Joseph W. Dent of Watson Spence LLP in Albany received the Ross Adams Award, presented by the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) of the State Bar of Georgia on June 19 during the organization’s Annual Meeting.  This award is named after the late Ross Adams (YLD President 1998-99) and recognizes a YLD past president that demonstrates continued support of the YLD and its goals.

Dent received the inaugural award in 2007.  His recognition in 2015 marks the first time a YLD past president has received the award more than once.  

The award was presented to Dent for his continuing impact on the YLD, by attending all YLD meetings and presenting programs on involvement in the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Georgia. 

The YLD is comprised of approximately 10,000 lawyers admitted to the State Bar of Georgia who are 36 years old or younger or who have been admitted to their first bar no more than five years. The YLD has been strengthened over the years through guidance by the State Bar of Georgia, its Executive Committee and Board of Directors, the Supreme Court, and through dedicated service rendered by its members. In keeping with its motto of “working for the profession and the public,” the YLD has more than 30 hard-working committees that produce an array of projects and programs. Through the years, the YLD has also gained national recognition by winning several American Bar Association awards for its projects and publications.