Atlanta, Ga. — A retired Georgia judge is stepping into a new role as president of the American Association for Justice (AAJ), an organization dedicated to supporting trial lawyers and their clients across the nation. This leadership position comes as the association confronts significant changes in state legislation under Governor Brian Kemp, aimed at reforming personal injury lawsuit regulations.
Greg Bey, who will assume the presidency in July 2026, is looking forward to his new responsibilities. “I’m excited to represent trial lawyers and their clients across the country,” he said, expressing a strong commitment to advocating for those facing legal challenges. Bey sees his role as a chance to champion individuals who may not have the best representation, likening it to a David-versus-Goliath scenario.
The AAJ, which was formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, has been instrumental in shaping trial lawyer practices at both national and state levels. Bey has been actively involved with the organization for over 15 years, participating in various teaching and leadership initiatives. His journey began when he took litigation skills courses offered by the AAJ, a move he says fundamentally improved his abilities as a lawyer.
Bey’s election as president comes at a contentious time, as new regulations introduced by Governor Kemp aim to limit personal injury lawsuits. These reforms are intended to provide greater protection for businesses against what some advocate as excessive jury awards. However, they have met resistance from organizations like the AAJ, which argue that such changes could undermine justice for injured individuals.
“The ongoing battle is about access to justice,” Bey commented, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that individuals can still pursue legal action without being hindered by legislative changes. He aims to advocate for the rights of clients, focusing on maintaining their access to the courtroom and giving a voice to their experiences.
One urgent concern for the AAJ under Bey’s watch is the relaxation of regulations regarding pesticides and harmful chemicals. Bey highlighted the potential dangers of such deregulation, stating, “Nobody wants cancerous vegetables in their grocery cart,” underscoring the organization’s commitment to public health and safety.
Bey plans to operate from both Atlanta, where he runs his law firm, Bey & Associates, and Washington, D.C., where the AAJ is headquartered. His firm, which he established, is composed of approximately 15 attorneys serving clients across multiple states, including Georgia, Ohio, and Louisiana.
At 47, Bey expressed gratitude for being chosen by his peers for this role. His leadership is seen as a continuation of a legacy within the AAJ; another Atlanta attorney, Navan Ward, previously held the presidency from 2021 to 2022. A representative from the AAJ emphasized Bey’s dedication to advancing civil justice and noted his reputation as a strong advocate for those harmed through no fault of their own.
With Bey set to lead the AAJ, he brings a wealth of experience and a robust commitment to the ideals of fairness and justice, facing significant challenges in a shifting legal landscape.
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