The Family Law Section welcomed DeKalb County’s newest Superior Court judge, Asha Jackson, as the guest speaker for the October breakfast meeting. Judge Jackson began her speech by acknowledging that she is not wedded to any calendaring system, but is…

After a summer hiatus, the Family Law Section convened the first breakfast meeting of the 2012-2013 year on September 6, 2012 with guest speaker DeKalb District Attorney Robert James. Before a packed house, James explained his pledge to serve the citizens of DeKalb County through “competence, compassion, and commitment to justice.”

District Attorney James described to the attendees how he began his career at the Rockdale County District Attorney’s office and what an awakening it was for him when he started as an Assistant DA in DeKalb after three years in Rockdale. He explained that DeKalb County is very different, and that despite having three years of solid experience, he felt overwhelmed when he first started. According to James, the volume and severity of crime in DeKalb County is unique. He stressed that the complexity of an ADA’s case load does not lend itself to prosecutors who are fresh out of law school. James believes that the victims of crime deserve experienced prosecutors. Thus, when he became the District Attorney, he made a “quick dash” to hire experienced Assistant District Attorneys. James also firmly believes that the perspective which comes with prosecutorial experience is very important. He said that his office is one of, if not the most, experienced District Attorneys’ Offices in Georgia.

The Family Law Section enjoyed a full house despite the early hour for its monthly breakfast. Judge Christopher McFadden was the guest speaker. Awards were presented to outgoing president Rebecca Crumrine, this year's DBA president-elect, and to FLS past president…

Family Law Section breakfasts are held on the first Thursday each month at the Old Courthouse on the square in downtown Decatur. Be sure to check the FLS page on the DeKalb Bar Association website for more information, and to…