I believe that we have a very talented bench in Cobb County , and I have had the opportunity to handle substantive matters in front of all of the existing Judges . I appreciate Judge Kell ’ s demeanor , Judge Flournoy ’ s business acumen , Judge Harris ’ work ethic , Judge Poole ’ s common sense , Judge Child ’ s inquisitiveness , Judge Staley ’ s confidence , and Judge Leonard ’ s leadership .
What will you miss most , if anything , from the practice of law or from being a prosecutor ?
It ’ s too early to tell . I ’ m sure I will wax nostalgic about some aspect of my former job eventually . Right now , I ’ m just excited for my new adventure .
Do you have a judicial / guiding philosophy and if so , what is it and how will it be instrumental in your new position ?
Do right , when you can , with what you have , and without apology . I will follow the law , and where the law gives me discretion , I will work diligently to be fair and just . I will also endeavor to make my decisions promptly .
When someone addresses you as Judge , how long does it take you to realize they are referring to you ?
In the words of Robert DeNiro , " Are you talking to me ?"
FULTON COUNTY , SUPERIOR COURT : JUDGE MELYNEE LEFTRIDGE-HARRIS
Since most of you had months since the mid-summer election , how did you spend the past months preparing for your new position ?
My judicial race concluded on August 11 , 2020 in the runoff election for Fulton County Superior Court Judge . I returned to work as a full time Magistrate Judge in September and worked in this capacity through the end of the year . During that time period , I reached out to a number of Superior Court Judges , in Fulton County and in other counties , and discussed with them various aspects of the role . I attended a very informative and worthwhile New Superior Court Judges Orientation in Athens , reviewed suggested on line material , as well as , information I retained over the past several years working as a Superior Court Judge , by designation . The decisions I will be making as a Superior Court Judge will continue to be weighty , particularly in the criminal cases . As such , I have recently placed a bit more effort into improving my physical health . My effort will not become a New Year ’ s Resolution " fail ," as I am determined to keep it up !
Do you have any immediate goals that are important for you to accomplish within the first six months ?
My immediate goal within the first several months of assuming the office as a Fulton County Superior Court Judge is to become very familiar with the civil and criminal dockets and continue to work hard to resolve as many cases as possible , without compromising justice . As we continue to find ourselves within the tight grip of the pandemic , I will be implementing creative measures to reduce the backlog of cases . It is an honor to serve the citizens of Fulton County and the State of Georgia as a Superior Court Judge .
What will you miss most , if anything , from the practice of law or from being a prosecutor ?
I stopped practicing law 10 years ago when I was appointed a full time Fulton County Magistrate Court Judge . I enjoyed being a lawyer a great deal . I had the opportunity to engage with and form professional bonds and friendships with fabulous lawyers who practiced on the both sides of the “ V ” and I had some really good clients for whom I fought . Preparing and trying cases as an attorney is a lot of work--- but it is so much fun !! One of the most thrilling parts of a jury trial was watching and waiting for the “ light ” to come on , signaling there was jury communication or a verdict . The short stretch of time period between the light coming on and the reading of the verdict is absolutely thrilling . It never ever got old . It is exhilarating , knowing you left it “ all on the field ”— and the anticipation of finding out what “ they ( the jurors )” have done . As a judge , I still find excitement in finding out “ they have a verdict .” My heart still pumps hard when I hear those words — however , it is a bit different . Still great but different .
Do you have a judicial / guiding philosophy and if so , what is it and how will it be instrumental in your new position ?
My judicial philosophy is uncomplicated . I will continue to follow the law in my decision making , honoring ( and adhering to ) the tenets found in my judicial oath . I will use my judicial discretion in a manner that is fair , just and reasonable , having considered all material factors at play . I intend to continue maintaining a courtroom environment which encourages collegiality among members of the Bar . I believe people who
12 December / January 2021