"THEIR INSIGHT, EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE PROVIDED US WITH INVALUABLE GUIDANCE DURING TIMES WHEN WE FACED CRITICAL DECISIONS."
Lewis Massey - Massey, Watson & Hembree
PCW Attorney Presents New Chief Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals
June 28, 2013
On June 25, 2013, the Honorable Herbert E. Phipps became Chief Judge of the Georgia Court of Appeals. Judge Phipps was born in Baker County in South Georgia, and practiced law and served as a trial judge in Dougherty County before being appointed to the Court of Appeals. He was elected as Chief Judge by his fellow judges on the Court.
The investiture ceremony was described by one observer as “the most inspiring judicial investiture” he had ever seen. Judge Phipps asked PCW partner David Walbert to give the closing argument, or “final remarks,” at the ceremony. Judge Phipps and Walbert spoke of the importance of lawyers and judges being deeply committed to justice, and their obligation to serve as the “guardians of truth and justice.” Walbert spoke of the characteristics of a great judge, which Judge Phipps exemplifies – strong values and views, but an open mind; insight and understanding, but never thinking one has a monopoly on knowledge; and broad experience in life itself.
Judge Phipps and Walbert have been friends since law school, and they handled a number of significant cases together when Judge Phipps was practicing law. To watch the full presentation, click on the links below: