Rockdale County, Georgia: Judge Phinia Aten

Phinia received a bachelor's degree in public relations from Wayne State University and a law degree from Tulane University. 

Phinia previously worked as a private trial attorney for 14 years. She has also served as an adjunct college professor, a bar association president and an executive board member of several organizations. 

Phinia Aten is currently Chief Magistrate in Rockdale County. She has served as the Chief Magistrate since 2012. 

Earned her law degree from Tulane University and was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1998. 

As an attorney, Phinia handled criminal and civil litigation matters.

- Earned her law degree from Tulane University and was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 1998. 
- As an attorney, Phinia handled criminal and civil litigation matters.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Phinia Aten’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Received the Outstanding Citizen Recognition from the Georgia Secretary of State.

- Received the Outstanding Citizen Recognition from the Georgia Secretary of State.

Community Involvement

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Phinia Aten

- 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. 