance) wou:d be

mano~t:><)' or all :awy~rs who a •e ·· ~l c =''"'c t·1 • PLI pohcy, lnO ?) 1he rn!or1nat1on ~ouhJ 1iut !Jc µul>l'1sruJC on lhC web~•tc Uthe !awyer ta··ht'J fO 1ll:l:'<t ~he U• ~::losure or, if ; .')l co ~· ered. lo c1lh , c:om.,te1t- lhe ~\t)<1rn~ •H or LO ubta10 c;~vcrabt- w1~f1 in or~e year of the re(1,uu,~<! ;.fsdosure rJatt' . I"": •~ 01 sh<~ .vould go w;t :1

1 g<mc slaPtl:ng.

Opt1u11 ~ ;s the proµo~~t that r~qui<es I wre•S In p11val~ ,,,.~ l ic e 10 °" C~\·er~cJ h~ a PLI po1k y Vlchav~ "n1~ nl.l ed lh• poows Ort th31 requ w~<l t h~ <Ove1'l!ge lo t.oc non· crlltling so t har l! would (lr>ly •pply 1upotlcie~ wltn n1lnlmal limits. This option wC.Jld ro qulrc la.l''YC'' 10 obtaiu or bu covered by• PLI po~cyontl 1(1 tepot t !Ml flcl to 1hc Da• on 1he du~s stal dn>en\'. Mcmbt1s who do 1101 ~on,ply would so ou1 ors1a~di11s as of Sepl. l of the llar year.

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RESPONSES

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40 responses

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2

3

OPTION l

Mandatory Disclosure Requirement

4 Ruic 1-210. ProfessionaJ Liability Insurance

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(a) Each active member of the State Bar of Georgia engaged in the private practice of

law in Georgia shall disclose on the annual license fee statement whether the member has

professional liability insurance.

(b) The following members shall be exempt from the requirements of this rule:

(1) Members who are employed by a governmental entity or other

organization and whose practice is limited to matters concerning the entity or

organization;

(2) Members whose practice consists solely of serving as an arbitrator or

mediator; and

(3) Members who are nol actively engaged in the practice of Jaw or who do

not represent clients.

(c) Each member who has previously reported being covered by professional liability

insurance shall notify the State Bar of Georgia in writing in such form and manner as the

Board may designate within 30 days if the insurance policy providing coverage lapses,

terminates, or is no longer in effect for any reason.

(d) The information required by this Rule shall be publicly available and included in the

member's listing in the Member Directory on the official website of the Slate Bar of

CJeorgia. Each lawyer ' s insurance status shall appear in the State Bar Member Directory

as "covered," "not covered," or "exempt."

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24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

( e) Each member shall provide the State Bar of Georgia with confirmation of coverage

upon request.

(t) The information required by this Rule is due on July l of each year. A member

who does not comply with the requirements of the Rule by September J shall cease to be

a member in good standing. A member deemed not to be in good standing under this

Rule shall be returned to good standing upon making the disclosure required in subpart

(a) to the Membership Department of the State Bar of Georgia.

Pl. i options as of Juiy 2020

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33 34 35 36

OPTION 2 Mandatory Disclosure Requirement with Voluntary Assessment

37 Hui e J-210. Disclo ure of Profe ional Liability In urance

38 (a) Each year, every member of the State Bar of Georgia shall certify:

39 1) Whether the member is engaged in the private practice of law; and

40 2) Whether the member is currently covered by a policy of professional liability

41 msurance.

42 (b) The following members shall be exempt from the requirements of this rule :

43 ( I) Members who are employed by a governmental entity or other

44 organization and whose practice is limited to matters concerning the entity or

45 organization;

46 (2) Members whose practice consists solely of serving as an arbitrator or

47 mediator; and

48 (3) Members who are not actively engaged in the practice of law or who do

49 not represent clients.

50 (c) Each member who has previously reported being covered by professional liability insurance

51 as set forth in paragraph (a)(2) of this Rule shall notify the State Bar of Ci eorgia in writing in

52 such form and manner as the Board may designate within 30 days if the insurance policy

53 providing coverage lapses, terminates, or is no longer in effect for any reason.

54 (d) The information required by this Rule shall be publicly available and included in the

55 member ' s listing in the Member Directory on the official website of the State Bar of Georgia.

56 Each lawyer's insurance status shall appear in the State Bar Member Directory as "covered,"

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57 "not covered," or "exempt." Each member shall provide the State Bar of Georgia with

58 confirmation of coverage upon request.

59 (e) The State Bar of Georgia encourages those members who do not have a policy or

60 professional liability insurance to complete the Bar's voluntary online self-assessment of the

61 operation of their law practice and to avail themselves of the resources which it recommends to

62 address any deficiencies identified by the self-assessment.

