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Regina is from Chicago, Illinois, and an alumnus of the Chicago Public School System where she graduated with honors. She received a bachelor's degree in political Ssience from the University of South Carolina and a law degree from the Emory University School of Law. Regina lives in Lilburn, Georgia with her husband and two sons.

Regina is currently serving as a Magistrate Judge in Gwinnett County. She has previously worked as an assistant public defender for DeKalb County, a senior staff attorney for Gwinnett County Superior Court, and a law clerk for the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia. She owned her own law practice as well.

Regina Matthew's campaign for superior court judge is her first entry into politics.

Candidate website

The candidate's website says, "Magistrate Court Judge Matthews has the experience handling the very cases heard by Superior Court Judges, having presided over hundreds of cases, and thousands of hearings in Superior Court by designation."

The candidate's website says, "Throughout her career she has tried cases in Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, Municipal, and Recorder’s Court... She also served as a Senior Staff Attorney in Gwinnett County Superior Court and as a Law Clerk with the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia."

Served as a Senior Staff Attorney in Gwinnett County Superior Court and as a Law Clerk with the United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia.

The candidate's website says, "Following her servant’s heart, upon graduation from Emory Law School, ... Judge Matthews was offered, and accepted, employment as an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Public Defender, DeKalb County, Georgia. In her first year of representing clients in court, Judge Matthews won twelve of her first fifteen trials."

Worked as an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Public Defender, DeKalb County, Georgia, winning twelve of fifteen trials in her first year.

The candidate's website says, "Judge Matthews later started her own law practice specializing in Criminal Law, Family Law, and Juvenile Law... While in private practice, she earned certification for Alternative Dispute Resolution..."

Owned her own law practice specializing in criminal, family and juvenile law.

Certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution, which allows her to mediate civil cases in Georgia.

As Magistrate Judge since 2020, she "sits by designation primarily for Superior Court; but also handles cases in State Court, Recorder’s Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Courts, presiding over... family law, felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, and general civil litigation."

Has tried cases in "Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, Municipal, and Recorder’s Court in courtrooms all across the state of Georgia."

- Worked as an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Public Defender, DeKalb County, Georgia, winning twelve of fifteen trials in her first year.
- Owned her own law practice specializing in criminal, family and juvenile law.
- Certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution, which allows her to mediate civil cases in Georgia.
- As Magistrate Judge since 2020, she "sits by designation primarily for Superior Court; but also handles cases in State Court, Recorder’s Court, Juvenile Court, and Probate Courts, presiding over... family law, felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, and general civil litigation."
- Has tried cases in "Superior Court, State Court, Juvenile Court, Municipal, and Recorder’s Court in courtrooms all across the state of Georgia."

Legal Experience

As of June 8, 2024, Regina Matthews’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Gwinnett Daily Post, Regina Matthews running for Gwinnett Superior Court Judicial Seat

The candidate's website says, "Magistrate Judge Matthews is always prompt, prepared, and well versed in the law... rendering well-reasoned opinions based on sound law..."

Said, "“Though not every citizen that comes before me will agree with a decision I have rendered in a case, they will always be treated with dignity and will know that they have been given an opportunity to be heard.”"

Said, "Building upon my experience, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of justice. To Gwinnett County voters, I offer an exceptional record of upholding the law impartially, effectively, and efficiently; and a judicial temperament that is decisive, humble, patient, compassionate, and open-minded."

- Said, "“Though not every citizen that comes before me will agree with a decision I have rendered in a case, they will always be treated with dignity and will know that they have been given an opportunity to be heard.”"
- Said, "Building upon my experience, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of justice. To Gwinnett County voters, I offer an exceptional record of upholding the law impartially, effectively, and efficiently; and a judicial temperament that is decisive, humble, patient, compassionate, and open-minded."

Judicial Administration

The candidate's website says, "“It is a judge's duty to follow the law fairly and equitably without favor or prejudice."

Believes that a judge has a duty to follow the law "fairly and equitably without favor or prejudice."

Said, "From the moment I took that solemn oath of office when I became a judge, I knew that my work for the citizens of Gwinnett County would become a lifelong commitment- and one that would come with great responsibility."

- Believes that a judge has a duty to follow the law "fairly and equitably without favor or prejudice."
- Said, "From the moment I took that solemn oath of office when I became a judge, I knew that my work for the citizens of Gwinnett County would become a lifelong commitment- and one that would come with great responsibility."

Judicial Philosophy

The candidate's website says, "The 3A Foundation celebrated the Lunar New Year with its 3rd annual Lunar New Year Gala... The sold-out event drew more than 200 attendees... all free for members of the local community."

Said, "Team Matthews is gearing up for the upcoming Fall season. Our team is working diligently to elevate our efforts on both fundraising and community engagement. Below is a summary of our plans for the coming months."

Said, "…spreading the word about our upcoming Meet and Greets and Fundraisers would be immensely valuable. We’ll be hosting multiple events each month at various local businesses across Gwinnett. Feel free to invite your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to join us in meeting Judge Matthews, supporting local small businesses, and enjoying complimentary food and treats."

Said, "With the Fall season on the horizon, we’re eager to make our presence felt throughout Gwinnett... You can expect to see us at numerous local festivals, and we genuinely look forward to meeting you there..."

The candidate's website says, "Judge Matthews is a member of the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. ..."

Has membership in the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., as well as the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Gwinnett County Bar Association, Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, and Gate City Bar Association.

- Has membership in the Junior League of Gwinnett and North Fulton Counties and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., as well as the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys, Gwinnett County Bar Association, Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, and Gate City Bar Association.

Community Involvement

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Regina Matthews

- 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. 