News Archive
Latest News
Filter by Type
Georgia legal community mourns loss of Judge Rusty Smith
May 7, 2025, 10:01
by
Ashley Stollar
The Clayton Tribune
The Northeast Georgian, Cornelia
The Toccoa Record
To the Editor:
On behalf of the State Bar of Georgia, I would like to express condolences to the family, colleagues and many friends of Mountain Judicial Circuit Chief Superior Court Judge Russell W. “Rusty” Smith on his untimely passing at the age of 61.
A member of the Georgia Bar since 1989, Judge Smith was a partner with the law firm of Sanders, Smith & Ranck from 1993 to 2010 and served as county attorney for Stephens County from 2002 to 2007. He was appointed as a Superior Court judge in 2010 and during his tenure established and presided over the Accountability Court programs for the Mountain Circuit, covering Habersham, Rabun and Stephens counties.
Judge Rusty Smith’s distinguished career of service is an inspiration to all members of the State Bar of Georgia. We are appreciative of his many contributions to the legal profession and justice system of our state. He will be missed and fondly remembered.
Sincerely,
Ivy N. Cadle
President, State Bar of Georgia
The Benefits of Membership
The benefits of membership include: