This is my client, Jerrod Heath, who received the GTLA 2025 Courageous Pursuit of Justice Award. Out of the many deserving people who courageously pursue Justice on behalf of their loved ones here in Georgia, it was an honor of a lifetime for Jerrod (rightfully) to receive this award. Here is a little bit more about this award:
GTLA COURAGEOUS PURSUIT OF JUSTICE AWARD (aka Nestlehutt Award)
GTLA presents this award to the client of a GTLA member during the Annual Convention each year. Our goal is to recognize a client whose pursuit of justice helped the greater good. It’s not about the size of the verdict, or even a victory. It’s about courage the client showed against great odds and powerful opponents.
Now I share with you Jerrod’s moving acceptance speech given to a crowd of 400 or so at the GTLA Annual Convention:
Thank you to the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association for this profound honor. To receive the Pursuit of Justice Award means more to me than I can adequately express.
When my journey began, I wasn’t seeking recognition—I was simply fighting for what was right. Standing here today, I’m reminded that the pursuit of justice is rarely a path we choose; rather, it’s one we find ourselves on when circumstances demand we speak truth to power.
In the midst of my grief over losing my brother, it was the compassionate and observant staff at Bentley and Sons Funeral Home who first noticed that something wasn’t right about his death. Their professional integrity led them to encourage me to seek a private autopsy—a suggestion that would ultimately reveal the truth and set my pursuit of justice in motion. To everyone at Bentley and Sons, your courage to speak up when something seemed wrong exemplifies the highest standards of your profession, and my family will be forever grateful.
I must also recognize Susan Burns, the advocate who reached out to me concerning my brother’s death. Her compassion in my darkest hour gave me strength, and her guidance to seek the incident report and pursue justice provided clarity when I needed it most. Susan, your advocacy extends far beyond professional duty—you gave voice to my concerns when I struggled to find my own.
I’ll never forget Maluwi Davis, who answered my call on the day of my brother’s funeral—perhaps the most overwhelming day of my life. Your compassion and practical help in connecting me with Dr. Downs, the forensic pathologist, was a critical link in uncovering the truth. When most people would have hesitated to get involved, you stepped forward without hesitation. That phone call, on that terrible day, changed everything.
Sometimes, the most life-changing advice comes during the most ordinary moments. I’ll never forget that day walking the track at Hapeville with my friend Johnny McKenzie. As we circled that track, sharing our struggles and hopes, Johnny looked me in the eye and said something that would change everything: “You need to contact Robin Clark.” Those simple words spoken during our walk became the next crucial step in my pursuit of justice. Johnny, your friendship and that recommendation changed the course of my life, and I’m eternally grateful.
I would like to thank my Bishop Dale Bronner for pouring into me faith and strength to keep going. In his words: resilience. When the weight of this journey became almost too much to bear, his spiritual guidance reminded me that persistence in the face of adversity is not just a strategy—it’s a testimony. Bishop Bronner, your wisdom and encouragement sustained me through the darkest moments of this journey.
My story is not unique. Like many who have been wronged, I faced a choice: to quietly accept injustice or to stand up and demand accountability. The path I chose was difficult, overwhelming at times, and filled with uncertainty.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my attorney, Robin Clark, whose belief in my case never wavered. When doors seemed closed, when powerful interests pushed back, when the fight felt insurmountable—you stood beside me with unwavering conviction. You translated my experience into a language the legal system could understand, and you fought for me not just as a client, but as a person deserving of justice.
To the team at Robin’s firm, your dedication to my case showed me what true advocacy looks like. You listened when others wouldn’t. You investigated when others dismissed. You persevered when others would have given up. This award belongs to you as much as it does to me.
To my family and friends who supported me through this journey—who wiped away tears, who listened to my fears, who encouraged me when I wanted to give up—thank you for being my foundation.
Many people in my position never get their day in court. Many voices go unheard, many wrongs unaddressed. I accept this award on behalf of everyone still fighting their battles—those whose pursuit of justice continues. Your struggles matter, your stories deserve to be heard, and your courage inspires me.
This experience has changed me. It has shown me that justice, while imperfect and often slow, is worth fighting for. It has taught me that one voice, when persistent and supported by others who believe, can make a difference.
The pursuit of justice is not just about winning a case—it’s about changing systems, challenging assumptions, and ensuring that those who come after us find a more just world than the one we faced.
I stand here today not as someone special, but as someone who refused to be silenced. That refusal—that pursuit—is something within each of us.
Thank you again for this honor. I promise to use this platform to continue advocating for those still seeking their justice, still fighting their battles, still finding their voice.
[Pause, and speak with emotional conviction]
Christopher Darnell Heath, I told you while lying in that casket that they will know your name. Today, April 25, 2025, at least the people in this room know your name, know your struggle. I love you and now the people in this room know why the caged bird sings.
Thank you.
No one could possibly say it any better than that.
Robin Frazer Clark is a trial lawyer who pursues justice for those who have personal injury claims as a result of being injured in motor vehicle wrecks, trucking wrecks, defective products, defective maintenance of roads, premises safety, medical malpractice and other incidents caused by the negligence of others. Ms. Clark was the 50th President of the State Bar of Georgia, a Past President of Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, a Past President of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta and has practiced law in Georgia for 38 years. She is a Board Member of the International Society of Barristers, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and a Fellow of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Ms. Clark is listed as one of the Top 50 Women Trial Lawyers in Georgia and is a Georgia Super Lawyer. Ms. Clark is the co-host of the podcast “See You In Court.”
Robin Frazer Clark ~ Dedicated to the Constitution’s Promise of Justice for All.