Hon. Donald W. Gillis

Chief Judge Donald W. Gillis has served in the Dublin Judicial Circuit and has been a District Administrative Judge since July 1, 2018. Prior to his judicial career, he practiced civil and criminal law in Douglas, Georgia, where he also served on the Judicial Council of Georgia. Judge Gillis was appointed as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Douglas and later served on the Circuit Juvenile Court. In 2001, he was appointed to the Superior Court by then-Gov. Roy Barnes and has been re-elected four times without opposition. He has also served on several commissions, including the Magnolia House Domestic Violence Shelter and the Domestic Violence Task Force. Judge Gillis was designated to hear a case at the Georgia Supreme Court in 2017. He resigned from his position as Chief Judge of the Dublin Judicial Circuit, creating a vacancy that is currently being filled.<br/><br/>Professional Background:<br/>- 1990: Graduated from Valdosta State College and Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law.<br/>- 1990-1995: Practiced civil and criminal law in Douglas, Georgia.<br/>- 1995-Present: Appointed to various judicial positions including Municipal Court Judge, Circuit Juvenile Court Judge, Superior Court Judge, and Chief Judge of the Dublin Judicial Circuit.<br/><br/>Education:<br/>- Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law.<br/>- Bachelor of Arts from Valdosta State College.<br/><br/>Professional Affiliations:<br/>- Member of the Judicial Council of Georgia.<br/>- Member of the Council of Superior Court Judges.<br/>