On behalf of the State Bar of Georgia, I would like to express congratulations to Justice Harold D. Melton on his recent installation as chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Chief Justice Melton will be well served in his new position by his 27 years of experience in the legal profession and justice system, including the past 13 years as a justice on the Supreme Court. A dedicated judicial leader and public servant, Justice Melton also served in the Georgia Department of Law under two attorneys general and as executive counsel to former Gov. Sonny Perdue.

I have known Justice Melton since the first day of law school in the fall of 1988 when we both arrived on the campus of the University of Georgia and have observed his work at the Attorney General's Office and the Governor's Office, seeing firsthand his tireless commitment to this state. He has been an outstanding justice of the Supreme Court and will serve as chief with distinction.

Our gratitude also goes to retiring Chief Justice P. Harris Hines for his outstanding leadership since January 2017 as chief justice and throughout his 23 years on the court. The State Bar of Georgia enjoys a strong working relationship with the Supreme Court of Georgia in our joint mission of serving the public and the justice system, which we look forward to continuing under the leadership of Chief Justice Melton.

Kenneth B. Hodges III

President, State Bar of Georgia