Trellis, Derek Jerome White Professional and Legal Background

JUDGE DEREK J. WHITE

Serves as a state court judge since 2020.

Served as an attorney and Senior Partner at the White Law Group representing clients in cases dealing with nursing home litigation, wrongful deaths, medical malpractice, tractor-trailer collisions, contracts, and wills.

Served as a court mediator, helping disagreeing parties talk to each other and find mutually agreeable solutions.

Oversaw and ruled in cases dealing with minor offenses such as public intoxication, public disorder, traffic violations, and local code violations.

- Serves as a state court judge since 2020.
- Served as an attorney and Senior Partner at the White Law Group representing clients in cases dealing with nursing home litigation, wrongful deaths, medical malpractice, tractor-trailer collisions, contracts, and wills.
- Served as a court mediator, helping disagreeing parties talk to each other and find mutually agreeable solutions.
- Oversaw and ruled in cases dealing with minor offenses such as public intoxication, public disorder, traffic violations, and local code violations.
- Has a law degree from Mercer University.

Legal Experience

As of May 9, 2025, Derek Jerome White did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Cites Christian faith as deeply influential in personal and professional life. 

- Cites Christian faith as deeply influential in personal and professional life. 

Judicial Philosophy

As a Chief Judge, White served as the administrative head of the court and helped determine the scheduling and order of cases heard.

- As a Chief Judge, White served as the administrative head of the court and helped determine the scheduling and order of cases heard.

Judicial Administration

President of the board of the Georgia Bar Association; serves on the Constitution and Rules committee.

Serves on the administration team at the Godley Station Church.

Previously served as Chairman of the Southern Tennis Foundation; is currently a trustee.

- President of the board of the Georgia Bar Association; serves on the Constitution and Rules committee.
- Serves on the administration team at the Godley Station Church.
- Previously served as Chairman of the Southern Tennis Foundation; is currently a trustee.

Community Involvement

Derek Jerome White

- 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. 
