Atlanta. April 12, 2024. After 25 years of dedicated judicial service to the citizens of Georgia, Presiding Judge M. Yvette Miller will retire from the Court of Appeals at the end of her current term this year. A nonpartisan statewide election in May 2024 will determine her successor.
Presiding Judge Miller made history in 1999 when she became the first African-American woman to serve on the Court of Appeals when then-Gov. Roy Barnes appointed her. A decade later, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first woman of color to hold the position of Chief Judge on the court.
During her tenure as Chief Judge, Presiding Judge Miller spearheaded implementation of the e-filing initiative, a groundbreaking move that significantly enhanced access to the appellate court for attorneys and parties across the state of Georgia. This innovation underscored her commitment to advancing efficiency and inclusivity in all stages of the judicial process, ultimately allowing the court to continue all operations remotely throughout the pandemic.
Chief Judge Amanda Mercier said, “Presiding Judge Miller has been an inspiration, mentor and leader for so many lawyers and judges throughout her incredible career. Her commitment to the judiciary is second to none. I am so very proud to have had the opportunity to work with her and learn from her. I am truly honored to call her my friend.”
Her fellow jurists have shared their reactions to the news of her impending retirement. Fellow Presiding Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard said, “I am so thankful for her many years of wisdom, guidance, and friendship – as well as the tremendous example she set for all of us.” Judge Elizabeth Gobeil said, “Such an honor and pleasure to serve with her. We appreciate her leadership and will miss her presence tremendously.” Justice Carla McMillian, who served with Presiding Judge Miller on the Court of Appeals from 2013 to 2020, said, “Judge Miller is a trailblazer and will be sorely missed.”