LinkedIn

She obtained a bachelor's in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a juris doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law 


State Bar of Georgia, Susan Edlein

Susan previously served as Chief Judge.  In addition to her civil and criminal case load, she works with the DUI Court, an accountability court for people with multiple DUI convictions. Before this, she was a Partner in the Litigation Section for Holland & Knight LLP. 

BallotPedia, Susan E. Edlein

Susan Eichler Edlein is a judge on the State Court of Fulton County. She has been in office since 2008.

Been a Judge for the Fulton County State Court for 16 years

Earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law

- Been a Judge for the Fulton County State Court for 16 years
- Earned her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law

Legal Experience

In 2013 the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) awarded Susan Edlein its highest honor, the Kathleen Kessler Award, which is given to a female attorney who exhibits the highest degree of professionalism and dedication to service in the legal community.

- In 2013 the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) awarded Susan Edlein its highest honor, the Kathleen Kessler Award, which is given to a female attorney who exhibits the highest degree of professionalism and dedication to service in the legal community.

Ethics & Conduct

As of June 23, 2025, Susan Eichler Edlein did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Daily Reports Online, 'I Was the Test Case': Fulton State Court Chief Judge Susan Edlein Welcomes Tech Upgrades Spurred by COVID

Worked to restructure how Court cases and backlog were handled at the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic, assisting and working as court-rooms transitioned into virtual spaces.

- Worked to restructure how Court cases and backlog were handled at the onset of the Covid-19 Pandemic, assisting and working as court-rooms transitioned into virtual spaces.

Judicial Administration

In 2017, GAWL awarded Edlein with the Honorable Debra Bernes Community Volunteer Award in recognition of exceptional service to the greater community through pro bono work and community service.

- In 2017, GAWL awarded Edlein with the Honorable Debra Bernes Community Volunteer Award in recognition of exceptional service to the greater community through pro bono work and community service.

Community Involvement

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Susan Eichler Edlein

- 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. 
