SBA Young Lawyers Division 

The Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the Savannah Bar Association (SBA) strives to enrich the lives of its members, the Savannah Bar Association, and the greater Savannah community, by offering numerous fellowship and community service opportunities throughout the year.

The YLD’s social calendar traditionally includes the annual Kick-Off Party in the fall to welcome new and incoming attorneys, a yearly Christmas Party complete with a tacky sweater contest, and the annual YLD Golf Tournament benefiting the Guardian Ad Litem program. Additionally, the YLD has monthly social events that vary from year to year but have – in the past – include Halloween costume parties, trivia nights, a historic district trolley tour, the Savannah Music Festival, Oglethorpe Motor Speedway, and many happy hour events. Most importantly, the Savannah YLD tries to tie community service and charitable fundraising to all its social events.

While the YLD offers a full social calendar for its members, it is more than just a social club. Mindful of its members’ talents and resources, and of the needs of many within the Savannah area, the YLD gives back to the community by organizing fundraisers and contributing to deserving causes. 

In addition to donations to the Guardian Ad Litem program, the YLD has contributed to the Ronald McDonald House, Legal Food Frenzy, The First Tee of Savannah, Boy Scouts of America, and other worthy causes. Members of the YLD also give their time to the local legal community by coordinating or assisting with several key events. Such events include the annual mass swearing-in for newly admitted lawyers, the annual Savannah Regional Mock Trial Competition, and the annual ABA Law Day activities (including coordination of presentations at local high schools and the Law Day Luncheon and Awards Ceremony).

Membership within the SBA Young Lawyers Division is open to members of the Savannah Bar Association who are under the age of 36, or members who have been practicing law for less than five years, irrespective of age. 

If you are eligible and interested in becoming a member of the (SBA) YLD, or simply would like more information about the group, please attend an upcoming event or contact Laney Ivey at livey@ellispainter.com or Jake Saas at jsaas@ellispainter.com. You will undoubtedly find the YLD of SBA offers unparalleled opportunities to get to know your fellow young lawyers while giving back to your community.

2023—2024 Officers of the YLD:

President – Thomas Alec Chappell
President-Elect – Gary M. Tiller
Treasurer – Burt Anthony Burton
Secretary – Amber Robinson

2023—2024 Chairs of YLD Committees:

Jake Saas and Laney Ivey – Membership Co-Chairs
Sophia Karnegis – Social Chair
Amelia C. Stevens and Ben T. Tuten – Sponsorship Co-Chairs
Gregory L. Finch and Meredith Layman – Community Outreach Co-Chairs
Gary J. McGinty – Philanthropy Chair
Thomas Alec Chappell – The Citation Newsletter Editor
Harrison Pratt – Mock Trial Chair
Madison E. Immel  – Logistics Chair
Lucas Earl and W. Chase Arrington – Co-Sergeant-at-Arms