It’s been four months since former Attorney General Andrew Pinson donned the black robe and became the newest member of the Georgia Court of Appeals.
Calling it interesting, challenging and rewarding, the 35-year-old is open about his move to the bench and his goals for 2022 and beyond.
“A first for us”
After being appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp in July to fill the appeals seat vacated by the governor’s appointment of Verda M. Colvin to the Georgia Supreme Court, Pinson owed a smooth transition to the bench to the support of his peers and his Prior’s Appeals Practice.
It turns out that his colleagues also benefit from it.
Chief Justice of the Georgia Court of Appeals Brian Rickman. (Photo courtesy)
Georgia Circuit Chief Justice Brian Rickman hailed Pinson’s advances and hailed the new federal court’s knowledge.
“He worked on the US Supreme Court, which I think is a first for us,” Rickman said. “It was a learning experience for me. I always pester him with questions about how things work there.”
Pinson shared similar views, noting that the combined efforts of the bank of 15 had been both enlightening and helpful as he adjusted to his new role.
“There’s a good back-and-forth between all the judges,” he said. “One of the great things about our court is that we have people from many different and varied backgrounds both in life and in law. Prosecutors and trial judges and appellate judges and appellate practitioners. … Being able to bounce ideas off of people when they have that kind of expertise I think is very helpful and I think it puts them in a better place.
reflections and goals
Inaugurated before Georgia Court of Appeals by Andrew Pinson on August 30. (Photo courtesy)
Pinson said his swearing-in ceremony in August remained a personal highlight, along with presiding at his first hearing from the opposite side of the bench. He warned against already celebrating achievements but said it made him proud to have completed his first period of distress, or the time-bound deadline for the case count of opinions.
Looking ahead to the new year, he said his goals are focused on learning, contributing and growing with the Intermediate Circuit.
“The goal is to continue to acquaint yourself with the Court and learn about the Court’s procedures and strive to provide fair and correct opinions,” Pinson said. “I am here for the long term. It’s a job I hope to continue doing for a long time. So I’m just taking it one step at a time, one case at a time, and 2022 is just an extension of that.”
However, since his term expires on December 31, Pinson must retain his bipartisan seat in the May 24, 2022 general election. Running for the state election will be a first for the University of Georgia School of Law graduate, but he said he looks forward to the challenge.
“There’s only fear in the sense that it’s a new experience,” Pinson said. “It’s just part of being a judge in Georgia.”
“rather private”
If retained through elections, legal scholars can expect Pinson to encourage public service as a valuable experience, noting the role it played in his own rise to the bank. During his tenure as Attorney General, Pinson oversaw multi-state appellate proceedings and litigation in state and federal courts for the Attorney General’s office after rising from Assistant Attorney General.
“It’s a fantastic, fun and interesting practice serving the people of Georgia,” Pinson said.
He said continued service as a judge would involve being open to the public, but unlike some of his appeal peers, that probably wouldn’t be done through social media.
“I’m a pretty private person in my private life. That might not be the way I’m best suited to get out there and be approachable,” Pinson said. “If you see me on social media, it’s probably pictures of [my wife and me] and our dogs in the North Georgia mountains or something fun to do.
