Judicial Officer

Unclassified position in the Family Division of the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia.

About the role

The Superior Court of Fulton County seeks an experienced Judicial Officer to serve by designation of the Judges of the Superior Court. Judicial Officers exercise judicial authority as authorized by law, court rules, and applicable administrative orders, presiding over assigned Family Division proceedings.

Selection Process

The nominating committee, which includes the chairperson and immediate past chairperson of the Atlanta Bar Association’s Family Law Section and two community representatives involved in family-related services, reviews applications and makes recommendations. The Court retains sole discretion to make the final appointment(s).

Qualifications

• Good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.
• Resident of Fulton County.
• Substantial experience in family law, defined as at least seven (7) years of:
  • A law practice with 50% or more devoted to family law cases; or
  • Judicial experience in a court where 50% or more of the docket consists of family law cases; or
  • A combination of both.
• Demonstrated good moral character and temperament necessary to handle domestic relations matters.
• Well-regarded by the Bar for experience and knowledge.

Training

• Complete twenty (20) hours of training within the first calendar year of appointment, including four (4) hours of domestic violence training coordinated through the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council in partnership with the Fulton County Solicitor’s Office, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers, and the Family Division’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Seminar.
• Complete annual training consistent with the requirements of the State Bar of Georgia or applicable magistrate training requirements under governing law.

Responsibilities

• Preside over assigned Family Division calendars, including status conferences, scheduling conferences, and other case management proceedings.
• Hear and rule on motions and contested matters, including discovery disputes, venue issues, service of process matters, and other procedural issues.
• Conduct hearings and enter orders in domestic relations matters, including interim and temporary orders, uncontested matters, consent orders, judgments on the pleadings, and final orders and judgments as authorized.
• Enter orders related to case administration and management, including appointing Guardian ad Litem and Social Services Coordinators, referring matters to Alternative Dispute Resolution, consolidating related cases, and addressing other case management issues.
• Hear matters involving child support, paternity, legitimation, and other domestic relations issues as assigned.
• Issue orders for service by publication and other procedural matters as authorized.
• Perform other judicial duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Judge or designated Superior Court Judges.