Retired Chief Justice to teach seminar at UGA Law School – WGAU

Newly Retired Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Finds Work at University of Georgia: UGA Says Harold Melton to Teach Spring Seminar at University Law School. Melton graduated in 1991 from the Law School of the University of Georgia.

From Heidi Murphy, UGA today…

Harold D. Melton, who was previously Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, has been appointed Carl E. Sanders Chair in Political Leadership at the University of Georgia Law School.

In this role, he will lead a seminar during the spring semester of 2022 entitled “Representing the State”. The course will address the legal and professional issues that arise when working as a lawyer for the state.

“When Governor Sanders created this post of professor of political leadership almost 20 years ago, he envisioned someone” teaching students the role of law and lawyers in public policy making and the role of lawyers in leadership positions, “and Chief Justice Melton embodies that vision,” said Law School Dean Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge. “Given his nearly three decades of public service in positions of leadership in various legal capacities, Chief Justice – and now Professor – Melton will be instrumental in shaping our students’ perspectives on the public service and the important role lawyers play in the service of their country. “

Melton, who graduated from law school in 1991, is currently a partner at Troutman Pepper. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of Georgia in 2005 and served as Chief Justice from 2018 to 2021. Prior to joining the court, he served as Executive Advisor to Governor of Georgia Sonny Perdue, representing the Governor on legal matters covering the whole state government. In this role, he helped protect Georgia’s interests in water rights disputes with Alabama and Florida and actively participated in the administration’s efforts to advance the delivery of criminal justice services. in the state. Previously, Melton spent 11 years in the Georgia Law Department under the direction of two Attorneys General, where he served as Section Chief of the Consumer Interests Division.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to learn more about the nuances of government law with future lawyers, a subject that I really enjoy,” said Melton. “I am particularly delighted to be able to do this in my alma mater; It is an honor to hold a chair held by one of Georgia’s most esteemed governors and a founding partner of the firm where I now practice.

Rutledge added that having a lawyer and a prominent public servant like Melton – as well as world-class academics – lead courses is fundamental to preparing the next generation of legal leaders for state and society. “I am grateful to the late Governor Sanders and his family for their commitment to our law school, as it has helped make the University of Georgia Law School one of the best returns on investment in teaching. legal today. I would also like to thank the Board of Directors, President Jere Morehead and Provost Jack Hu for supporting this recommendation.

Established in 2002, the Sanders Chair in Political Leadership is named after Georgia’s 74th Governor and 1948 law school alumnus Carl E. Sanders. Past holders of Sanders’ political leadership position include former U.S. senators, members of Congress, an ambassador, and state officials.

© 2021 Cox Media Group