Hon. Matthew Simmons

Judge Matthew O. Simmons has served as a Superior Court Judge in Clayton County for 24 years, including his role as Chief Judge for four years. During his tenure, he presided over various civil cases and was an active member of the Judicial Council of Georgia. Prior to his judicial career, Simmons practiced law from 1979 to 1992, focusing on areas such as business law, commercial real estate, wills, estate planning, and taxation. He also held significant political office, serving as City Councilman from 1983 to 1986 and Mayor of Forest Park from 1987 to 1991. Additionally, he was an adjunct professor at Clayton Junior College.<br/><br/>In his professional capacity, Simmons has been licensed as an attorney in Griffin, Georgia, since 1977. He holds a J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law, earned cum laude in 1979, and an LL.M. in Taxation from Emory University in 1982. He also has a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Georgia, magna cum laude, in 1976.<br/><br/>Professionally, Simmons is affiliated with several organizations, including the Judicial Council of Georgia, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Peach State Bank. He has also been the President of Clayton County Municipal Association, Peach State Bank, and Friends of Clayton Developmental Services, Inc. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia.