C. Sutton Connelly | Lookout Mountain Circuit, Post 1

Candidate Statement

My name is Christopher Sutton Connelly, and I respectfully request your vote to once again serve as the Post 1 representative for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit on the State Bar of Georgia’s Board of Governors. I have practiced law in this circuit since 2009, and it has been my privilege to work within a community of attorneys whose professionalism and dedication reflect the highest ideals of our profession. It would be an honor to return to the Board and continue this work with you.

As the managing partner of Cook & Connelly, LLC—founded in 1949 by my grandfather, Bobby Lee Cook—I have committed my career to both civil and criminal litigation, as well as post-judgment and appellate matters. My practice has afforded me the opportunity to serve clients from all walks of life, and I have consistently accepted appointed cases and pro bono work to help ensure meaningful access to justice within our circuit.

During my previous service on the Board of Governors and through my appointment to the State Bar’s Disciplinary Board in 2019, I gained valuable perspective on the challenges and responsibilities that accompany Bar governance. I remain committed to protecting the integrity of our profession, supporting ethical practice and ensuring that the Bar continues to serve its members effectively and responsibly.

If granted the opportunity to serve again, I intend to focus on issues that directly impact our membership, including maintaining reasonable and appropriate Bar license fees, supporting rural practitioners, strengthening member engagement and continuing efforts to expand access to Georgia’s courts. I believe that thoughtful, steady leadership is essential to addressing these needs.

I am grateful for your consideration, and I would welcome the opportunity to work alongside you once more in service to our profession and to the people of Georgia.

Education

• Georgia State University College of Law, J.D. (May 2009)
• Johannes Kepler University, Academy in International Commercial Arbitration (2007)
• Southern Methodist University, B.A. in Political Science (December 2005)

Personal/Family

• Sutton Connelly is a native of Chattooga County and has practiced law in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit since 2009. He resides in Northwest Georgia with his wife, Susan S. Connelly, and their two children.
• Sutton enjoys spending time with family, supporting the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons, and taking advantage of the outdoors. He values community, faith and family. He considers his greatest accomplishment to be the solid foundation he and his wife have built for his children.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• Sutton is the managing partner of Cook & Connelly, LLC, a firm founded in 1949 by his grandfather, the late Bobby Lee Cook.
• Since his admission to the State Bar of Georgia in 2009, his practice has focused on both civil and criminal litigation, including experience in post-judgment and appellate matters. He has also served as a public defender for the Town of Trion in the Municipal Court and he continues to accept both appointed and pro bono cases. Sutton is admitted to practice before all Georgia state courts, the Court of Appeals of Georgia, the Supreme Court of Georgia, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Georgia, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
• Sutton has been actively involved in the State Bar of Georgia for many years. He previously served on the Board of Governors from 2018 through 2022. He was appointed to the State Bar’s Disciplinary Board in 2019. His service with Young Lawyers Division began in 2011, and he was selected for the Leadership Academy in 2014. He is a member of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American Bar Association.
• Sutton also serves his community through leadership roles, including service on the Board of Directors of Southeast First National Bank in Summerville and as a past president of the Paradise Garden Foundation.

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

Sutton believes the State Bar must continue to uphold the integrity and professionalism of the legal community while ensuring access to justice for all Georgians. Strengthening engagement with members—particularly in rural circuits—promoting diversity and participation, maintaining high ethical standards through effective regulation, and supporting lawyers in navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape are among the most pressing priorities. He is committed to ensuring that the State Bar remains accessible, member-focused, and dedicated to improving the administration of justice across Georgia.