Hon. Diane E. Bessen

Judge Diane E. Bessen was appointed to the Fulton County State Court in July 2002 by Governor Roy Barnes and has been re-elected unopposed in each subsequent term. She holds a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from the same institution, which she earned in 1986. Over her judicial career, she has received several accolades, including the Unsung Hero Award from the Anti-Defamation League and the Professionalism Award from the Atlanta Bar Association. Additionally, she was honored with the Champion of Justice Award by the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association for her contributions to legal justice.<br/><br/>Before entering the bench, Judge Bessen served as a Fulton County Magistrate and acted as a Pro Hac Judge for the City of Atlanta Traffic Court. Her legal expertise extends beyond the courtroom; she has been an adjunct professor at Emory University School of Law, where she taught courses such as Medical Malpractice Litigation. She also contributed to legal literature by co-editing *The Atlanta Lawyer* and serving on various boards and committees within the legal profession.<br/><br/>Judge Bessen's professional affiliations include membership in key organizations such as the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia, the Council of State Court Judges, and the Lawyers’ Foundation of Georgia. She has held leadership roles, including past chair positions with the Judicial Section of the Atlanta Bar Association and the E-File Committee of the State Bar of Georgia. Her extensive experience in legal education, community service, and public office underscores her dedication to advancing justice within the legal system.