Magistrate's Retirement Fund, Berryl A. Anderson

Ballotpedia, Berryl A. Anderson

Anderson received her bachelor's degree in Mass Media Arts and Journalism from Hampton University and her Juris Doctor from C. Blake McDowell College of Law at Akron University.

Berryl was an Associate Magistrate Judge in the Magistrate Court of DeKalb County for 6 years. She served as a Staff Attorney and later the Deputy Chief of Staff to US representative Denise L. Majette. She started in private practice with the Law Offices of Divida Gude in Atlanta where she was an associate in a general civil practice.

Berryl A. Anderson is currently the Chief Judge of the DeKalb County Magistrate Court, where she has been since 2010. 

Obtained her Juris Doctor from C. Blake McDowell College of Law at the University of Akron in 1991.

Served as Chief Judge of the DeKalb County Magistrate Court for 14 years.

As Chief Judge, she manages Criminal, Civil, and Ordinance Divisions of Magistrate Court and the Pre-Trial Services Office.

Was Associate Magistrate Judge in DeKalb County for 6 years handling criminal and civil matters in the Magistrate Court, as well as the State and Superior Courts of DeKalb County.

Joined the Atlanta Legal Aid Society in 1997, representing victims of domestic violence and citizens involved in landlord/tenant, consumer, education, family law, bankruptcy, and public benefit disputes.

- Obtained her Juris Doctor from C. Blake McDowell College of Law at the University of Akron in 1991.
- Served as Chief Judge of the DeKalb County Magistrate Court for 14 years.
- As Chief Judge, she manages Criminal, Civil, and Ordinance Divisions of Magistrate Court and the Pre-Trial Services Office.
- Was Associate Magistrate Judge in DeKalb County for 6 years handling criminal and civil matters in the Magistrate Court, as well as the State and Superior Courts of DeKalb County.
- Joined the Atlanta Legal Aid Society in 1997, representing victims of domestic violence and citizens involved in landlord/tenant, consumer, education, family law, bankruptcy, and public benefit disputes.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Berryl A Anderson did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Member of the training faculty for the National Council of Family and Juvenile Court Judges since 2007 and has served on the statewide faculty for the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education in Georgia since 2005.

- Member of the training faculty for the National Council of Family and Juvenile Court Judges since 2007 and has served on the statewide faculty for the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education in Georgia since 2005.

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

Berryl A Anderson

Anderson attended Hampton University where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts and Journalism, and C. Blake McDowell College of Law at Akron University where she received her Juris Doctor. 

Berryl has served as Chief Magistrate Judge in DeKalb County since 2010. Prior to this, she was an Associate Magistrate Judge in the Magistrate Court of DeKalb County for 6 years. She served as a Staff Attorney and later the Deputy Chief of Staff to United States representative Denise L. Majette in Georgia's Fourth Congressional District. She started in private practice with the Law Offices of Divida Gude in Atlanta where she was an associate in a general civil practice.

Has served as Chief Judge of the DeKalb County Magistrate Court for 14 years.

- Obtained her Juris Doctor from C. Blake McDowell College of Law at the University of Akron in 1991.
- Has served as Chief Judge of the DeKalb County Magistrate Court for 14 years.
- As Chief Judge, she manages Criminal, Civil, and Ordinance Divisions of Magistrate Court and the Pre-Trial Services Office.
- Was Associate Magistrate Judge in DeKalb County for 6 years handling criminal and civil matters in the Magistrate Court, as well as the State and Superior Courts of DeKalb County.
- Joined the Atlanta Legal Aid Society in 1997, representing victims of domestic violence and citizens involved in landlord/tenant, consumer, education, family law, bankruptcy, and public benefit disputes.

As of March 19, 2024, Berryl A Anderson did not have a website and did not complete our questionnaire.

Judge Anderson has served as Chief Magistrate Judge in DeKalb County since 2010. Prior to this, she was an Associate Magistrate Judge in the Magistrate Court of DeKalb County for 6 years. She served as a Staff Attorney and later the Deputy Chief of Staff to United States representative Denise L. Majette in Georgia's Fourth Congressional District. She started in private practice with the Law Offices of Divida Gude in Atlanta where she was an associate in a general civil practice.


Berryl A. Anderson was sworn in as Chief Judge of the DeKalb County Magistrate Court in 2010, after having served 10 years on the Magistrate Court bench. As Chief Judge, Judge Anderson manages Criminal, Civil, and Ordinance Divisions of Magistrate Court and the Pre-Trial Services Office.

Obtained her Juris Doctor from C. Blake McDowell College of Law at the University of Akron.

- Has served as Chief Judge of the DeKalb County Magistrate Court for 14 years.
- Obtained her Juris Doctor from C. Blake McDowell College of Law at the University of Akron.

- Magistrate Courts hear civil cases only in amounts less than $15,000. There are no jury trials in Magistrate Court. 
- Magistrate Courts hear landlord tenant dispossessory cases (i.e. a case where a landlord is seeking an eviction of their tenant) and can order evictions. 
- The Chief Magistrate can determine procedures for managing the cases in front of the Magistrate. For example, in Fulton County the Chief Magistrate informs parties in landlord tenant dispossessory cases on the benefits of mediation and provides on-site mediators to resolve landlord tenant disputes before the parties appear in front of the judge. 
- Magistrate Courts only have jurisdiction over their respective counties. Each county has its own magistrate court. Magistrate Court Judge term lengths vary per county, however most serve four year terms. Local Superior Court Judges set parameters for Magistrate Courts. 