Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brian Rickman is on the short list of of eleven recommended candidates for three new positions on the Georgia Court of Appeals.
He was among 42 of the 110 applicants chosen to interview for the job with the governor’s Judicial Nominating Commission. The commission released the names of the finalists Tuesday, October 6.
When contacted by Now Habersham for comment, Rickman emailed this response:
“It is a privilege just to be considered, and to be included in such an experienced and accomplished group of lawyers and judges. But it is also important for me to stay grounded, and to stay focused during this process on the work we have in the district attorneys office.”
Rickman currently serves as District Attorney for Habersham, Rabun and Stephens Counties.
The ten other appellate court judge finalists are:
- Patula Circuit Superior Court Chief Judge Joe Bishop;
- Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville;
- Georgia Solicitor General Britt Grant;
- Brunswick Circuit Superior Court Judge Stephen Kelley;
- Appalachian Circuit Superior Court Judge Amanda Mercier;
- Nels Peterson, vice chancellor for legal affairs for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia;
- Fulton State Court Judge Eric Richardson;
- Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz shareholder Charles “Buck” Ruffin;
- Western Circuit Superior Court Judge Lawton Stephens; and
- Fulton Superior Court Chief Judge Gail Tusan.
Gov. Deal will appoint three judges from among those on the list. The new justices will take office January first.
The state legislature this year expanded the number of seats on the Georgia Court of Appeals from 12 to 15 to help ease the court’s caseload.
