Remarks Given by Wade Malone in honor of the Investiture of Darius Pattillo as District Attorney of Henry County on January 12, 2017
[ Editor’ s note: On November 8, 2016, Darius Pattillo was elected to be the District Attorney of Henry County. He took office in January. Darius interned in the first three summers of the Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program for High School Students( 1993-1995). Darius, a 1995 graduate of Atlanta’ s Therrell High School, received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Georgia. After graduating from UGA Law, Darius served as an Assistant District Attorney in DeKalb County for thirteen years. During that time Darius was a regular host and mentor to Atlanta Bar Summer Law Interns.]
On behalf of the Malone Family, my wife Kelly and children Maryellen, Kellyann and Sam who are all here with me tonight, I am grateful to be able to say a few words on this momentous occasion.
Darius, congratulations on your election to become the District Attorney of Henry County. I know you are going to do a terrific job.
I want to also congratulate Keisha, Darius ' lovely wife, and Darius ' parents Carol and Virgil. Everyone here tonight shares in the pride you feel.
When Darius was elected, a friend asked me how I was feeling and my reply was simple:“ Darius ' dream came true and so did mine.” But as everybody knows there is a lot of blood, sweat and tears between a dream and its reality.
I met Darius 24 years ago this April. Darius had applied to intern in 1993 in the first class of the Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program. I can draw a straight line from the first time I met Darius to this special night when Darius is being sworn in as the District Attorney of Henry County.
Darius was the first 3 time Intern we had in the Intern Program. One of those summers, 1994, Darius interned with my law firm. At the time Darius probably cursed his luck as my Firm was located near the Galleria in Cobb County and to get to his internship he had to ride 2 buses and take the Marta train. Darius was never late, not once.
I had a great time working with Darius that summer. He was hard working, smart, focused and with an easy manner. We spent a lot of time together going to Court, having lunch, and taking in sporting events. Darius expressed his dream of becoming a lawyer and I told him“ You can do it but don’ t plan on it being easy. Please know I will be with you every step of the way.”
Darius showed his talent early on as a member of two Mock Trial Region Championship teams at Therrell. I am telling you these teams were formidable, especially our 1995 team. Our 1995 team was coached by current United States Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, Gwen Keyes Fleming( who would become DA of DeKalb County), Fulton County Deputy DA Ron Dixon, former Assistant US Attorney David Nutter and our pied piper Comer Yates. Darius and his Therrell teammates were all in and so were the coaches. At one point the 1995 Therrell Mock Trial Team practiced 27 straight days( not weekdays mind you, consecutive days). We had so much fun and enjoy incredible memories. Four members of our 1995 team went on to become attorneys. Darius was a leader of that 1995 team which de-
20 February 2017