Marietta attorney begins 2026–2027 term leading Georgia’s statewide legal organization
William C. “Bill” Gentry, a partner with Petrelli Previtera and longtime Marietta attorney, was installed as the 64th president of the State Bar of Georgia on June 13, 2026, during the organization’s Annual Meeting.
Gentry leads the State Bar during its 2026–2027 term, representing an organization with more than 56,000 members. He previously served as the Bar’s president-elect, treasurer and secretary. He has also served on its Executive Committee since 2021 and its Board of Governors since 2012.
“This opportunity is a tremendous honor,” Gentry said. “Georgia’s legal community has a strong tradition of service, professionalism and commitment to justice. I look forward to working with attorneys throughout the state to support those values and strengthen the profession.”
Decades of Leadership and Service
An Atlanta native, Gentry has practiced law in Georgia since 1986. During his nearly 40-year career, he has represented clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout Georgia.
His practice focuses primarily on divorce and family law matters, including complex divorce, high-asset property division, child custody and alimony. He is also the author of I Want Out, which draws from experiences and lessons developed over the course of his family law career.
Gentry earned his bachelor’s degree through the University of Virginia’s Economic Honors Program and his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he served as president of the Student Bar Association. Before attending law school, he worked as a congressional aide in the U.S. House of Representatives.
His service to the legal community also includes a term as president of the Cobb County Bar Association and membership in the bars of the Supreme Court of the United States and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Continuing to Serve Marietta Families
Alongside his statewide leadership responsibilities, Gentry continues to serve individuals and families from the firm’s Marietta office.
Gentry joined Petrelli Previtera with the family law team from Gentry Law Firm. The office continues serving Marietta and Metro Atlanta as Gentry Law Firm LLC, a Petrelli Previtera Family Law Office, combining trusted local representation with the expanded resources and support of Petrelli Previtera.
The State Bar’s current leadership directory identifies Gentry as its 2026–2027 president and lists his firm affiliation as Petrelli Previtera, LLC.
To learn more about Bill Gentry or speak with a Marietta family law attorney, call (770) 659-7030.
