Hon. R. Rucker Smith

Judge R. Rucker Smith is a prominent figure in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit, serving as Chief Judge since 1993. He earned his law degree from Emory University School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Georgia in 1979. Smith has been re-elected to the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia and has served in various roles, including past chairman of the Judicial Section, Long-Range Planning Committee, and Bench & Bar Committee. He has been a judge since 1993 and previously worked as an assistant and chief assistant district attorney in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit.<br/><br/>Experience:<br/>- Private practice, Atlanta, 1979-1981;<br/>- Assistant District Attorney, Southwestern Judicial Circuit, Americus, 1981-1983;<br/>- Chief Assistant District Attorney, Southwestern Judicial Circuit, Americus, 1983-1992;<br/>- Judge, Southwestern Judicial Circuit Superior Court, since 1993.<br/><br/>Education:<br/>- Bachelor, University of Florida, 1976;<br/>- Doctor of Laws, Emory University School of Law, 1979.<br/><br/>Professional Affiliations:<br/>- Member, State Bar of Georgia;<br/>- Past chairman, Judicial Section, Long-Range Planning Committee, and Bench & Bar Committee of the State Bar of Georgia;<br/>- Member, Georgia State Democratic Committee;<br/>- Past president, Sumter History Society and Sumter County Council on Child Abuse;<br/>- Member, Kiwanis.