Gov. Brian Kemp has appointed Clayton County Magistrate Court Presiding Judge Sonyja George to fill the seat being vacated by State Judge Linda Cowen, who is retiring December 31.
George holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and a J.D. from John Marshall Law School. She started out as as a juvenile defense attorney with Cobb County Juvenile Court and founded her own practice, the Law Offices of Sonyja J. George P.C.
George then represented the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) as special assistant attorney general associate. In 2020, she graduated from the Judicial and Public Office Academy.
Besides serving on the bench, George is also an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Georgia State University, a regular speaker at Career Day events, and is a Mock Trial Volunteer Judge.
George is a member of the Georgia State Bar Association, Clayton County Bar Association, Gate City Bar Association (Judicial Section), and Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys.