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Catherine Smith is from Thomasville, Georgia. She earned her bachelor's degree in English and history from Wesleyan College and her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law. 

Catherine Smith sworn in as new Superior Court Judge

Catherine currently serves as the superior court judge in the Southern Judicial Circuit in Georgia. She was first elected in 2022 and is serving her 1st term. 

Catherine previously worked as an assistant district attorney and chief public defender at the Southern Judicial Circuit, an associate at Clark and Bellamy, PC and Whitehurst, Cohen and Blackburn, and a managing partner at the Law Office of Catherine M Williams. 

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As superior court judge, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an 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 public defender, provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney.

As a legal associate at Clark and Bellamy, PC and Whitehurst, Cohen and Blackburn, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in civil and criminal in juvenile, state, and superior court.

As a managing partner at the Law Office of Catherine M Williams, oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice.

- As superior court judge, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an 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 public defender, provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney.
- As a legal associate at Clark and Bellamy, PC and Whitehurst, Cohen and Blackburn, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in civil and criminal in juvenile, state, and superior court.
- As a managing partner at the Law Office of Catherine M Williams, oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth in the firm’s areas of legal practice.

Legal Experience

As of March 11, 2026, Catherine Mims Smith’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Volunteers with the Thomas County High School debate and Y clubs.

Served as the booster president for the Thomasville High School softball program.

- Volunteers with the Thomas County High School debate and Y clubs.
- Served as the booster president for the Thomasville High School softball program.
- Volunteered as a Y-Ball softball coach.

Community Involvement

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Catherine Mims 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. 