By Joe Johnson
An Athens attorney has been appointed to fill a vacant Magistrate Court judgeship.
Donarell R. Green IV was appointed by Chief Magistrate Judge Patricia Barron to succeed Toni Pomerene who retired from the bench on July 31.
Green’s appointment was approved by the four Clarke County Superior Court judges.
The attorney’s investiture is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Sept. 1 on the front steps of the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse. Probate Court Judge Susan Tate is to preside over the ceremony. The public is invited to attend, with the requirements of social distancing and wearing face masks.
“Attorney Green will bring a wealth of legal knowledge to the Magistrate Court bench having practiced civil and criminal law for over 20 years,” Barron said. “His calm and professional demeanor will bring a balanced judicial temperament.”
Ever since Steve C. Jones was elevated in 2011 from Superior Court judge for Clarke and Oconee counties to U.S. District Judge for the Northern Circuit of Georgia, Barron has been the only Black judge in Athens.
“I have always strived to have the judiciary of the ‘People’s Court’ reflect the community based on race and gender,” Barron said. “Attorney Green’s unique perspective and life skills will serve the people of Athens-Clarke County very well.”
Green is a 1989 graduate of Clarke Central High School.
He and his brother, Freddrell, established the Green & Green law firm on West Hancock Avenue in 1999.
Green received his B.A. from Morris Brown College and his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. He is a member of the Torts Division of the Georgia Bar Association and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. He received the Civil Poverty Clinic Merit Award while at Stetson University, was honored by the Pro Bono Project of the State of Georgia in 1999.
He is admitted to practice in the Northern and Middle U.S. District Courts of Georgia as well as the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Green also taught a paralegal course at The Center for Legal Studies through The University of Georgia and has served as an Adjunct Professor for UGA's Domestic Violence Clinic.
He was included in the Top Attorneys of North America 2016 edition of the Who’s Who Directories.
Green, who spent time observing bond hearings in Magistrate Court on Friday, could not be reached for comment.