[caption id="attachment_79036" align="alignnone" width="768"] Judge John E. Morse Jr. of the Chatham County Superior Court, Savannah, Georgia. (Video screenshot: Judicial Council of Georgia and Administrative Office of the Courts' Black History Month 2022 Project)[/caption] Black judges throughout Georgia are celebrating Black History Month by sharing advice geared toward the next generation of Black lawyers and judges looking to succeed in the legal industry. Organized by the Judicial Council of Georgia and Administrative Office of the Courts, videos and quotes featuring the minority judges' wisdom are being posted to the court administration's social media accounts. But it's advice that can benefit all jurists. Kicking off the monthlong series, Chatham County Superior Court Judge John E. Morse Jr. appears in a video encouraging viewers "to genuinely listen to everyone, and generally hear everyone who comes before you," noting "an opportunity to see difference in the lives of other people." "Other than being an attorney, I cannot think of any other area of public service where you can be of great service other than being a judge," Morse said. "Every time you don ... a robe such as this, you have the opportunity to make a difference. You may not solve every problem. You're not going to, but you have an opportunity to make a vital impact." [caption id="attachment_79042" align="alignleft" width="199"] Dougherty County Chief Judge Willie E. Lockette. (Video screenshot: Judicial Council of Georgia and Administrative Office of the Courts' Black History Month 2022 Project)[/caption] Over the remainder of the week, the council shared graphics featuring the photos of additional Black judges, along with their tips and advice. Dougherty County Chief Judge Willie Lockette captured his advice "to those who already or aspire to serve in a judicial capacity" in several historic quotes, one of which from Socrates stating, "Four things belong to a judge: To hear courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly and decide impartially." Meanwhile, Douglas County Magistrate Judge Barbara Caldwell offered some direct advice. "Be firm, be fair, and always be compassionate in your administration of justice, considering your desires as if you were on the other side of the bench," Caldwell said. Rounding out the first week of Black History Month, Judge Gregory Adams of the DeKalb County Superior Court advised jurists to "be respectful to litigants at all times." "Remember, it may appear to be a routine matter to us as jurors, but this is a very important case to them. This is their day in court and their opportunity to tell us their sob story. So it's very important for us to give them our full undivided attention. It is important for us to listen, be patient, be respectful, and listen some more. This is our role as a judge." The series will continue throughout the remainder of Black History Month. Jurists can catch up on all the advice from featured judges by visiting the Judicial Council of Georgia and Administrative Office of the Courts' Facebook or Twitter accounts.