Trellis, Judge Arthus L. Smith, III: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, Chief Judge Arthur L. Smith III

Art is from Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Columbus High School. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbus College, a law degree from Samford University, and a Master of Laws (L.L.M.) in taxation from the University of Alabama School of Law. He is married to his wife and has two daughters and two grandchildren. His family attends St. Luke United Methodist Church.  He is a member of the Federalist Society, the American Bar Association, and the Judicial Council, which is the governing board for all classes of Georgia Courts. 

Art worked as corporate counsel in the Legal Division of AFLAC Insurance for 23 years. He previously worked as an attorney in a private practice in Columbus for ten years and worked as general counsel for the Third Congressional District for the Republican Party of Georgia. He also served as a JAG Officer for the US Navy Reserves. 

Art Smith is a Superior Court Judge for the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. He was appointed to this position in 2011 and is serving his fourth term. He also currently serves as the President of the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. 

Received a Juris Doctor from Samford University Cumberland School of Law in 1979.

Handled litigation and arbitration throughout the United States during his tenure as corporate counsel for AFLAC Insurance's Legal Division.

- Received a Juris Doctor from Samford University Cumberland School of Law in 1979.
- Handled litigation and arbitration throughout the United States during his tenure as corporate counsel for AFLAC Insurance's Legal Division.

Legal Experience

As of March 19, 2024, Art Smith’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Served on the board of directors of Midtown Columbus, Inc and Feed the Valley Food Bank and served as Vice Chairman of the Downtown Development Authority.

Serves as a current member of the Kiwanis Club of Columbus and the Sons of the American Revolution, Coweta Falls Chapter.

- Served on the board of directors of Midtown Columbus, Inc and Feed the Valley Food Bank and served as Vice Chairman of the Downtown Development Authority.
- Serves as a current member of the Kiwanis Club of Columbus and the Sons of the American Revolution, Coweta Falls Chapter.

Community Involvement

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Art Smith

- Georgia Superior Court Judges hear a wide range of criminal cases from petty theft and public drunkenness to murder. Some cases in front of the Georgia Superior Court involve the death penalty. 
- On the civil side, Superior Court Judges hear cases on divorce, titles to land, contract disputes, and premises liability. 
- Superior Court Judges are elected by judicial circuit. Each county surrounding Atlanta has its own judicial circuit, while rural judicial districts typically consist of multiple counties.
- Superior Court Judges are elected to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. The Governor can appoint Superior Court Judges when vacancies arise. 