63 (f) The information required by part (a) of this Rule is due on July 1 of each year. A member

64 who docs not comply with the requirements of the Rule by September 1 shall cease to be a

65 member in good standing. A member deemed not to be in good standing under this Rule shall be

66 returned to good standing upon making the disclosure required in subpart (a) to the Membership

67 Department or the State Bar of Ceorgia.

68

PL! opklns as of Ju!y 2020

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69 OPTION 3

70 Mandatory Disclosure Requirement with Mandatory CLE for Lawyers Without Insurance

71 (Proactive Management-Based Assistance)

72 Rule 1-210 Disclosure of Profe ional Liability Insurance.

73 (a) Each active member of the State Bar of Georgia who is engaged in the private practice of law

74 in Cieorgia shall disclose on the annual license fee statement whether the member is covered by a

7 5 policy of professional liability insurance.

76

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78

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80

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(b) The following members shall be exempt from the requirements of this rule :

(1) Members who are employed by a governmental entity or other organization and

whose practice is limited to matters concerning the entity or organization ;

(2) Members whose practice consists solely of serving as an arbitrator or mediator;

and

(3) Members who are not actively engaged in the practice of law or who do not

82 represent clients .

83 ( c) Every other year, beginning with registration for 2020-2021, each lawyer covered by

84 paragraph (a) who discloses that he or she is not covered by a policy of professional liability

85 insurance shall complete a self-assessment of the operation of his or her law practice or shall

86 obtain malpractice insurance and report that fact on the annual license fee statement for the

87 following year.

88 (d) The Proactive Management-Based Assistance program is a free interactive online educational

89 program provided by the Bar. It requires the lawyer to assess his or her I.aw ofTicc and

90 operations based upon the requirements of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conducl and best-

91 practices for the operation of a law office. Lawyers may earn one hour of Ethics CLE credit for

PU opuoris iiS of ,;uJy 2020

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92 each module of the self-assessment completed. Upon completion of each module in the

93 Proactive Management Based self-assessment program, the lawyer will receive the results of the

94 self-assessment and suggested resources to help the lawyer address any deficiencies identified by

95 Lhe self-assessment. All information related to the sci f-assessment shall be confidential and not

96 shared with the Office of the General Counsel, except for the fact of completion of the self-

97 assessment. Neither the Bar nor the lawyer may offer this information into evidence in a

98 di sc iplinary proceeding. The Bar may report self-assessment data publicly in the aggregate.

99 (e) The information required by this Rule is due on .July I or each year. A member v-:ho

100 discloses that he or she is not covered by a professional liability insurance policy remains in

101 good standing for one year in order to complete the Proactive Management-Based Assistance

102 Program or lo obtain insurance. If the member neither completes the self-assessment required at

103 parts (c) and (d) nor obtains insurance, he or she goes out of good standing on July 1 of Lhe

104 following year. A member deemed not to be in good standing under this Ruic shall be returned to

105 good standing upon making the disclosure required in subpart (a) to the Membership Department

106 or the State Bar of Georgia and, if not covered by a policy of malpractice insurance. by

107 completing the self-assessment course.

108 (f) Each member shall provide the State Bar of Georgia with confirmation of coverage upon

109 request.

110 (g) The Bar will provide the information required by part (a) of this rule upon request from any

11 ·1 person but will not publish it as part of the member's listing in the Member Directory on the

112 official website of the State Bar of Georgia.

113

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114 115 116

OPTION 4 Mandatory Insurance Requirement

117 Ruic 1-210. Professional Liability Insurance

118 (a) All active members of the State Bar of Georgia engaged in the private practice of

119 law in Georgia must be covered by a policy of professional liability insurance, in an

120 amount no less than $100,000 per claim and $300,000 in the aggregate ("Minimum

121 Limits"'). For any Minimum Limits policy the expenses of defense must be outside the

122 policy limits so that the Minimum Limits stated above are not reduced by payment of

123 attorney's fees or claims expenses incurred by the insurer for the investigation,

1 2L1 adjustment, defense, or appeal of a claim.

125 ( b) The following members shall be exempt from the requirements oCthis rule:

126 (1) Members who are employed by a governmental entity or other

127 organization and whose practice is limited to matters concerning the entity or

128 organization;

129 (2) Members whose practice consists solely of serving as an arbitrator or

130 mediator; and

131 (3) Members who are not actively engaged in the practice of law or who do

132 not represent clients.

133 (c) Each lawyer who is required by this rule to have proCcssional liability insurance

134 shall notify the Membership Department of the State Bar of Georgia in writing within 30

135 days if coverage lapses, is no longer in effect, or terminates for any reason. Each lawyer's

136 insurance status shall appear in the State Bar Member Directory as either "covered," '·not

137 covered," or "exempt." Each member shall provide the State liar of Georgia with

138 confirmation of coverage upon request.

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139

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142

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( d) The information required by this Rule is due on July 1 of each year. A member

who does not comply with the requirements of the Rule by September 1 shall cease to be

a member in good standing. A member deemed not to be in good standing under this

Rule shall be returned to good standing upon providing the Executive Director of the

State Bar of Georgia with proof of professional liability insurance coverage.

F'! I ()p\'ons as of .July 2020

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