JUDICIAL QUALIFICATIONS COMMISSION
State of Georgia

Open Meeting Minutes
Atlanta, GA

Friday, December 18, 2020
10:00am

This meeting of the Investigative Panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission of the State of Georgia was held at Taylor English Duma LLP in Atlanta, GA. Mr. Pope Langdale chaired the meeting and Ms. Kristen Bertsch served as Recording Secretary.

Investigative Panel Members Present:

Mr. Pope Langdale
Judge Stacey Hydrick
Mr. Bob Barr
Judge Verda Colvin
Mr. Dane Kirby
Mr. James Balli
Mr. Warren Selby

JQC Staff Members Present:

Mr. Chuck Boring, Director
Ms. Courtney Veal, Deputy Director
Mr. Lance Alford, Chief Investigator
Ms. Kristen Bertsch, Executive Administrator
Ms. Kacey Baine, Intern

Chairman’s Comments:

Chairman Langdale called the meeting to order and determined that a quorum was present. Approval of the open meeting minutes from the October 16, 2020 and December 1, 2020 meetings passed unanimously.

Director’s Reports:

Director Boring updated the Panel on the recent Judicial Council meeting. Some jurisdictions in Georgia are preparing to conduct in-person jury trials. The Honorable Chief Justice Melton has issued a warning to those Judges about the increase in COVID-19 cases in Georgia.

Director Boring asked the Panel to review and approve the 2021 Investigative Panel meeting schedule. After discussion, the schedule was approved and it was decided that the monthly meetings will begin at 9:00am, instead of 10:00am. Mr. Selby put the Panel on notice that the end of the year meetings are difficult for him to attend, as it is the busiest time of the year for his company.

Director Boring informed the Investigative Panel about recent and upcoming trainings that the JQC will be presenting. Chairman Langdale encouraged the Panel members to participate in conducting some of these trainings when possible.

Director Boring updated the Panel on the Formal Advisory Opinion project. He asked that everyone keep this project in mind when conducting legal research and to send him any opinions they may run across that pertain to the JQC’s Formal Advisory Opinion project.

Mr. Balli inquired about the status of his re-appointment that is coming up in 2021. Director Boring advised the  Panel that letters of re-appointment for Mr. Balli and Judge Robert McBurney have been sent to the legislature and are ready for signatures as soon as session begins.

The Panel discussed the issues surrounding Quo Warrranto petitions briefly before moving into the Closed portion of the meeting.