Hon. T. Russell McClelland

T. Russell McClelland III is the Chief Judge of the State Court of Forsyth County, a position he has held since 2003. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Forsyth County from 1984 to 1992 and later served as Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit. In 1996, he co-founded the law firm of Dreger & McClelland. He has been a Judge of the State Court of Forsyth County since 2003 and became its Chief Judge in 2013. Judge McClelland is also the Immediate Past President of the Council of State Court Judges and has been actively involved in various community organizations, including the Cumming-Forsyth County Optimist Club, Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Forsyth, and the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit's Vestry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Armstrong State College and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Georgia.<br/><br/>His professional achievements include his work with accountability courts and his involvement in numerous community organizations. He has been recognized for his leadership and service to the legal profession and the community.<br/><br/>Key Elements:<br/>- Experience: 38 years in legal practice, including roles as Assistant District Attorney, Chief Assistant District Attorney, partner at a law firm, and judge.<br/>- Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Juris Doctor.<br/>- Skills: Legal expertise, leadership, community service.<br/>- Achievements: Leadership with accountability courts, serving on multiple bar associations, presidency of the Council of State Court Judges, and involvement in various community organizations.