Yari D. Lawson | Gwinnett Circuit, Post 2

Candidate Statement

I announce my candidacy for the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors, Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, Post 2, with humility and gratitude. The day that I was sworn in to practice law, retired Superior Court Judge Mark Anthony Scott invited me to a Gate City Bar Association function. Months later, I joined the Young Lawyers Division and my service to the profession was launched.

In the Young Lawyers Division, I worked with wonderful colleagues making a positive impact in the profession. As newsletter editor of The YLD Review and YLD Leadership Academy co-chair, I learned that lawyers can give to the profession beyond their office. A fond memory I have is being a part of the first ever First Responders Clinic where my colleagues and I provided pro bono will assistance to local first responders as thanks for their service.

In the American Association for Justice, I was elated to be nominated and selected as a member of the prestigious AAJ Leadership Academy. Serving as president of the Gwinnett County Bar Association remains the highlight of my professional career. Because Gwinnett County and its legal community is where I have experienced the most personal and career growth, Gwinnett County is dear to me. There is no better way to offer my service to the profession and my local community by representing Gwinnett County on the State Bar Board of Governors.

I am confident that I make the ideal candidate to represent Gwinnett County on the Board of Governors because I care deeply about the profession. I bring leadership within and outside of the profession, leadership within the Gwinnett County community and I value every opportunity that I have to strengthen the profession. If elected, I will represent Gwinnett humbly, with great character and diligence.

Sincerely,
Yari D. Lawson

Education

• Morehouse College, B.A., Business Administration (2002)
• University of Arkansas School of Law (2006)

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

Yari D. Lawson is the founder of Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys located in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Yari started his legal career serving as an assistant public defender in the Macon Judicial Circuit and later as an assistant district attorney in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. As a criminal defense attorney, Yari worked on many serious felony trials throughout the state of Georgia. Currently, his personal injury trial practice focuses on wrongful death, catastrophic injuries and traumatic brain injuries. In his spare time, Yari enjoys traveling, exercise, and volunteering with youth sports and is an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. Yari has been recognized by the Best of Gwinnett as a top personal injury law firm in Gwinnett. His firm received the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce, minority business of the year in 2024. He is a graduate of the American Association for Justice Leadership Academy, Georgia Young Lawyers Division Leadership Academy and Leadership Gwinnett. Yari is a former newsletter editor for The YLD Review. He is a past-president of the Gwinnett County Bar Association. He is a champions member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, and a member of the: Southern Trial Lawyers Association, Million Dollar Forum, Western Trial Lawyers Association, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 and National Black Trial Lawyers Association, Top 100. Yari has served on the Board of Directors for the Partnership Against Domestic Violence. He also serves on the faculty for Emory University School of Law’s Edison Trial Skills Clinic. Yari started the Yari Lawson Athletic Youth Foundation to help underprivileged youth athletes afford the cost of competing in youth league sports.