Leah Ward Sears is a legal professional and public figure who served as a judge and chief justice in the state of Georgia, United States. Born on June 13, 1955, in Heidelberg, Germany, Sears is renowned for her significant contributions to the legal field and her commitment to equality and justice.
Sears obtained her J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 1980. She began her legal career as an attorney and later a partner at the law firm Alston & Bird. In 1992, Sears was appointed by Georgia Governor Zell Miller to the Supreme Court of Georgia, becoming the first woman and youngest justice to serve on the state's highest court. She demonstrated exceptional skills and a commitment to upholding the law, earning her the respect of her colleagues and the public.
In 2005, Sears reached another milestone in her career as she was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, making her the first African American woman to hold this position in Georgia. During her time as Chief Justice, Sears was an advocate for fairness and impartiality, promoting reforms such as alternative sentencing and drug courts aimed at reducing recidivism and improving the justice system.
Even after retiring from the Supreme Court in 2009, Sears continued to contribute to the legal field. She joined various prestigious organizations and institutions, including the American Arbitration Association and the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services. Additionally, Sears has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her achievements and dedication to public service.
In summary, Leah Ward Sears is an influential and trailblazing legal professional, known for her groundbreaking positions as the first woman to serve on the Georgia Supreme Court and as the first African American woman to hold the position of Chief Justice in the state. Her commitment to fairness
