Frank Gaddy is running for YLD Secretary to unite the YLD, expand programming and opportunities to young lawyers in rural communities, and continue efforts of the YLD in rebuilding and recruitment following the COVID-19 pandemic. Frank intends to emphasize recruiting service-hearted leaders through sponsoring camaraderie-building events and planning targeted appearances at all of our law schools and regional YLD affiliates across the state.

Frank is a mentor and leader amongst his peers. As a wrestler at Parkview High School, he was a team leader. At Kennesaw State, Frank was a peer advisor, supporting students through individual academic success meetings. At Mercer Law, Frank served as a student ambassador.

Currently, Frank mentors and leads as the president-elect of the Bootle American Inn of Court, an adjunct professor, and a coach in the High School Mock Trial Program. He believes in lifting others up and mentorship.

Frank understands the work necessary to connect YLD members throughout the state and is ready to devote himself to the cause. Frank currently hosts the Litigation 101 series where attorneys gain access to high-quality, low-cost remote CLE programming. Frank intends to expand this model, finding qualified YLD members to host similar programs for other practice areas. This will foster a sense of community and provide critical resources to young attorneys in rural communities.

Frank intends to host networking events and opportunities to socialize with peers and colleagues. By fostering an environment of inclusion, Frank hopes to continue the incredible work of our past presidents and ensure our members feel “the YLD is for EVERYONE.” As a proud Georgia native, Frank appreciates the diverse people, environments, and cultures that comprise this beautiful state.

The YLD is charged with protecting the future of the profession, promoting professionalism, and lifting the next generation of servant-leaders. Frank hopes you will select him to serve.

About the Candidate

Education

• Kennesaw State University, (B.A., International Affairs, summa cum laude) Class of 2013
• Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law, (J.D.) Class of 2016

Personal/Family

• Frank grew up in the metro-Atlanta area having lived in both Tucker and Lilburn. He attended Parkview High School and is proud to be a product of Gwinnett County public schools. He now resides in Middle Georgia on a farm in Lizella, just outside of Macon, with his wife, Siena Berrios Gaddy; his newborn son, Franklin Ignacio “Iggy” Gaddy; five dogs (Indy, Rosie, Hank, Sasha, and Maeve); and his barn cat (Uncle Rico).
• Frank enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and animals. In his spare time, outside of the practice of law, he practices jiu jitsu and also enjoys performing chores on the farm, Olympic weightlifting, running, and going for a spin on his Peloton. In addition, he has been and always will be a proud member of Braves Country.
• While in undergrad, Frank served as the peer advisor to all political science and international affairs students. He was named to the list of Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges. During law school he was a student ambassador, mock trial competitor, and President of the Christian Legal Society.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• Frank currently is a Partner at Martin Snow, LLP, one of Middle Georgia’s leading full-service law firms. He maintains a diverse general practice representing both corporations and individuals in State and Federal Courts. In his corporate practice he provides services as outside general counsel and trial counsel to both regional and national clients. In his representation of individuals, he assists clients and supervises litigation teams in the areas of plaintiff’s personal injury, domestic litigation, and probate proceedings.
• Frank is an adjunct professor at Mercer University School of Law. He teaches a two-semester writing course in the Advanced Legal Writing, Drafting, and Research Certificate Program.
• Prior to joining Martin Snow, LLP, Frank cut his teeth practicing with one other attorney in Macon, Georgia. There he practiced plaintiff’s personal injury, domestic law, estate planning, and criminal defense. Through a contract with the county, he represented indigent clients in Bibb County State Court. Managing a diverse practice at a small firm provided Frank the opportunity to gain valuable experience helping clients from all walks of life while developing as a professional.
• Frank is the president-elect of the William Augustus Bootle American Inn of Court in Macon, Georgia. Like its namesake, the W.A. Bootle Inn of Court promotes inclusion and professionalism within the bench and bar of Middle Georgia. The Inn is one of the largest recognized by American Inns of Court—it is comprised of over 150 members. He is also a member of the Macon Bar Association.
• Frank currently serves as a co-chair of the YLD Litigation Committee and is on the YLD Executive Committee as a Director. Further, he is the YLD representative to the State Bar of Georgia Formal Advisory Opinion Board.
• This Bar year, Frank has authored a Litigation 101 column for The YLD Review. His publications include (1) Litigation 101: Preparation; (2) Litigation 101: Be a Professional Peacemaker, and (3) the forthcoming Litigation 101: Audience Perception of Presentation. In addition, Frank co-authored the forthcoming Mercer Law School’s Legacy of Service to the Profession for Mercer Law Review Vol. 76, which is anticipated this spring.
• Frank is the attorney coach for the Middle Georgia Christian Home School Association Mock Trial team.

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

• Increase access to mentors and resources in underserved and rural communities.
• Connect with Regional Affiliates. Rural counties and the young attorneys looking to practice in those communities should have access to mentorship and quality legal programming without excessive travel. This not only will support our local members, but also improve those communities. I would seek to promote connectivity with our regional YLD affiliates. Those affiliates have a better understanding of their unique communities’ needs and how we can best support the young attorneys practicing there.
• Virtual CLE Opportunities. Further, the YLD should maintain and host multiple annual educational platforms with multiple one-hour installments, via Zoom, which can be accessed regardless of location. Currently, I host the Litigation 101 educational series where young attorneys can gain access to remote programming and earn up to 5 hours of CLE credit by attending individual one-hour sessions, during the lunch hour, with topics including professionalism, trial preparation, wellness, legal writing, and oral advocacy. This model could be expanded to other areas of practice providing similar connectivity and educational activities for lawyers in all areas of practice, regardless of where in the state you live.
• Increase awareness of YLD programs to recent graduates.
• Law School Outreach. Too many law students are graduating law school without knowledge of the YLD, its functions, or the avenues provided by the YLD to advance ourselves and our local communities. I envision taking the YLD “on tour” to all five law schools in the fall semester. With the help of our committees, the YLD would host short programs for each different class. These programs would serve two purposes (1) to promote awareness and (2) to enrich and serve the next generation of young lawyers. Through engagement, visibility, and intentional appearances, I hope to increase awareness of involvement of those entering the profession in every corner of this state.
• Professional development through service.
• Recruit Service-Hearted Leaders. I seek to support and empower YLD members who want to give back, serve, and become involved in their communities. We can do this through identifying members throughout the state who are hungry to serve. Recruitment is the life blood of any great organization and the YLD is the service-arm of the Bar. As a YLD officer, I would be committed to encouraging selfless leaders—those who ask how they can elevate their communities without seeking personal gain. I intend to further this cause by continuing the work of our past presidents and by virtually hosting a monthly ‘small service’ project which challenges each YLD member to, in some small way, contribute to their community.
• Pursue wellness and work life balance.
• Promote Camaraderie. This profession is incredibly stressful. Through networking events and other opportunities to socialize, I seek to foster an environment of inclusion throughout the YLD. Ultimately, the YLD is for everyone, and all members can benefit from togetherness and sense of community. Although many aspects of the law are adversarial, the YLD should remind its members (1) that we all have the same goal—delivering exceptional service to our client; and (2) of the humanity of your opposing counsel.