Ga. Chief Justice Harold Melton Talks About His Decision To Leave Post Early

Jim Burress • Feb 12, 2021

Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton, shown in 2019, is leaving his post and his last day will be July 1, marking his 30th year working in state government and 16 years with the court.

Credit Jim Burress / wabe

Georgia’s Chief Justice Harold Melton announced Friday that he will leave the state Supreme Court this summer.

Melton’s last day on July 1 will mark his 30th year working in state government, and 16 years with the court. The chief justice said that it’s the best time for him to explore new opportunities, but he doesn’t know where the next move will take him.

“This fall, all of our three children will be attending college at the same time. Now is the best time for me to explore opportunities for the next season of life that will allow me to best serve our legal community and my extended family. I do not now know what my next move will be. With this announcement, I can begin the search process in earnest,” Melton said in a release.

Melton is leaving his post a year and two months before his four-year term as chief justice comes to an end.

WABE’s “All Things Considered” host Jim Burress asked Melton what prompted him to leave early.

Lily Oppenheimer contributed to this report.