Shermela is originally from Atlanta. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University and her law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. She serves as a Worship Facilitator at IMPACT United Methodist Church. 

Shermela serves as the Chief Judge of the Family Division of the Fulton County Superior Court. Previously, she was a prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, plaintiff, and civil defense lawyer. She was a Senior Litigation Associate at Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP and a Senior Assistant District Attorney.

Shermela J. Williams was elected to the Fulton County Superior Court in June 2020. She serves as the Chief Judge of the Family Division of the Fulton County Superior Court.

Candidate website

Believes in a robust legal background, with over 15 years in litigation, roles in prosecution and defense, and recognition for her work in family law, premises liability, and serious criminal cases.

Has over 15 years of experience in litigation and trials, including roles in prosecution and defense, trying both misdemeanors and felony cases

Has tried over 25 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials.

As a prosecutor, specialized in murder and sexual assault cases.

Received the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Trial Court Lawyer of the Year and Trial Court Best All-Around Lawyer awards in 2012.

Selected Lawyer to Watch by Attorney-At-Law Magazine in 2018 and Mentor of the Year by The Daily Report in 2019.

- Has over 15 years of experience in litigation and trials, including roles in prosecution and defense, trying both misdemeanors and felony cases
- Has tried over 25 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials.
- As a prosecutor, specialized in murder and sexual assault cases.
- Received the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Trial Court Lawyer of the Year and Trial Court Best All-Around Lawyer awards in 2012.
- Selected Lawyer to Watch by Attorney-At-Law Magazine in 2018 and Mentor of the Year by The Daily Report in 2019.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Shermela J. Williams’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Believes in managing a vast docket with efficiency, ensuring fair and dignified treatment for all, and blending law with compassion and creativity in problem-solving as Chief Judge of the Family Division.

Believes in managing cases with efficiency, ensuring fair and dignified treatment for all, and blending law with compassion and creativity in problem-solving.

- Believes in managing cases with efficiency, ensuring fair and dignified treatment for all, and blending law with compassion and creativity in problem-solving.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Said, "Whether it is sitting on the bench or volunteering with our youth, I strive each day to make Fulton a better place for ALL of us."

Believes in serving the community that nurtured them by being a judge who is involved both in the courtroom and through volunteer work, aiming to enhance the lives of local families and youth in Fulton.

Said, "Our kids, our families, our community and our county need and deserve a judge who serves in the courtroom and the community. I am that judge! I have dedicated my career to public service and bettering the community in which I live."

Served as the director of the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office’s Domestic Violence Task Force, and was a member of the Fulton County Gender Equality Initiative Panel.

Was an adjunct professor at Spelman College for over a decade

Led youth leadership programs for five years and created GirlsLead, which focuses on empowering girls to be leaders.

Received the Outstanding Service Award from We All Value Excellence (WAVE), a non-profit organization "committed to servicing and empowering youth."

- Served as the director of the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office’s Domestic Violence Task Force, and was a member of the Fulton County Gender Equality Initiative Panel.
- Was an adjunct professor at Spelman College for over a decade
- Led youth leadership programs for five years and created GirlsLead, which focuses on empowering girls to be leaders.
- Received the Outstanding Service Award from We All Value Excellence (WAVE), a non-profit organization "committed to servicing and empowering youth."

Community Involvement

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Shermela J. Williams

Shermela received her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and her Bachelor of Arts from Howard University. She serves as a Worship Facilitator at IMPACT United Methodist Church. She is a native of Atlanta.

Has tried over 25 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials

As a prosecutor, specialized in murder and sexual assault cases

Received the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Trial Court Lawyer of the Year and Trial Court Best All-Around Lawyer awards in 2012

Selected Lawyer to Watch by Attorney-At-Law magazine in 2018 and Mentor of the Year by The Daily Report in 2019

- Has over 15 years of experience in litigation and trials, including roles in prosecution and defense, trying both misdemeanors and felony cases
- Has tried over 25 jury trials and hundreds of bench trials
- As a prosecutor, specialized in murder and sexual assault cases
- Received the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office Trial Court Lawyer of the Year and Trial Court Best All-Around Lawyer awards in 2012
- Selected Lawyer to Watch by Attorney-At-Law magazine in 2018 and Mentor of the Year by The Daily Report in 2019

Served as the Director of the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office’s Domestic Violence Task Force and was a member of the Fulton County Gender Equality Initiative Panel

Was an Adjunct Professor at Spelman College for over a decade

Led youth leadership programs for five years and created GirlsLead which focuses on empowering girls to be leaders.

Received the Outstanding Service Award from We All Value Excellence (WAVE), a non-profit organization committed to servicing and empowering youth

- Served as the Director of the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office’s Domestic Violence Task Force and was a member of the Fulton County Gender Equality Initiative Panel
- Was an Adjunct Professor at Spelman College for over a decade
- Led youth leadership programs for five years and created GirlsLead which focuses on empowering girls to be leaders.
- Received the Outstanding Service Award from We All Value Excellence (WAVE), a non-profit organization committed to servicing and empowering youth

As of April 3, 2024, Shermela J. Williams’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judge Shermela J. Williams serves as the Chief Judge of the Family Division of the Fulton County Superior Court. She was elected to this position in June 2020 and began her term in January 2021. Prior to her current role, specific details about her previous professional positions are not provided.

Judge Shermela J. Williams was elected to the Fulton County Superior Court in June 2020 and began her term in January 2021. She currently serves as the Chief Judge of the Family Division of the Fulton County Superior Court. She is running for re-election.

- Georgia Superior Court Judges hear a wide range of criminal cases from petty theft and public drunkenness to murder. Some cases in front of the Georgia Superior Court involve the death penalty. 
- On the civil side, Superior Court Judges hear cases on divorce, titles to land, contract disputes, and premises liability. 
- Superior Court Judges are elected by judicial circuit. Each county surrounding Atlanta has its own judicial circuit, while rural judicial districts typically consist of multiple counties.
- Superior Court Judges are elected to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. The Governor can appoint Superior Court Judges when vacancies arise. 