The Superior Court judges of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit in Hall and Dawson counties have named Matthew G. Leipold to fill a newly-created circuit juvenile judge vacancy.
A press release from the Northeastern Judicial Circuit said Leipold's appointment and swearing-in are scheduled for March 28. Leipold will temporarily hear Superior Court matters following his swearing-in due to a COVID-related backlog of criminal cases.
Leipold has worked as an attorney in the Northeastern Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office since 2013. The release said he has represented hundreds of clients, including twice before the Georgia Supreme Court.
"We're very pleased to have Mr. Leipold continue his public service in this new capacity," Chief Judge Kathlene Gosselin said in a prepared statement. "He's earned a reputation as a devoted advocate and skillful practitioner, with a sharp knowledge of the law."
Leipold graduated from the University of Georgia's School of Law. He resides in Hall County with his wife, Alexandra, and their two boys. He is proficient in Spanish and has served as a trainer to new public defenders across the state.
The position was created after the circuit was awarded 2022 grant funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Leipold joins Chief Juvenile Court Judge Lindsay Burton, Juvenile Court Judge Alison Toller and Juvenile Court Judge Joe Diaz.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2022/3/1086212/northeastern-judicial-circuit-names-new-juvenile-judge