Judge Shondeana Crews Morris grew up in DeKalb County and earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in criminal justice from Albany State University. After graduating from Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law in 1997, she worked first as an assistant solicitor in Atlanta, then in 1999, joined the Fulton County Office of the District Attorney.

There she was promoted to deputy district attorney, leading the Public Integrity and Crimes Against Women and Children units. Morris was one of the prosecutors in the Atlanta Public Schools teacher cheating case.

In 2015 Gov. Nathan Deal appointed her to the DeKalb County State Court, Traffic Division. In June, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed her to the DeKalb County Superior Court.

When did you first start thinking of becoming a lawyer? 

My mother's family is from the small town of Ashburn, Georgia. I have fond memories of spending my summer vacations with my grandparents. One day, a con artist who misrepresented himself as an investor visited my great-grandmother and presented her with documents. She could not read and signed a piece of paper that sold her house for almost nothing. I recall the devastation on her face and the impact on my family. At that moment, I started thinking of becoming a lawyer to protect people who are vulnerable like my great-grandmother.

What prompted you to seek a job as a judge? 

For nearly two decades, I dedicated my legal career to public service as a prosecutor. I wanted to have a broader impact in my community, so that prompted me to seek a judgeship. It has been an honor serving the people of DeKalb County as a judge on both the state court and superior court.

How do you view criminal cases differently from when you were a prosecutor? 

As a judge, I must be impartial and properly interpret the meaning of the law. I also recognize that justice means more than just interpreting the law—it involves showing compassion and understanding the people on both sides of the case. I must be impartial, fair and unbiased with all cases that are assigned to the court. The lens through which I viewed a criminal case as a prosecutor was much different. I took a strong position and zealously represented the victims of crimes. I fought very hard to ensure they received justice, and I was fair.

What keeps you up at night regarding your work? 

I understand the impact my decisions have on each person who comes before the court. Every case I preside over has a significant impact on a person's life and liberty—whether it is the child who gains a forever family when I grant a petition for adoption, or the parent to whom I do not award primary custody based on the best interest of the child, even though both parents are loving, supportive, stable and able to provide for their child. It is never an easy decision to completely disrupt a person's life, and those decisions keep me up at night.

When I experience those sleepless nights because of the seriousness of my work, I am reminded of the following judge's prayer: "I am honored to serve in this ancient profession, as I endeavor to bring justice to my fellow man. I pray for wisdom and mercy, discernment to find the truth, and the understanding and patience to hear those who come before me."

You've spoken about a need for civility among lawyers and the general public, once noting a man berating a grocery store clerk for not bagging purchases fast enough. What do you think people can do to be more civil to each other? 

Since my appointment on June 17, 2019, I have presided over six jury trials—five criminal and one civil, several domestic nonjury trials, and civil motions. Prominently displayed on my bench is an engraved nameplate presented to me by the Georgia Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates that reads, "Professionalism and Civility—Nothing Less Will Be Tolerated."

Some lawyers have a habit of making rude, sarcastic, condescending comments or interrupting inappropriately. When this occurs, I remind them of the quote, and their attitude changes. Most lawyers who appear before me are well-prepared and exhibit the highest level of professionalism and civility. A simple greeting and handshake before the proceedings commence goes along way.

What trial judge would you like to emulate and why? 

As a young prosecutor in the late 1990s. I had the distinct honor to practice before the late William Daniel, a Fulton County Superior Court judge. Judge Daniel had a keen understanding of the law, demonstrated sound judgment and was fair. Out of his many positive judicial attributes, it was his kindness to everyone who appeared before him that I most warmly remember.

As I anxiously awaited my bar results, I clerked for Georgia Court of Appeals Judge M. Yvette Miller when she was a state court judge. Judge Miller has a reputation for excellent character and integrity, legal scholarship and an unmatched record of community involvement and devotion to service. Judge Miller has been a mentor and dear friend for over 20 years.

Gov. Brian Kemp also appointed you to be a regional representative to the Division of Family and Children Services State Advisory Board. Would you share the story of how and your husband, attorney Joe Morris III, came to adopt your daughter?

On May 1, 2015, when I was still working at the Fulton DA's office, my cellphone rang several times. Finally, I answered the phone. A lady identified herself as an employee with DFCS. A beautiful 3-day-old baby girl was at Rockdale Medical Center and unable to go home with her biological parents. The DFCS case manager stated the parents—one of whom was a distant relative—gave her my name and number because they wanted me to have temporary guardianship of their child.

I immediately shared the news with my husband, Joe, and initially he did not process the news very well. Several hours later, my husband, our then-5-year-old son (Joe IV), and I drove to the hospital and returned home with Harmony.

My life is filled with many blessings. The greatest gifts are my children. On August 17, 2017, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson granted our petition for adoption of Harmony, witnessed by family and close friends. Joe is 10 years old and Harmony is now 4 years old. They keep us very active, and we cherish every moment with them. I never considered being a foster parent before Harmony, and adoption was a fleeting thought.

Today, there are nearly 14,000 children under the care of Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. Every child needs and wants love, and we have a lot of children in Georgia to love. If you are thinking about adoption, consider being a foster parent as well. Your life and a child's life will change forever.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? 

People often avoid the topic of mental health and suicide prevention. I currently serve as the chairperson of the State Bar of Georgia Suicide Awareness and Prevention committee. On May 3, 2001, my father prepared a wonderful breakfast for me. Unfortunately, I did not notice the disappointment on my father's face when I told him I could not stay for breakfast. I was a young prosecutor assigned to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office Homicide Unit and was rushing to work to attend a weekly meeting. My father struggled with depression and ended his life that morning. I was devastated by my father's death. Today, I encourage all lawyers and judges to take just five minutes out of their days to reach out to a colleague and share a kind word.