Media

Nov 12, 2009

World Law Group Co-founder Receives Germany's Top Honour

ATLANTA / CHATTANOOGA, November 11, 2009 – Monday, Dr. Lutz H. Görgens, Counsel General of the Federal Republic of Germany, presented Miller & Martin PLLC's  Thomas J. Harrold, Jr. with the Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in a ceremony in Atlanta. The award is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay individuals for services to the nation in the fields of political, economic, social, charitable and philanthropic work. The Cross of Merit was instituted in 1951 and very few Americans have been given the award. Tom was nominated for his commitment to service by German President Horst Köhler.

Tom’s service to Germany began in 1978, when he helped found the German-American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States.  Since then, over 600 German companies have located facilities in the Southeast, more than any other region of the United States. 

Tom was one of the founders of the World Law Group and served as President from 1995 to 1997. During his term, the WLG went through one of its fastest growth periods, adding seven new members with a total of 700 lawyers. It was also during this period that the WLG formally established its Regional Committees and first global practice groups.

As leader of Miller & Martin’s International Practice Group in Atlanta, Tom is a recognized expert in assisting international companies, including many German companies who have established manufacturing, distribution and sales subsidiaries in the Southeast.Tom is also is a member of the Board of Directors of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the German American Chamber of Commerce, the Japan America Society and the Goethe-Zentrum/German Cultural Center.

In 2003, he organized the German Unification Conference which was the most important international event held in Atlanta since the 1996 Olympics.  The conference celebrated the 13th anniversary of the unification of Germany and honored former Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former Soviet President Gorbachev and former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. 

Tom was also the organizer and Chairman of the 60th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift Celebration saluting Georgia native General Lucius Clay in an event held at Dobbins Air Reserve Base on May 15, 2009.