The legal community of Cobb County witnessed the Georgia Court of Appeals step out of its usual boundaries and hold court onsite at the Cobb Superior Courthouse. This event marked the fourth offsite oral argument session this year, thanks to the Cobb County Bar Association and the Cobb Women of the Bar Section. Their aim was to honor the legacy of Judge Debra Halpern Bernes through their memorial scholarship efforts. According to a Cobb County news release, the day's proceedings included former Georgia Supreme Court Justices Harold Melton and Keith Blackwell, as well as Court of Appeals Judges Stephen Dillard and Wade Padgett.
Presiding Judge M. Yvette Miller, accompanied by Judge Todd Markle and Judge Benjamin A. Land, led the panel in what would be her final offsite appearance. "I was thrilled to be in Cobb County for my last offsite oral argument. We had such wonderful hosts, great arguments from the attorneys, and a star-studded educational program. I could not have asked for a better day," Miller commented after the session. The day's agendas considered several cases, one involving an employee's reluctance to accept a light-duty job amid the pandemic and another discussing the nuances of intra-military immunity related to a defamation claim, as per the Cobb County release.
Post-hearing activities included a lunch and continuing legal education seminar, with proceeds contributing to the Judge Debra Halpern Bernes Memorial Scholarship in Law. Expected to raise over $7,000, this scholarship supports aspiring legal minds at the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. "I always love being in my home county, especially surrounded by such incredible jurists and bar members. Today was a great day for the bench and bar, and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to do for the Bernes Scholarship,” said former Chief Justice Harold Melton, as the legal community celebrated both education and justice. Cobb Circuit Chief Judge Greg Poole added, "It’s always a thrill to host offsite arguments, and I am deeply appreciative that the Court of Appeals was generous enough to spend their day in Cobb,” as mentioned in the Cobb County website.
The event not only served a legal function but also showcased the camaraderie and shared aspirations within the Cobb legal community. Judge Jane Manning, serving as the current president of the Women of the Bar Section, expressed her satisfaction with the day's outcome. "The Women of the Bar Section is honored to host today’s events. Oral arguments were fascinating, and the continuing education was extremely informative," she remarked, according to the Cobb County release. For more information on the event and the programs offered by the Cobb Bar and its Women of the Bar Section, inquiries can be directed to Executive Director Carol Kinstle at [email protected].
