Trellis Law: Judge Elizabeth E Coolidge: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

LinkedIn

Savannah Morning News: Meet the judicial candidates

Elizabeth and her husband Hermann have one son. They attend St. James Catholic Church. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Willamette University and her Juris Doctor from Mercer University Walter F George School of Law. 

Elizabeth is a judge for the Chatham County state court. Previously, she was an Attorney at Crouch & Coolidge which became Coolidge Law Group. She started as an assistant public defender in the Public Defender's Office. 

Elizabeth is a judge for the Chatham County State Court and was elected in 2020. 

Earned her Juris Doctor from Mercer University Walter F George School of Law.

Serves as a judge for the Chatham County State Court. In this role, she presides over legal proceedings, interprets laws, and ensures fair application of the law within their jurisdiction. She is also the Director of the Chatham County Indigent Defense Unit/Misdemeanor Defense Office—where she oversees the provision of legal defense for individuals who cannot afford representation in misdemeanor cases within the county.

Managed legal cases, oversaw operations, and provided counsel to clients on various legal matters as an attorney, owner, and director at Coolidge Law Group. 

Provided legal representation to indigent clients, conducted legal research, and prepared defense strategies as an assistant public defender.

- Earned her Juris Doctor from Mercer University Walter F George School of Law.
- Serves as a judge for the Chatham County State Court. In this role, she presides over legal proceedings, interprets laws, and ensures fair application of the law within their jurisdiction. She is also the Director of the Chatham County Indigent Defense Unit/Misdemeanor Defense Office—where she oversees the provision of legal defense for individuals who cannot afford representation in misdemeanor cases within the county.
- Managed legal cases, oversaw operations, and provided counsel to clients on various legal matters as an attorney, owner, and director at Coolidge Law Group. 
- Provided legal representation to indigent clients, conducted legal research, and prepared defense strategies as an assistant public defender.

Legal Experience

As of June 24, 2025, Elizabeth Emery Coolidge did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

President of the Rotary Club of Savannah Sunrise.

Served on the Board of Directors for Coastal Children's Advocacy center.

Founding member of St. Josephs/Candler's 1804 Club.

- President of the Rotary Club of Savannah Sunrise.
- Served on the Board of Directors for Coastal Children's Advocacy center.
- Founding member of St. Josephs/Candler's 1804 Club.

Community Involvement

Elizabeth Emery Coolidge

- Despite their name, State Courts in Georgia have limited jurisdiction within their county. State Court Judges also have limited jurisdiction over the types of cases they hear, as opposed to Superior Court. 
- State Court Judges hear misdemeanors, like traffic tickets. They also issue arrest and search warrants and hold preliminary hearings in some criminal cases. 
- State Court Judges hear most civil matters that aren't related to land titles, divorce, or cases involving non-monetary damages (those matters are handled by the Superior Court).
- State Court Judges are elected in non-partisan county wide elections and serve four year terms. The Governor can appoint State Court Judges when vacancies arise. 
