Pierce Hand Seitz

Mayor taps tenant-rights lawyer for Atlanta judgeship - Atlanta Civic ...

Pierce Hand Seitz is from Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Emory University and a law degree from Georgia State University. He lives in Peoplestown.

Prior to being appointed to the bench, Pierce began his career in commercial litigation before working for the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.

A Historic Appointment: Pierce Hand Seitz Becomes Atlanta's First ...

Pierce is currently a judge in the Municipal Court of Atlanta. He was appointed in 2024 by Mayor Andre Dickens.

As a private practice attorney at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, Seitz researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in commercial litigation.

As a senior assistant district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As a senior assistant district attorney, prosecuted criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As a housing staff attorney and co-director of the Safe & Stable Homes Project at Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Seitz worked to provide legal representation and support for low-income tenants facing eviction and housing discrimination.

As a municipal court judge, oversees cases involving housing and code enforcement.

As a municipal court judge, oversees cases involving housing code enforcement.

- As a private practice attorney at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, Seitz researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in commercial litigation.
- As a senior assistant district attorney, prosecuted criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As a housing staff attorney and co-director of the Safe & Stable Homes Project at Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Seitz worked to provide legal representation and support for low-income tenants facing eviction and housing discrimination.
- As a municipal court judge, oversees cases involving housing code enforcement.

Legal Experience

As of September 8, 2025, Pierce Hand Seitz did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Judicial Administration

Ethics & Conduct

Former member of the Mayor's LGBTQ Advisory Board.

Serves as Vice President of the Gate City Bar Association and was appointed to the Atlanta Bar Association’s Board of Directors.

- Former member of the Mayor's LGBTQ Advisory Board.
- Serves as Vice President of the Gate City Bar Association and was appointed to the Atlanta Bar Association’s Board of Directors.

Community Involvement

LinkedIn

Pierce is currently a judge in the Municipal Court of Atlanta. He was appointed in 2024 by Mayor Andre Dickens and is the first openly LGBTQ judge to serve on the Atlanta Municipal Court bench.

Buket Urgen

- Municipal Court Judges hear cases on traffic violations and local ordinance violations, such as building code violations or animal control issues. 
- Municipal Court Judges can issue warrants and handle disputes on nuisances. In some cities Municipal Court Judges hear some misdemeanors like shoplifting and marijuana possession. 
- Jurisdiction and selection of municipal court judges vary per city. Some Municipal Court Judges are appointed by the Mayor or City Council while others are elected. 

City Judges who hear cases on traffic citations and city ordinance violations and other misdemeanors