Western Circuit Judge Lisa Lott selected as new chief judge

The Western Judicial Circuit Superior Court has its first ever female chief judge.

In a unanimous vote of the judges, Judge Lisa Lott was appointed chief judge to replace Judge Eric Norris, who has served in that position since 2020.

“We are proud to have Judge Lott serve as our next chief judge and first female chief judge,” Norris said in a statement released with the announcement.

“Her years of government service demonstrates her commitment to the rule of law and her faith in our local community,” Norris said.

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Lott also released a statement that she was honored by the support of her fellow judges.

“I would like to further express my deep thanks to Chief Judge Norris for his four years of steadfast leadership, most of which were during the pandemic. He weathered us through court closures, virtual court proceedings, lean budgets and more, all with calm and dignity,” Lott said.

The role of chief judge was created largely to handle administrative matters, including appointing jury commissioners, overseeing jury lists and serving on boards for such groups as the law library, alternative dispute resolutions and child abuse protocol committees. The chief judge can also convene a special grand jury

Lott was elected and became a Superior Court judge in January 2019. She previously served as a public defender in Athens for 18 years. She also has worked as a prosecutor in the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office.

The Western Circuit covers Clarke and Oconee counties. Besides Lott and Norris, Lawton Stephens and Patrick Haggard also serve as circuit judges.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Lisa Lott chosen as chief judge for Western Circuit Superior Courts