Supreme Court of Georgia Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs has initiated the formation of a committee to address the civil justice gap in Georgia. This gap affects many rural and low-income residents who struggle to obtain legal representation for non-criminal issues.
The newly established Supreme Court Study Committee on Legal Regulatory Reform will be led by Justice Carla Wong McMillian, with Georgia Court of Appeals Presiding Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard serving as vice-chair. The 13-member committee is tasked with delivering recommendations by June 2025 to enhance access to civil legal services for underserved Georgians, while ensuring that high standards for legal practitioners are upheld.
Justice McMillian emphasized the court's constitutional duty to regulate law practice, stating: “The Supreme Court of Georgia is vested by the Georgia Constitution with the responsibility to regulate the practice of law to ensure that the public is protected and that the people of Georgia receive competent legal counsel." She also mentioned potential avenues where non-lawyers could be trained to assist clients unable to afford lawyers or those living in areas without available lawyers.
Judge Dillard highlighted his personal connection to the issue: “Being from Central Georgia, I understand just how crucial it is to carefully examine this important issue.” He expressed eagerness in collaborating with various stakeholders to find effective solutions.
State Bar of Georgia President Ivy Cadle, who appointed five members of the committee, expressed support for exploring new opportunities: “We share the Supreme Court of Georgia’s desire to explore innovative opportunities to serve the citizens of Georgia while balancing the mission of the legal profession: to protect the public and improve the quality of legal services.”
The National Center for State Courts will provide technical assistance throughout this initiative.