Atlanta's legal landscape saw a significant shift as Judge Allyson R. Pitts, previously a Pro Hac Judge since 2017, was appointed to the City of Atlanta Municipal Court by Mayor Andre Dickens. With an extensive judicial background that includes service on multiple courts within the state, Judge Pitts is poised to bring her experience to a more permanent role. "Judge Pitts is an experienced and well-respected jurist who has already served the City of Atlanta with the highest of standards for years," Mayor Dickens remarked, per an announcement on the City of Atlanta's official website.
Having made history back in 2010 as Chief Judge of the City of Forest Park Municipal Court, becoming the city's first African American female in that role, Pitts' career has been distinguished by her positions across various courts, including the Fulton County Juvenile and Magistrate Courts, the Clayton County Magistrate Court, and a magistrate and judicial officer in the Fulton County Superior Court's family division. During serving with integrity and fairness, Pitts has stated, “I am extremely excited to continue to serve the citizens of Atlanta. I will continue to be efficient, serving with integrity and fairness, and offer mercy whenever possible,” as noted by the city's website.
In addition to her judicial roles, Pitts has lead her own private practice since 1996 and has been involved as a mediator and neutral third-party with the Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution. Her legal expertise is recognized beyond the courtroom, with her contribution to Georgia State University College of Law as a part-time professor teaching Family Law. Further evidencing her dedication to service, Pitts participates in various professional and community organizations, ranging from the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
The court's Chief Judge Christopher E. Ward anticipates Pitts' contribution to the Municipal Court: “We look forward to Judge Allyson Pitts joining the Municipal Court of Atlanta as our 10th judge. Judge Pitts has earned a reputation as a fair and highly competent jurist dedicated to the aims of justice. I am certain with this appointment by Mayor Dickens, Judge Pitts will enhance the courts status as best in class,” Ward expressed, acknowledging her reputation as a fair jurist and her dedication to the aims of justice. Pitts is no stranger to honors, having received numerous awards, including being named one of Georgia’s Rising Stars in Atlanta Magazine. Her leadership has been further acknowledged by awards like the Gate City Bar Association Judicial Section Thelma Wyatt Moore Legacy Award and the Horace Ward Legacy Award, as reported by the City of Atlanta's official website.
Bolstering the bench alongside Judge Pitts are four newly appointed Pro Hac Judges: April Williams, Bray Taylor, Jeffrey Lee, and Zenobia Waters, who are set to serve intermittently as need demands. Together, they enhance the bench strength of the Municipal Court of Atlanta.
