Hawkins Parnell's Kristy Nguyen Named "Best of the Best" at GDLA Trial Academy

September 24, 2026 (Atlanta, GA) – Hawkins Parnell attorney Kristy Nguyen was named "Best of the Best" at the Georgia Defense Lawyers Association's 2026 Trial & Mediation Academy. The honor recognized the top eight participants based on their performance in mock trial exercises evaluated by a faculty of experienced trial lawyers.

The recognition follows Nguyen's work earlier this year as trial counsel in a negligent security case in Georgia in which the plaintiff sought nearly $8 million. She delivered the opening statement and cross-examined the plaintiff, handling sensitive testimony involving sexual assault while developing key admissions that helped hold the jury's award to $15,000.

Nguyen represents global corporations in high-stakes litigation involving commercial general liability, premises liability, product liability, and toxic exposures. Before joining Hawkins Parnell, she served as a staff attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

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.