GSB Vol. 18, NO. 7, Pg. 42. Bench and Bar.

Georgia Bar Journal

Volume 18.

GSB Vol. 18, NO. 7, Pg. 42.

Bench and Bar

GSB Journal Vol. 18, NO. 7 June 2013 Bench and Bar Kudos

Burr and Fornian LLP announced that Scott Hitch was appointed to the Board of Directors for the Green Chamber of the South. The Green Chamber connects sustainable businesses, clean technology companies, corporations with sustainability programs, nonprofits and government organizations throughout the Southeast so that they may create enduring business connections, share best green practices, learn from one another and grow both their own bottom lines as well as create new green jobs. In addition. Hitch was selected for the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership's Class of 2013. The program focuses on leadership development with regard to current and emerging environmental issues, environmental problem solving, communication skills and conflict management.

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz, PC, announced that shareholder Charles L. Ruffin was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Owners' Counsel of America (OCA). OCA is a nationwide network of experienced eminent domain attorneys dedicated to protecting the rights of private property owners large and small, locally and nationally, and to advancing the cause of property rights. In addition, Ruffin will be sworn in as the 51st president of the State Bar of Georgia on June 22 at the Annual Meeting on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Womble Carlyle Sandridge and Rice, LLP, announced that William M. Ragland Jr. received the Leadership Award-the Atlanta Bar Association's highest honor. Ragland served as president of the Atlanta Bar from 2004 to 2005, and recently completed a two-year term as president of the Atlanta Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Atlanta Bar Association.

Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP announced that partner Audra Dial received the Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service from the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism. This award honors judges and lawyers in Georgia who have made significant contributions to their communities and demonstrate the positive contributions of members of the Bar beyond their official or legal work.

Partners C. Allen Garrett Jr. and Dean W. Russell were selected as winners in the International Law Office and Lexology's 2013 Client Choice Awards. This year's winners were chosen from a pool of more than 2,000 individual client assessments. The awards recognize both individual partners and firms that excel across the full spectrum of client service.

Partner Joe Beck was named a Power 100 Advocate by the organization On Being a Black Lawyer (OBABL). Beck was recognized as a non-black attorney strongly committed to diversity in the legal profession. OBABL selected their Power 100 Advocates after carefully considering the recommendations of their Power 100 Honorees, some of the most influential black attorneys in the United States, who were asked to nominate non-black attorneys that have been strong advocates for diversity in the law.

Partner Greg Cinnamon was chosen by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) as a recipient of the 2013 Meritorious Service Award. A member of ACG since 2004, he has served on the ACG Atlanta Board of Directors since 2008 and has served as ACG Atlanta chapter president since 2011. During Cinnamon's presidency, the Atlanta chapter has grown by 10 percent to more than 530 members.

Hon. Ben J. Miller Jr., who received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Georgia in 1992, was recognized as the university's 2013 Young Aliunnus. This honor is presented to an alumnus within 25 years of graduation who has distinguished themselves through outstanding professional careers and/or outstanding contribution to public service. Miller began serving as a juvenile court judge in the Griffin Circuit in 2004, and has been chief judge since 2008. He also remains active in his hometown of Thomaston, Ga.

HunterMaclean partner Kirby Mason was honored at Savannah Technical CollegeFoundation's annual 2013 Tributeto Community STARs. Every year, the foundation publicly recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions through leadership and community involvement. Founded in 1984, the Savannah Technical College Foundation has diligently worked to enhance adult literacy, learning, workforce training and economic development in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties.

Partner Dennis Keene was named chair of the ALFA International Product Liability Practice Group. The ALFA International Product Liability Practice Group provides legal counsel to product manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. Membership in this practice group includes ALFA International law firms from around the world. As chair...