During a check presentation ceremony on Friday afternoon, Trish Murphy, director of the Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire's Family Law Resource Center, accepted a $5,000 donation from the Young Lawyers Division of the Savannah Bar Association. The exchange was followed by a brief reception with refreshments. The funds will go to the Guardian Ad Litem program, which Murphy has overseen since the Mediation Center began administering the program in January 2016.

The donation was presented by Young Lawyers Division President Philip Thompson, associate with Ellis, Painter, Ratterree & Adams LLP, and YLD President-elect Kate Lawson Smith, associate with HunterMaclean, during a Continuing Legal Education class for Guardian Ad Litems at the Family Law Resource Center. The funds were raised during a recent golf tournament held by the SBA’s Young Lawyers Division.

A Guardian Ad Litem is a specially trained attorney appointed by the Court to represent the interest of a minor child in Superior Court domestic or civil actions. The GAL investigates the pending issues and makes a recommendation to the Court to assist in the resolution of the case.

“This is a cause we’re always happy to support. This is a cause we look forward to continuing to support in the future,” Thompson said during the presentation. “Thank you all very much for the important work you do providing representation for those who can’t represent their own interests.”

Murphy accepted the check, thanking the two YLD representatives for their organization’s continued generosity.

“We appreciate your support and the financial assistance you have kindly provided us with for several years now,” Murphy said.