August 2026

Summer greetings, Georgia Courts Journal readers,

The Judicial Council of Georgia convened for a General Session on Friday, August 21st, at the Nathan Deal Judicial Center in Atlanta. Presiding Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren chaired the meeting, which was both livestreamed and archived for public access. During her report, AOC Director Cynthia Clanton announced her retirement, effective October 1, 2026. Director Clanton’s departure marks the end of an era: after 11 years leading the AOC and 27 years of dedicated service to the agency, she was honored by the judges in attendance and received a heartfelt pre-recorded tribute from Chief Justice Nels Peterson. In his message, Chief Justice Peterson praised Director Clanton’s “exemplary service” and highlighted the “mission, vision, and focus on service” she brought to the AOC, underscoring the profound impact of her leadership on Georgia’s judicial community.

Left: Presiding Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren chaired the August 21 Judicial Council General Session. Right: AOC Director Cynthia Clanton (seated) receives standing ovation during Judicial Council meeting on August 21, 2026. 

With preparations already underway for the 2027 legislative session, several Judicial Council Standing Committees convened in mid-August. The Standing Committee on Legislation, chaired by Presiding Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren, and the Standing Committee on Budget, chaired by Justice Charlie Bethel, both met to set priorities and strategies for the coming year. On August 19th, the Standing Committee on Judicial Workload Assessment’s newly formed workgroup, chaired by Bob Bray, gathered for its inaugural session and focused on clarifying definitions for non-criminal traffic violations, including school bus camera cases. That same day, the Standing Committee on Access to Justice met, where the Georgia Legal Services Program announced the launch of four new legal kiosks in South Georgia. These kiosks are designed to support self-represented litigants, expanding access to legal resources and assistance in underserved communities. 

JWAC’s newly formed working group meeting.
At a recent Access to Justice Committee meeting, the Georgia Legal Services Program announced four new legal kiosks to help self-represented litigants in South Georgia.   

Congratulations to new Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Brian Epps, who was sworn into office on August 11th. This milestone marks the beginning of Judge Epps’s service on the appellate bench. Warm congratulations also to Muscogee County State Court Judge Andy Prather, Georgia’s longest-serving State Court judge. Having taken the bench in January 1994, Judge Prather recently announced his retirement, effective November 30, 2026, capping a distinguished career of over three decades. Kudos to Bill Gentry, President of the State Bar of Georgia, who was recently interviewed for this profile and who continues to provide exemplary leadership for Georgia’s legal community.

Left: Judge Epps is sworn in to the Georgia Court of Appeals. Center: Judge Andy Prather of the State Court of Muscogee County. Right: State Bar of Georgia President Bill Gentry.

Gilmer County Probate Court Judge Scott Chastain and Kevin Holder, Executive Director of the Council of Probate Court Judges, recently appeared on The Good Judge-ment Podcast to discuss a ballot initiative proposing an amendment to the Georgia Constitution that would require for the nonpartisan election of probate judges. Their conversation offers valuable context on the proposed constitutional amendment, its purpose, and its potential impact on Georgia’s Probate Courts. The topic was also recently covered in an article by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Meanwhile, the Council of Municipal Court Judges held its annual Summer Business Meeting and Awards & Recognition Ceremony on June 11, 2026, in Savannah, alongside the Law and Practice Update seminar. The Honorable R. Matthew Reeves, House of Representatives, District 99, served as the Council’s guest speaker, and Pastor Chuck Allen of Sugar Hill Church administered the oath of office to all newly elected officers. The ceremony also featured recognition for outstanding achievements with Judges Paige Reese Whitaker and Dusty Hightower serving as presenters:  

  • Judge Matt McCord received the Frost Ward Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing outstanding service and dedication to the judiciary. 
  • Chief Judge David Will was presented with the Glen Ashman Education Achievement Award, which recognizes exemplary dedication to judicial education for municipal court judges and clerks. 
  • Judge Lori Duff was bestowed the Washburn-Oliver Award by its namesakes, Chief Judges Margaret Washburn and Rashida Oliver, honoring women whose extraordinary commitment to the Council is evident through years of self-sacrifice, wise advice, thoughtful leadership, and mentorship of new leaders.
  • Chief Judge Bryan Ramos received the Special Recognition Award for the Hearts of the Haven Program.
  • Chief Judge Kenneth Wickham and Court Administrator Maurice Shepherd were recognized for their B.E.A.S.T Service ingenuity.  
  • Sixth District Representatives, Chief Judge Wanda Dallas and Judge James Dalton II, were commended by the Council’s president for their excellent representation and efforts. 
  • The Council’s President’s Award, on behalf of Chief Judge Robert Cowan, was awarded to Chief Judge David Will, Judge Lori Duff, Judge Richard Sanders, and Judge Jennifer Baxter for their contributions to the advancement of the Council and support for the immediate past president. 
Top: Newly elected officers sworn in to the Council of Municipal Court Judges. Bottom row — Left: Judge Charles Barrett, Representative R. Matthew Reeves, and Judge Robert Cowan. Center: Judges Matthew McCord and David Will. Right: Judge Brian Ramos and Judge Robert Cowan.

Augusta Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Jesse C. Stone has been authoring a series on the American Revolution and Burke County, which is being published by a local newspaper in honor of America250. Senior Judge Ben W. Studdard, III, recently penned an article for the American Judges Association’s quarterly publication—Court Review—in which he reflected on his travels to the Country of Georgia to advise on the creation of its judicial branch and jury trial system. Congratulations to Cobb Judicial Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Ann B. Harris, who was recently reappointed to the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Judicial Retirement System. Focused on improving outcomes for infants and toddlers in the child welfare system, Gwinnett County Juvenile Court Judge Christina Bridger, Troup County Senior Juvenile Court Judge Michael Key, and Troup County Juvenile Court Judge Janelle Johnson attended the Safe Babies 20th Annual Cross Sites Meeting in Boston from August 4th–6th. Congratulations also to Chatham County State Court Judge Derek White, who will be inducted into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame.

Left: (L-R) Judge Bridger, Senior Judge Key, and Judge Johnson attend the Safe Babies 20th Annual Cross Sites Meeting. Right: Chatham County State Court Judge Derek White Selected for the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame. 

Call on us anytime. Talk to you in August.

Your JC/AOC Courts Journal team:  Noelle Lagueux-Alvarez, Bruce Shaw, and JoAnna Deering