Judge Leaving Bench for PI Firm

Griffin Circuit Chief Superior Court Judge Christopher Charles Edwards resigned his position after 22 years on the bench Monday, effective at 12:30 p.m., and joined the Mabra Law Firm to resume practicing as a trial lawyer.
“Serving the people of Georgia these past two decades has been the great honor of my life,” Edwards said in announcing his move Monday. “The time has come to return to my roots. I leave knowing that the Griffin Judicial Circuit is in good shape and good hands.”

“We are honored and pleased to welcome our good friend Judge Edwards into the family,” said Ronnie E. Mabra Jr., founder, and managing partner of the Mabra Firm. “His deep trial experience, intellect, passion, and drive are an ideal match for our growing firm.” Edwards plans to open a Griffin office for the personal injury firm and may also conduct arbitrations, and mediations or serve as a special master or investigator.
“We have been looking for some time to forge strategic partnerships with experienced Georgia trial lawyers,” Mabra said.
Edwards, 65, has been the circuit’s chief judge for the past decade. He was elected to his seventh term in 2018. His departure allows Gov. Brian Kemp the opportunity to appoint a new judge to fill the remainder of his term, which ends Dec. 31, 2022.

Edwards announced in December that he would be leaving but didn’t say when. He said then he felt it was not responsible for him to step down as chief judge while the Griffin Circuit—which includes Fayette, Spalding, Upson, and Pike counties—remained in tumult. But he said he now has confidence the circuit is in good hands and the time is right for a change. Two new judges have been appointed.

“I am a trial lawyer at heart. I spent the first 17 years of my career in courtrooms, on the other side of the bench.” Edwards said. “I am excited to try cases again.”