Christine Mast Honored with State Bar of Georgia's Tradition of Excellence Award
June 6, 2025 (Atlanta, GA) – Hawkins Parnell & Young is proud to announce that Christine Mast will be honored with the prestigious Tradition of Excellence Award from the State Bar of Georgia. This distinguished recognition celebrates lawyers who exemplify outstanding commitment to professionalism, integrity, and service within Georgia's legal community.
Mast has established herself as a preeminent defense lawyer in professional liability and ethics, consistently earning accolades for her counsel and successes. Recognized five times by Best Lawyers as Atlanta's defense "Lawyer of the Year" in both Legal and Professional Malpractice Law—including in both areas for 2024—Mast has earned a reputation for successfully guiding clients through high-stakes and career-defining moments.
The Tradition of Excellence Award is one of the State Bar of Georgia's highest honors, awarded to attorneys who have made significant and lasting contributions to the practice of law and the broader community. Mast's dedication to clients, her leadership in complex litigation, and her influential role in shaping professional standards reflect the values this award seeks to highlight.
"One thing everyone who has the privilege of knowing Christine or facing off against her can agree on is that she is an extraordinary person and lawyer," said Peter York, managing partner of Hawkins Parnell. "We are incredibly proud to see Christine's career recognized by the State Bar of Georgia. She has made a significant and lasting impact on the legal profession and our firm. Her commitment to ethical leadership, relentless advocacy for her clients, and the highest standards of professionalism are exemplary.
A pioneering figure at Hawkins Parnell, Christine was the first woman elected as managing partner and has served extensively in senior leadership roles, including as general counsel and on the firm's executive, compensation, and policy committees. She is also a founding member and past executive committee member of the State Bar's Professional Liability Section and Chair Emeritus of ALFA International's Professional Liability Practice Group.
"I am immensely proud of Christine and honored she asked me to introduce her tonight at the ceremony," said Hawkins Parnell partner Warner Fox. "After working together for 33 years as a partner and friend, I can not think of a more deserving person to receive this award, which was once bestowed upon our firm's founder Paul Hawkins."
Mast will officially receive the award at the State Bar of Georgia's Annual Meeting this evening, where she will be recognized among fellow leaders, including a plaintiff's attorney, general practitioner, and judge who have achieved careers of excellence.
About Hawkins Parnell & Young
Hawkins Parnell & Young is a national defense litigation firm that has represented many of the largest and most well-known companies in high-risk litigation and business disputes. The 250-strong litigation team works with clients to develop winning defense strategies and, if necessary, try cases to verdict in all 50 states.
