Sarah B. (Sally) Akins, a partner at Ellis Painter Ratterree & Adams in Savannah, was installed as the 50th President of the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association during the Golden Anniversary Annual Meeting. This marks the third attorney from Ellis Painter Ratterree & Adams to serve in this role for GDLA; Paul W. Painter, Jr. and Bubba Hughes also served as presidents.

Akins has practiced law in Savannah since 1993. Since serving as a judicial clerk after law school, she has been engaged exclusively in civil trial practice. She has handled cases involving premises liability, automobile and truck accidents, professional negligence (medical, legal and pharmaceutical), litigation involving counties and municipalities to include civil rights and zoning, insurance coverage, and products liability. Akins is also a registered mediator and arbitrator at Miles Mediation.

Founded 50 years ago by a group of civil defense attorneys, GDLA was created as a forum for networking outside of the office, courtroom and arbitration table. Today, the GDLA offers formal avenues for training, networking and communication across the State of Georgia.