Hon. Stephanie Thompson, a 2014 graduate of Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School (AJMLS), has been appointed as a Municipal Court Judge in Athens-Clarke County. Her appointment is the latest step in a career focused on public service and leadership within Georgia’s legal system.
Prior to her new role, Thompson was Chief Assistant Solicitor General for Hall County. In 2024, she became Acting Solicitor-General. During her time there, she received the Employee of the Year Award and chaired the Domestic Violence Task Force. She also served on the board of the Children’s Center for Hope and Healing and worked with various Accountability Courts.
Thompson began her legal career after graduating from AJMLS and passing the Georgia Bar, starting as an Assistant Solicitor General in Hall County. While at AJMLS, she interned at the Gwinnett County Solicitor’s Office. Over her career, she has mentored young attorneys and emphasized empathy, integrity, and professionalism.
Reflecting on her education at AJMLS, Judge Thompson said:
“My time at AJMLS instilled in me the values that have guided every step of my career. I graduated from AJMLS with more than just legal knowledge; I left with a purpose: to serve my community. The professors challenged me, the coursework prepared me, and the environment inspired me. AJMLS did not just teach me how to be a lawyer; it taught me how to lead, how to serve, and how to persevere, and for that, I am exceptionally grateful.”
Judge Thompson now brings her experience to Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court. According to AJMLS, her appointment reflects the school’s focus on service-oriented leadership among its graduates.