Madeleine N. Simmons was sworn in April 28 as the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association (GTLA)'s 2023-24 president to highlight the organization's annual convention at the InterContinental Hotel in Atlanta. The swearing-in took place at the association's president's gala, which capped the two-day event. Simmons, an equity partner at Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys in Atlanta and a Brookhaven City Council member, is the GTLA's fifth female president in its 68-year history. "I could not be more proud, humbled or honored to serve as the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association's 68th president," she said in a news release. "The members of our organization are many of the finest attorneys in the country, committed to tirelessly advocating for their clients' rights and the civil justice system." Simmons said during her year as president, she will focus on the GTLA's newest initiative, its mental health and wellness committee. "Before we can serve our clients and our community, we, as lawyers, must ensure we are taking care of ourselves," she said. "I look forward to our organization providing our members with additional support and resources for their mental health and wellness. I would like to deeply thank our members, our executive committee leadership team and the members of our esteemed judiciary for their continued support of our important work." Simmons replaces Adam Malone, whose goals included expanding the organization's membership (it grew by 398 new members in the past year) and promoting GTLA's minority and women's caucuses. Aside from Simmons and Malone, other members elected to the GTLA's 2023-24 executive committee are Jason Branch, president-elect; Josh Carroll, executive vice president; Alan Hamilton, secretary; John Bey, treasurer; and Natalie Woodward, parliamentarian. For more information, visit www.gtla.org. This article was updated at 10:58 a.m. May 8 with the correct spelling of Madeleine N. Simmons' first name.