The Atlanta Lawyer June/July 2014 | Page 9

From The Bench cases have been handled fairly and efficiently, they appreciate the service – even when their participation wasn’t voluntary. the solicitor’s office recently instituted a diversion program to address situations involving youthful offenders to avoid creating a criminal record. Brookhaven also has a large Hispanic population, and Spanish interpretive services are provided at all court sessions. Of course, the metro Atlanta area has many other foreign language speakers, which sometimes requires additional interpretive services. One memorable occasion involved a citizen from Greece working in Atlanta on a temporary visa for an international firm. This young lady’s English was flawless, but when she handed up her identity papers, she also gave me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to state from the bench, “Well, it’s all Greek to me,” which it was. On April 19, 2014, the Municipal Court for the City of Brookhaven marked its one year anniversary. I have had the honor and pleasure to serve as the first Chief Judge for Brookhaven, which has been incorporated for less than two years. Looking back at the changes and progress made by our new Court during its inaugural year, I am particularly grateful for the hard work and dedication of the City’s personnel and the City’s Judge Pro Tem, Jonathan Granade, and look forward to many more years of service to the citizens of Brookhaven. The most gratifying part of the job of Judge and running the Court has been receiving compliments from people who have been required to appear in Court on tickets, which is not, to borrow the closing line from the movie Casablanca, the typical “beginning of beautiful friendship.” But when people feel their Find people worthy of the name on the door. That was my mentor’s advice. But the landscape has changed over the last few years. Profits are harder earned and have to be more wisely spent. So I’m getting help to ensure we’re always healthy enough to attract and retain top talent. After all, it might as well be my name on the door. WE SHINE WHEN WE HOLD OURSELVES TO A HIGHER STANDARD. Our Legal Specialty Group provides a dedicated team with tailored solutions to meet the unique financial needs of attorneys and their firms. Visit suntrust.com/law Investment and Insurance Products: Are not FDIC or any other Government Agency Insured • Are not Bank Guaranteed • May Lose Value SunTrust Private Wealth Management Legal Specialty Group is a marketing name used by SunTrust Banks, Inc., and the following affiliates: Banking and trust products and services, including investment advisory products and services, are provided by SunTrust Bank. Securities, insurance (including annuities) and other investment products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., an SEC registered broker-dealer and a member of the FINRA and SIPC, and a licensed insurance agency. Investment advisory products and services are offered by SunTrust Investment Services, Inc., RidgeWorth Capital Management, Inc., and GenSpring Family Offices, LLC, investment advisers registered with the SEC. © 2013 SunTrust Banks, Inc. SunTrust is a federally registered service mark of SunTrust Banks, Inc. How Can We Help You Shine Today? is a service mark of SunTrust Banks, Inc. The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association June/July 2014 THE ATLANTA LAWYER 9