New Role Eases Load on Retired Georgia Judge After Threats

“I’m excited to represent trial lawyers and their clients across the country,” Bey told The atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I really do embrace this David-versus-Goliath role and the ability to go out there and get justice for folks who don’t always have the opportunity to have the best representation.”

The American Association for Justice, formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, has a state-level counterpart in the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association.

Bey has actively participated in the AAJ for about 15 years, starting with litigation skills courses and progressing to teaching and leadership positions. “I came because I wanted to be a better lawyer, and then I just kind of got hooked,” he said.

He will begin his term as AAJ president in July 2026.

Bey’s election coincides with the implementation of Gov.Brian Kemp’s new laws restricting personal injury lawsuits. Kemp prioritized this legislative overhaul, arguing it would protect business owners from excessive jury verdicts.