Judy C. King | Gwinnett Circuit, Post 2

Candidate Statement

Attorneys and judges should be treated with respect by the State Bar and disciplinary proceedings should be fair and properly administered. We must continue to guard against the tendency of authorities to overreact to public pressure and increase discipline to the point lawyers can no longer be effective advocates for their clients. State Bar budgets must be properly managed to avoid unnecessary license fee increases. State Bar programs that assist lawyers in the day-to-day challenges of practicing law must be available to all members and must be effective. If I am reelected to the Board of Governors, I will continue to devote my time and efforts to benefit Gwinnett lawyers as I have done since I was first elected to represent Gwinnett lawyers in 2002. I invite questions and suggestions from all sources to help me provide the best possible representation of Gwinnett lawyers.

Education

• DeKalb College (1973–1978)
• Atlanta Law School, J.D. (1981)

Personal/Family

In her personal time, Judy enjoys boating, travelling, previously serving as treasurer and currently secretary for her neighborhood association, and spending time with her friends and family. Judy was happily married to the love of her life, Richard Bell, for more than 34 years before his passing in August 2024. Judy is excited and passionate about continuing to serve her fellow Gwinnett lawyers at the State Bar of Georgia and is prepared to devote her time and energy to issues that matter most to her Gwinnett lawyers.

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

Judy is a Georgia native, having graduated from South Gwinnett High School and DeKalb College. Judy attended Atlanta Law School and became a member of the State Bar of Georgia in 1981. Judy served as a law clerk to Hon. Clyde Henley, Superior Court judge, for two years where she acquired invaluable knowledge and experience in the legal profession prior to going into private practice. Judy has practiced alone and with firms of 4-5 lawyers throughout her 40-year career and is familiar with the challenges small firms face. Judy has maintained a practice in the areas of domestic relations and general civil matters. She has devoted countless hours to her clients during the most difficult periods of their lives, while providing gentle and compassionate expertise combined with staunch advocacy in the courtroom. During her years in practice, Judy has also devoted herself to serving Gwinnett lawyers by serving as president-elect, president, secretary and treasurer of the Gwinnett County Bar Association. Judy has served as one of Gwinnett County’s four members of the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors since 2002, chairing the Fee Arbitration Committee since 2015, serving on the Investigative Panel, and being an active member of the Family Law Section and the General Practice & Trial Law Section since 2009.