Submitted information and photos:
Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan F. Murphy has appointed Norman Barnett and Mellori Lumpkin-Dawson and re-appointed Judge Jennifer Inmon to serve as full-time Magistrate judges for the upcoming term. Those appointed were selected after an open application and interview process from a competitive field of well-qualified candidates.
“This top-notch team brings together sharp minds, hearts dedicated to service, and excellent legal experience,” said Judge Murphy. “Norman, Mellori, and Jennifer are people of genuine character with demonstrated records of hard work who will follow the law and truly listen to the people we serve. I’m excited for them to build on our work of increasing access to justice for our Cobb community.”
The Magistrate Court operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with a heavy criminal and civil caseload. Known as the People’s Court, the Magistrate Court provides an easily accessible forum to resolve disputes for tens of thousands of self-represented litigants annually. Presiding over initial hearings in most criminal cases, the Court also plays an essential role in considering public safety and the accused’s Constitutional rights. The Court’s 90-member team is committed to welcoming warmly, helping efficiently, and hearing fairly.
Norman Barnett
Norman Barnett currently serves as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, where he handles both criminal and civil matters. He has previously served as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Cobb County DA’s anti-gang unit and felony prosecutor in Douglas County. Mr. Barnett began his legal career in private practice, handling a wide variety of civil matters.
“I am grateful for the trust placed in me to serve as a Magistrate judge,” said Mr. Barnett, “I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to serve the Cobb County community in this role.”
Mr. Barnett is a proud “Double Dawg,” graduating twice from the University of Georgia where he played with the Redcoat Marching Band. He is a leader with the State Bar’s High School Mock Trial program and uses his musical talents in the Atlanta Bar Association’s popular “Courthouse Line” productions. Mr. Barnett resides in Smyrna with his family.
Mellori Lumpkin-Dawson
Mellori Lumpkin-Dawson is a skilled litigator with a large, global law firm. She has previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Civil Elder Justice Coordinator for the Northern District of Georgia. Before entering public service, Ms. Lumpkin-Dawson handled complex litigation with her current firm and another large international law firm.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Cobb County Magistrate Court,” said Ms. Lumpkin-Dawson, “I look forward to serving the citizens of Cobb County and ensuring fairness, transparency, and accessibility to the Court.”
A graduate of Florida A&M University and the University of California Berkeley Law School, Ms. Lumpkin-Dawson is active in the profession and community. She serves as a Board member of the Georgia Appellate Practice & Educational Resource Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church Missionary Union. Ms. Lumpkin-Dawson is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and resides in Smyrna with her family.
Judge Jennifer Inmon
Judge Jennifer Inmonhas distinguished herself on the Cobb Magistrate Court bench for 25 years. Before serving full-time, she also managed her private practice for two decades. Judge Inmon started her legal career at the People’s Court as a law clerk to then-Chief Magistrate Judge Vic Reynolds.
“It has been my privilege to have served the Magistrate Court of Cobb County as a Magistrate Judge,” said Judge Inmon, “I am humbled by the confidence Judge Murphy has placed in me by reappointing me as a full-time judge, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of this community as a member of the People’s Court.”
Judge Inmon is a knowledgeable leader in the statewide Council of Magistrate Court Judges. She currently serves as Chair of the Rules Committee and as a member of the Benchbook Committee. Judge Inmon previously served as District Representative for the 7th Judicial District. She is a frequent instructor and mentor judge with the Magistrate Court Training Council. Judge Inmon is a Wittenburg University and Vanderbilt University School of Law graduate. She resides in East Cobb with her family.
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