A seasoned Hall County prosecutor is stepping into a new judicial role in Athens-Clarke County. The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Mayor and Commission appointed Stephanie Thompson as the next Municipal Court Judge and Administrative Hearing Officer.
Thompson brings a decade of experience from the Hall County Solicitor General’s Office, where she rose from Assistant to Interim Solicitor General. The office prosecutes a wide range of misdemeanor offenses, including DUI, domestic violence, and drug possession, experience that Athens-Clarke officials say will serve her well in the county’s busiest court.
She also served as a prosecutor for Hall County’s Mental Health Court and Family Treatment Court and was named Hall County’s Employee of the Year in 2021.
“Given her past work and exemplary praise from former colleagues, it is clear that Stephanie Thompson will handle the complexity and high volume of activity in Municipal Court very well,” said Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz. “We are fortunate to have her join our strong local judiciary.”
“I am truly honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving as the next Municipal Court Judge of Athens-Clarke County,” said Thompson. “I accept this responsibility with humility, a deep respect for the law, and a commitment to the people that I will serve. My goal is to foster an environment that reflects the highest standards of public service and earns the trust of our community every day.”
Outside the courtroom, Thompson has chaired the Hall County Domestic Violence Task Force and serves on the board of the Children’s Center for Hope and Healing. She holds a law degree from John Marshall Law School and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Georgia State University.
Thompson will succeed Interim Municipal Court Judge Jim Davis, who has held the position since the resignation of Judge Marcy Jolles in March.
