Mercer University School of Law alumnus Ivy Cadle was sworn in as 62nd president of the State Bar of Georgia on June 8. He previously was elected secretary in 2021, to the executive committee in 2019 and to the board of governors in 2017.
“Being inaugurated as the president of the State Bar of Georgia is a profound honor and truly humbling,” he said. “It is a privilege to lead an organization dedicated to the lawyers of the State of Georgia. I am committed to advancing our mission to foster among our members the principles of duty and service to the public, to improve the administration of justice, and to advance the science of law.”
The State Bar of Georgia has more than 55,000 members.
“As president of the State Bar of Georgia, Ivy Cadle will facilitate continued developments and implement new initiatives that result in a lasting impact on the legal profession,” Mercer Law Dean Karen Sneddon said. “We value his leadership and wisdom.”
Cadle’s bar service began with the Macon Young Lawyers Division where he served as president from 2010-2011. From 2017-2018 he was president of the Macon Bar Association, and from 2016-2017 he was the president of the William Augustus Bootle Inn of Court.
He also has been extensively involved in the State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division. He received the Award of Excellence for Dedication to the Young Lawyers Division in 2022; Award of Achievement for Outstanding Service to the Young Lawyers Division in 2014; and the Award of Achievement for Outstanding Service to the Bar, Leadership Academy, in 2013.
Born and raised in Swainsboro, Cadle earned his Juris Doctor from Mercer Law in 2007. He previously earned his Bachelor of Science in biology and his Master of Accountancy from the University of Georgia.
Cadle started his career in Macon as an associate with Baker Donelson. He is now the office managing shareholder for Baker Donelson’s offices in Atlanta and Macon.
In his law practice, Cadle is a renowned “dirt lawyer” who litigates issues surrounding real estate, eminent domain, land use, zoning and conservation easements. His litigation skills have been recognized by The Counselors of Real Estate, an international association of trusted advisors who find solutions to complex real estate challenges. Before law school, Cadle, a certified public accountant, served as an audit associate at a big four accounting firm in Atlanta.
Baker Donelson recognized Cadle for his pro bono work in 2022 and 2015. His other honors include being listed in The Best Lawyers in America in litigation-land use and zoning (2023-2024) and eminent domain and condemnation law (2021-2024). He was selected to Georgia Super Lawyers in the area of eminent domain (2018-2024).
Outside of the office, Cadle is a highly sought-after speaker, and a committed volunteer to Mercer Law School, the Macon legal community, and the State Bar of Georgia. At Mercer Law, he serves as an adjunct professor, teaching accounting for lawyers. Additionally, he routinely volunteers for moot court preparation, mock interviews and as a guest speaker.
In 2023, the Mercer Law School Alumni Association honored Cadle with the Young Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award for his commitment to enhancing the experience of Mercer Law students. In 2024, he served as Mercer Law’s commencement speaker.
Cadle lives in Macon with his wife of nearly 22 years, Leslie L. Cadle, a 2007 Mercer Law graduate, and their chocolate lab, Stella. When he is not dealing with land issues, Cadle takes to the sky. He is an aviation enthusiast and holds a multi-engine commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating.
