Trellis Law: Judge Veronic Higgs Cope

Veronica was born and raised in Tarboro, North Carolina. She is a first-generation college student and earned her undergraduate degree in political science and African-American studies and a law degree from the University of North Carolina. She is the past president of the Georgia Lawyers' Foundation. Veronica is a resident of Grayson and the mother of three sons. 

Veronica has worked in civil litigation for eight years and in criminal defense for nine years. 

Veronica Cope is a state court judge in Gwinnett County. She was first elected in 2020. 

Candidate website

Has served as a state court judge since 2020.

Believes her 17 years in civil litigation and criminal defense, handling over 500 cases in Gwinnett County and experience in multiple states, positions her well for Gwinnett County State Court Judge.

Has 17 years of experience in civil litigation and criminal defense, handling over 500 cases in Gwinnett County.

Believes in providing legal defense, including pro bono work, with experience in commercial litigation, insurance defense, and family law, and has served as a child advocate and represented parents in family services matters since starting a solo practice in 2010.

Experienced in commercial litigation, insurance defense, and family law, and has served as a child advocate and represented parents in family service matters since 2010.

Has a law degree from the University of North Carolina.

- Has served as a state court judge since 2020.
- Has 17 years of experience in civil litigation and criminal defense, handling over 500 cases in Gwinnett County.
- Experienced in commercial litigation, insurance defense, and family law, and has served as a child advocate and represented parents in family service matters since 2010.
- Has a law degree from the University of North Carolina.

Legal Experience

As of April 23, 2024, Veronica Cope’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Believes in equal justice regardless of race, gender, wealth, or background, and supports impartial judges upholding "Justice for All." Plans to serve with humility, fairness, and impartiality as State Court Judge.

Believes in equal justice regardless of race, gender, wealth, or background, and supports impartial judges upholding "justice for all." 

Plans to uphold the law impartially as a judge, acknowledging that justice has been historically unbalanced, and commits to serving with fairness, professionalism, and integrity.

- Believes in equal justice regardless of race, gender, wealth, or background, and supports impartial judges upholding "justice for all." 
- Plans to uphold the law impartially as a judge, acknowledging that justice has been historically unbalanced, and commits to serving with fairness, professionalism, and integrity.

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Believes in community engagement, actively participates in Delta Sigma Theta's Gwinnett chapter, contributes to service projects, and supports underprivileged girls through past board membership with Cool Girls, while also giving back to her Tarboro hometown.

Member of Delta Sigma Theta's Gwinnett chapter and past board member for Cool Girls, a nonprofit organization for the empowerment of underprivileged girls.

Provides reduced fee and pro bono (free of charge) services as criminal defense attorney.

- Member of Delta Sigma Theta's Gwinnett chapter and past board member for Cool Girls, a nonprofit organization for the empowerment of underprivileged girls.
- Provides reduced fee and pro bono (free of charge) services as criminal defense attorney.

Community Involvement

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Veronica Cope

Veronica Cope was born and raised in Tarboro, North Carolina, and comes from a humble background. She is a first-generation college student and a 'double Tar Heel,' having earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Veronica is a resident of Grayson and a proud mother of three sons, Dustin, Robin Jr., and Dawson. There is no information provided about the church she attends.

As of May 3, 2024, Veronica Cope’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Believes in serving the community through law, with experience in business litigation, insurance defense, and as a solo practitioner focusing on criminal defense, juvenile cases, child custody, and guardian ad litem roles since 2010.

Believes Veronica Cope's diverse legal experience in civil litigation, insurance defense, personal injury, family law, and recent focus on criminal defense makes her highly qualified to serve as a judge in Gwinnett County.

Said, "… aprendí que, en realidad, las escalas de la justicia a menudo están desequilibradas y que, en la práctica, la justicia no siempre es ciega. Si tengo el privilegio de servir como juez, mi promesa es seguir la ley y repartir justicia de manera justa e imparcial. Estoy comprometido a hacer una diferencia y a continuar sirviendo a la comunidad con profesionalismo e integridad como juez del Tribunal State."

Believes in equal justice system access regardless of race, gender, wealth, or background, and advocates for impartial judges to uphold the principle of justice for all, pledging to serve with humility and fairness as a State Court Judge.

Believes in active community engagement, serving through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority initiatives, and empowering underprivileged girls with Cool Girls; aims to contribute to her Tarboro, North Carolina hometown.

The candidate's website says, "CHECK OUR EVENTS CALENDAR AND INDICATE IN YOUR MESSAGE WHICH EVENT(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED AS A GENERAL VOLUNTEER FOR FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES."

Supports community involvement through leadership roles in legal associations, including GAWL and its Gwinnett Chapter, and participation in the GABWA, GACDL, and local bar associations, emphasizing the advancement and interests of women lawyers in Georgia.

The candidate's website says, "BUSCAR EN NUESTRO CALENDARIO DE EVENTOS Y INDIQUE EN SU MENSAJE QUÉ EVENTO (S) DESEA (N) SER VOLUNTARIO (S) O SI LE GUSTARÍA FIGURAR COMO VOLUNTARIO GENERAL PARA FUTURAS OPORTUNIDADES."

Supports community involvement through her roles in legal associations, including board membership with GAWL, past presidency of the Georgia lawyers' foundation, and active participation in GABWA, GACDL, Gwinnett County Bar, and Atlanta Bar Association.

Said, "Volunteer Roundup and Appreciation This journey would not be possible without our VOLUNTEERS. This event is to show my appreciation to each and every Volunteer involved in my campaign."

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- 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. 
