JUDGE RONALD B. RAMSEY, SR. – DIVISION B-11

Judge Ramsey has a degree in Political Science from North Carolina Central University and a Juris Doctor from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School. Ronald and his wife have two adult children and live in Lithonia.

Judge Ramsey was a Chief Legal Officer for the DeKalb County School District. He has also been Municipal Court Judge in the City of Stone Mountain, the Director of Labor Relations and Legal Affairs for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, an adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School, the Southeast Regional Counsel for the Laborers International Union, and was a member of the legal team of the National Labor Relations Board. 

Region 4 JOL

Judge Ronald Ramsey Appointed to Chair DeKalb Charter Review Commission

Ronald Ramsey is currently a State Court judge in Dekalb County. He was a Georgia State Senator for District 43 from 2007 to 2015. As a state senator, he was appointed as Chair of the Urban Affairs Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Special Judiciary Committee by the Lt. Governor. He was twice honored as “Legislator of the Year.” 

In his role as a Chief Legal Officer for the DeKalb County School District, he oversaw all legal matters, provided legal advice and guidance to the district, drafted and reviewed contracts, represented the district in legal proceedings, ensured compliance with education laws and regulations, and managed a team of legal professionals.

As the first African-American appointed to serve on the Municipal Court of Stone Mountain, GA, he presided over thousands of traffic related cases.

In his role as Director of Labor Relations and Legal Affairs for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, he managed labor relations with employees, handled legal matters such as contracts and litigation, ensured compliance with labor laws and regulations, advised on disciplinary actions, and represented the Sheriff’s Office in legal proceedings.

As an adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School, he taught law courses, conducted research in his area of expertise, provided academic guidance to students, and participated in curriculum development.

As the Southeast Regional Counsel for the Laborers International Union, he oversaw legal matters, provided legal counsel to the union and its members, negotiated collective bargaining agreements, represented the union in legal proceedings, and ensured compliance with labor laws and regulations.

As a member of the legal team of the National Labor Relations Board, he represented the NLRB in legal proceedings, conducted research on labor laws, drafted legal documents, and provided legal advice on matters related to labor relations.

In 2023, Judge Ramsey was elected to serve on the House of Delegates for the American Bar Association.

In 2020, Judge Ramsey was awarded McMahon Award for court technology by the American Bar Association

Was honored as a “Distinguished Alumni” by John Marshall Law School.

- In his role as a Chief Legal Officer for the DeKalb County School District, he oversaw all legal matters, provided legal advice and guidance to the district, drafted and reviewed contracts, represented the district in legal proceedings, ensured compliance with education laws and regulations, and managed a team of legal professionals.
- As the first African-American appointed to serve on the Municipal Court of Stone Mountain, GA, he presided over thousands of traffic related cases.
- In his role as Director of Labor Relations and Legal Affairs for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, he managed labor relations with employees, handled legal matters such as contracts and litigation, ensured compliance with labor laws and regulations, advised on disciplinary actions, and represented the Sheriff’s Office in legal proceedings.
- As an adjunct professor at John Marshall Law School, he taught law courses, conducted research in his area of expertise, provided academic guidance to students, and participated in curriculum development.
- As the Southeast Regional Counsel for the Laborers International Union, he oversaw legal matters, provided legal counsel to the union and its members, negotiated collective bargaining agreements, represented the union in legal proceedings, and ensured compliance with labor laws and regulations.
- As a member of the legal team of the National Labor Relations Board, he represented the NLRB in legal proceedings, conducted research on labor laws, drafted legal documents, and provided legal advice on matters related to labor relations.
- In 2023, Judge Ramsey was elected to serve on the House of Delegates for the American Bar Association.
- In 2020, Judge Ramsey was awarded McMahon Award for court technology by the American Bar Association
- Was honored as a “Distinguished Alumni” by John Marshall Law School.

Legal Experience

As of April 23, 2024, Ronald Bernard Ramsey did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

He is the organizer of the “Angel Wings” initiative which supports homeless students during the holidays.

- He is the organizer of the “Angel Wings” initiative which supports homeless students during the holidays.

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Past Judicial Section Chair of the historic Gate City Bar Association and past District 4 Representative of the American Bar Association/Judicial Division/National Conference of Specialized Court Judges, where he was elected to the executive committee and served as Chair of the Conference.

Member of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

Has mentored and educated judges in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico.

Has served as a “Group Leader” on the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism.

Judge Ramsey is a past Board of Directors member of the DeKalb History Center and a member of the 2017 class of Leadership DeKalb.

- Past Judicial Section Chair of the historic Gate City Bar Association and past District 4 Representative of the American Bar Association/Judicial Division/National Conference of Specialized Court Judges, where he was elected to the executive committee and served as Chair of the Conference.
- Member of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.
- Has mentored and educated judges in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico.
- Has served as a “Group Leader” on the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism.
- Judge Ramsey is a past Board of Directors member of the DeKalb History Center and a member of the 2017 class of Leadership DeKalb.

Community Involvement

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Ronald Bernard Ramsey

- Despite their name, State Courts in Georgia have limited jurisdiction within their county. State Court Judges also have limited jurisdiction over the types of cases they hear, as opposed to Superior Court. 
- State Court Judges hear misdemeanors, like traffic tickets. They also issue arrest and search warrants and hold preliminary hearings in some criminal cases. 
- State Court Judges hear most civil matters that aren't related to land titles, divorce, or cases involving non-monetary damages (those matters are handled by the Superior Court).
- State Court Judges are elected in non-partisan county wide elections and serve four year terms. The Governor can appoint State Court Judges when vacancies arise. 
