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Kierston obtained both her bachelor’s degree in accounting and her Master’s in Public Administration degree from the University of West Georgia. She then earned a law degree from John Marshall Law School. She attends Tabernacle Baptist Church in Carrollton with her family. 

Kierston began working in the court in high school and was appointed as an Assistant Magistrate in 2016. She is a partner at McMahan, Perry, and Phillips in Carrollton, where the majority of her work is in litigation. 

Kierston M. Phillips' campaign for chief magistrate is her first entry into politics.

As a partner at McMahan, Perry, and Phillips, works in litigation, and is a licensed mediator in general civil mediation, family/domestic, juvenile delinquency and domestic violence.

Was admitted to practice law in Georgia in 2013.

- As a partner at McMahan, Perry, and Phillips, works in litigation, and is a licensed mediator in general civil mediation, family/domestic, juvenile delinquency and domestic violence.
- Was admitted to practice law in Georgia in 2013.

Legal Experience

As of June 6, 2025, Kierston M Phillips’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Apply the law fairly for everyone"

Plans to apply the law fairly for everyone.

Supports upholding Carroll County values and public safety, maintaining law and order, while ensuring fairness and leniency for minor, first-time offenders in judicial administration.

- Plans to apply the law fairly for everyone.
- Supports upholding Carroll County values and public safety, maintaining law and order, while ensuring fairness and leniency for minor, first-time offenders in judicial administration.

Judicial Administration

Said, "With deep roots in Carroll County, I am committed to keeping our community a great and safe place to live for our children."

Supports maintaining Carroll County as a safe, desirable place for children through dedicated community service, emphasizing the significance of an impactful yet often overlooked judicial role requiring a candidate with a solid track record, integrity, and extensive experience.

Said, "Work with law enforcement to keep us safe"

Wants to work with law enforcement to keep the community safe.

- Said, "With deep roots in Carroll County, I am committed to keeping our community a great and safe place to live for our children."
- Supports maintaining Carroll County as a safe, desirable place for children through dedicated community service, emphasizing the significance of an impactful yet often overlooked judicial role requiring a candidate with a solid track record, integrity, and extensive experience.
- Wants to work with law enforcement to keep the community safe.

Community Involvement

Facebook

Kierston M Phillips

Nathaniel is a graduate of Oklahoma City University School of Law and the University of West Georgia. He is married and has three children. The family attends Great Savior Baptist Church. He is actively involved in his community and serves on the Board of Directors for Carrollton Main Street, Healing Carroll County Families, Inc., Community Action for Improvement (CAFI), and is an advisor and board member for Carroll County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Nathaniel has experience as the director of Juvenile Court Legal Services, Inc. Prior to his career in public office, he served in the U.S. Navy and is a decorated veteran. During his time in the Navy, he had various assignments, including working as an analyst for Sub-Sahara Africa at the U.S. European Command Joint Analysis Center (EUCOM JAC) and serving as a US Navy Analyst and Operations Officer for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and other agencies involved in the War on Terrorism.

Nathaniel Smith is the current Chief Magistrate Judge for the Carroll County Magistrate Court, appointed by Chief Superior Court Judge John Simpson.

Has experience as a Superior Court Judge pro-tempore, municipal court judge, a juvenile court judge pro-tempore, a chief juvenile prosecutor, a public defender, a guardian ad litem, and a Special Assistant District Attorney in the public sphere.

Has experience as the Chief Magistrate Judge for the Carroll County Magistrate Court.

Has experience in private practice as the Managing Attorney at the Law Offices of Nathaniel L. Smith, P.C.

- Has experience as a Superior Court Judge pro-tempore, municipal court judge, a juvenile court judge pro-tempore, a chief juvenile prosecutor, a public defender, a guardian ad litem, and a Special Assistant District Attorney in the public sphere.
- Has experience as the Chief Magistrate Judge for the Carroll County Magistrate Court.
- Has experience in private practice as the Managing Attorney at the Law Offices of Nathaniel L. Smith, P.C.

As of June 6, 2025, Nathaniel Smith’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Is an advisor and board member for the Carroll County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Is a pastor at Great Savior Baptist Church.

- Is an advisor and board member for the Carroll County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
- Is a pastor at Great Savior Baptist Church.

LinkedIn

Nathaniel Smith

- Magistrate Courts hear civil cases only in amounts less than $15,000. There are no jury trials in Magistrate Court. 
- Magistrate Courts hear landlord tenant dispossessory cases (i.e. a case where a landlord is seeking an eviction of their tenant) and can order evictions. 
- The Chief Magistrate can determine procedures for managing the cases in front of the Magistrate. For example, in Fulton County the Chief Magistrate informs parties in landlord tenant dispossessory cases on the benefits of mediation and provides on-site mediators to resolve landlord tenant disputes before the parties appear in front of the judge. 
- Magistrate Courts only have jurisdiction over their respective counties. Each county has its own magistrate court. Magistrate Court Judge term lengths vary per county, however most serve four year terms. Local Superior Court Judges set parameters for Magistrate Courts. 