Georgia, succeeding Judge Steve C. Jones. Appointed by President Joe Biden, Judge Johnson brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as an Assistant U. S. Attorney in both the civil and criminal divisions. Her appointment marks a significant milestone, as she is among the youngest individuals appointed to the federal bench by President Biden.
Additionally, the Northern District announced the selection of Anna White Howard as a magistrate judge in Gainesville, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Magistrate Judge J. Clay Fuller.
Georgia Supreme Court: Leadership Transition
The Georgia Supreme Court underwent a significant leadership change when Chief Justice Michael Boggs announced his retirement, effective March 31, 2025. Justice Nels S. D. Peterson was unanimously elected by his peers to serve as the new Chief Justice, with his term commencing on April 1, 2025. Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren was also unanimously elected as the new Presiding Justice.
Chief Justice Peterson, appointed to the Supreme Court in 2016 by then-Governor Nathan Deal, has a distinguished career, including roles as a judge on the Georgia Court of Appeals and as Georgia’ s first Solicitor General. Presiding Justice Warren, also appointed by Governor Deal, has served on the Supreme Court since 2018 and previously held the position of Solicitor General in the Attorney General’ s Office.
IN THE PROFESSION Superior Court Appointments Across Georgia
Governor Brian P. Kemp announced several judicial appointments to Superior Courts across the state:
- Judge B. Nichole Carswell was appointed to the Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court, filling the vacancy left by Judge Chan Caudell ' s retirement. Judge Carswell previously served as the juvenile court judge for the Mountain Judicial Circuit and presided over the Family Dependency Treatment Court.
- Judge Carlton " Hobbie " Jones III was appointed to the Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court, succeeding the late Judge Rusty Smith.
- Judge James " Jay " Crowe, Jr. was appointed as the State Court Judge for Worth County, following Judge Ralph Powell ' s elevation to the Superior Court of the Tifton Judicial Circuit.
- Judge Amy Smith was appointed to the Superior Court of the Houston Judicial Circuit, having previously served as the Solicitor General of Houston County.
These appointments underscore the state ' s dedication to maintaining a robust and experienced judiciary capable of addressing the diverse legal needs of Georgia ' s citizens. These judicial appointments play a crucial role in shaping the state ' s legal landscape for many years to come, ensuring justice is administered effectively and equitably across all levels of the judiciary. www. atlantabar. org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 15