In this Q&A, Emily Youngo speaks with JC/AOC staffer, JoAnna P. Deering, about her recent appointment as Clerk of Court of the Georgia State-wide Business Court and shares how her office ensures accuracy, accessibility, and innovation in court operations.
Edited and condensed for clarity.
JoAnna Deering: Congratulations, Emily, on your recent appointment as Clerk of Court of the Georgia State-wide Business Court. What career path led you to this position?
Emily Youngo: My interest in public service began with internships for Senator Johnny Isakson and Congressman Tom Price, and later with Alabama Circuit Court Judge Jacob Walker, where I saw the breadth of matters that move through a trial court. Upon graduating from Auburn University, I was honored to serve as an Assistant to Presiding Justice David E. Nahmias (then a junior justice). That role was formative—I learned the discipline and precision of appellate practice firsthand. I next served as Director of External Affairs for the Council of Superior Court Judges, gaining a ground‑level view of the daily operations and needs of Georgia’s trial courts. When Justice Nahmias became Chief Justice, I returned to the Georgia Supreme Court as Deputy Court Executive, supporting both the Chief Justice and the Clerk of Court. The combination of appellate administration, trial‑court engagement, and interbranch coordination prepared me well for the demands of business‑court administration. On January 12, 2026, Governor Brian Kemp appointed me Clerk of the Georgia State‑wide Business Court. I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to work again with Judge Bill Hamrick. This role brings together everything I value about court operations: accessibility, efficiency, and service to Georgia’s business community.
JoAnna Deering: What drew you to court administration?
Emily Youngo: Honestly, I often say court administration chose me rather than the other way around. After spending many years working in chambers and later moving to the Council of Superior Court Judges, I realized how rewarding it is to see the direct impact of one’s work with the day-to-day operations of our court system. In court administration, one has a hand in everything that moves through the court. It’s very different from chambers, but equally important. The role ensures that records are clear, well-organized, and accessible, and that the court remains responsive to questions and needs. I also enjoy the continuous improvement aspect—looking for ways to make processes more efficient, especially with e-filing and case management systems. How can we make things easier for users? How can we streamline workflows for chambers? What features should we preserve because they work well? I love understanding the mechanics behind it all and finding ways to enhance the experience for everyone who interacts with the court.
JoAnna Deering: In your words, what is the State-wide Business Court’s mission, and how does the Clerk’s Office support it day-to-day?
Emily Youngo: The Georgia State-wide Business Court exists to provide prompt and efficient resolution of complex business disputes for companies of all sizes. While our Superior Courts do an outstanding job, they manage an enormous number of cases. Specialized business disputes—often record-intensive, involving multiple parties and unique circumstances—can significantly strain those dockets. A dedicated business court ensures these cases receive focused attention, allowing businesses to resolve issues quickly and continuously adapt to changing market conditions.
The Clerk’s Office plays a critical role in supporting that mission through responsiveness, accessibility, and precision. Our team is highly experienced and committed to assisting parties at every stage of litigation. We maintain clear, well-organized resources on our website, including forms, FAQs, and direct email contacts for both the Clerk’s Office and our staff attorney. This means filers can reach us by email anytime—whether during business hours or after hours when e-filing questions arise. By providing timely answers and ensuring filings are processed accurately, we help keep cases moving efficiently and uphold the court’s commitment to speed and clarity.
JoAnna Deering: How do you ensure clear public guidance—forms, checklists, FAQs—for first-time filers?
Emily Youngo: Our website is designed to be a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for anyone filing in the Business Court for the first time. Our site is well-organized and provides a dedicated section for forms, checklists and FAQs, and practical guidance. We’ve worked hard to make the website intuitive and informative so that attorneys and parties can find everything they need to file correctly and confidently. The best way to avoid filing mistakes is to review the Business Court Rules (BCR), which are available on our website. Doing so ensures compliance and helps prevent common errors.
JoAnna Deering: Which technology tools are central to the Clerk’s Office?
Emily Youngo: E-filing is one of the most critical tools for the Clerk’s Office. While parties upload their documents through the e-filing system, there is significant backend work to ensure that filings are complete and properly displayed in our document management system for chambers and for the parties’ use. In addition, because many of our hearings are conducted virtually—especially for attorneys outside the metro Atlanta area—technology plays a key role in hearing logistics. This includes managing courtroom audio systems and ensuring seamless integration with platforms like Zoom for virtual proceedings. These details may seem minor, but they are essential for smooth hearings. The Clerk’s Office assists with all aspects of these processes to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
JoAnna Deering: Describe how the Clerk’s Office collaborates with chambers (e.g., presiding judge and staff attorneys) to move complex cases efficiently?
Emily Youngo: Collaboration between the Clerk’s Office and chambers is essential to ensure that complex business cases progress smoothly and without delay. These two groups are not separate entities working in isolation; they share a common goal of resolving cases efficiently. The process begins with accurate and timely transmission of filings from the Clerk’s Office to chambers. Equally important is ongoing communication—keeping both sides informed about what is coming down the pipeline and understanding what chambers needs most to manage cases effectively. By maintaining constant dialogue and aligning workflows, the Clerk’s Office helps prevent unnecessary back-end adjustments and ensures that cases move forward seamlessly. This partnership is critical to fulfilling the court’s mission of handling complex business matters promptly and professionally.
JoAnna Deering: What does excellent customer service look like in a high-stakes business court?
Emily Youngo: Excellent customer service in the Business Court means being accessible, responsive, and committed to resolving issues quickly and accurately. Two key principles guide our approach:
- Responsiveness and Availability: Our Clerk’s Office and court staff prioritize timely communication. If we don’t have an answer immediately, we make it a priority to find the correct information and follow up promptly.
- Genuine Commitment: Every member of our team truly cares about the mission of the Business Court—moving complex cases efficiently and serving the needs of litigants and counsel. This dedication ensures that concerns are addressed thoroughly and professionally. Another important thing to know is the depth of experience and professionalism within our Clerk’s Office. As the newest member of our team, I have been so impressed with the work and knowledge of our staff.
Our court is designed to avoid backlogs and keep cases moving swiftly, whether through trial or settlement. This efficiency is a major advantage for businesses seeking prompt resolution of disputes. We are proud to support Georgia’s reputation as a great place to do business through our work.
JoAnna Deering: A favorite Georgia case history or business-law book you recommend?
Emily Youngo: In terms of case law, I am partial to court opinions written by Justice Nahmias.
JoAnna Deering: Outside the courthouse, how do you recharge?
Emily Youngo: With three young children—ages four and under, including a six‑month‑old in the middle of teething and sleep regressions—“recharging” looks a little different for me right now. Our household is lively, busy, and often operating on very little sleep, thanks to the constant rotation of preschool germs.
Even so, I wouldn’t trade it. Whether I’m serving the people of Georgia through my work or taking care of my family at home, these are the roles in which I truly thrive. It’s an honor to have a career I love and a family I adore, and even when things are hectic, it feels exactly where I’m meant to be.
JoAnna Deering: Thank you for sharing these insights. For forms, rules, and e‑filing information, visit the Georgia State‑wide Business Court online at The Georgia State-wide Business Court.
