Staff Directory-Benjamin Makin

Benjamin is from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He received a bachelor's degree in English literature from Oklahoma State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia. Benjamin is married and has two children.

Before becoming a judge, Benjamin was an attorney at Western Circuit Public Defender’s Office.

Benjamin Makin is currently Chief Magistrate in Clarke County. He was appointed in 2022. Previously, he served as a magistrate judge from 2012-2022.

Represented individuals charged with a crime who were not able to afford legal representation as a public defender.

Handled first appearances, preliminary hearings, pre-warrant application hearings, eviction cases, garnishments, personal property foreclosures, and civil claims up to $15,000 as a magistrate judge.

Has a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia.

- Serves as Chief Magistrate since 2022.
- Represented individuals charged with a crime who were not able to afford legal representation as a public defender.
- Handled first appearances, preliminary hearings, pre-warrant application hearings, eviction cases, garnishments, personal property foreclosures, and civil claims up to $15,000 as a magistrate judge.
- Has a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia.

Legal Experience

As of April 23, 2024, Benjamin Makin did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Served as the President of the Board of Directors of the Athens Nurses Clinic, a non-profit organization that provides medical care to low income individuals in the Athens area.

Mentor for the Clarke County Mentor Program since 2014.

Recipient of the University of Georgia School of Law’s Shelley D. Knox Equal Justice Award for Outstanding Public Service in 2004 and the Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School Volunteer of the Year in 2018.

Member of the Clarke County School District Local School Governance Team.

Fosters for the Circle of Friends Animal Society.

- Served as the President of the Board of Directors of the Athens Nurses Clinic, a non-profit organization that provides medical care to low income individuals in the Athens area.
- Mentor for the Clarke County Mentor Program since 2014.
- Recipient of the University of Georgia School of Law’s Shelley D. Knox Equal Justice Award for Outstanding Public Service in 2004 and the Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School Volunteer of the Year in 2018.
- Member of the Clarke County School District Local School Governance Team.
- Fosters for the Circle of Friends Animal Society.

Community Involvement

Benjamin Makin

- 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. 