After 25 years of service to the Georgia Court of Appeals, Presiding Judge M. Yvette Miller is retiring from the intermediate appellate bench.

With her term set to expire at the end of the year, court colleagues and acquaintances recently gathered to celebrate Miller's legal legacy and contributions to the court.
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Legal Legacy

Appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes in July 1999, Miller made judicial history as the first Black woman to serve on the court. She again made history by becoming the first Black woman to serve two years as the court's chief judge in 2009. During her tenure as chief judge, Miller spearheaded the implementation of the e-filing initiative, notably enhancing access to the intermediate appellate court for attorneys and parties throughout the state.

"This innovation underscored her commitment to advancing efficiency and inclusivity in all stages of the judicial process, ultimately allowing the Court to continue all operations remotely throughout the pandemic," read a statement issued by the court.

In honor of Miller's service and accomplishments, the court hosted a retirement ceremony on Oct. 24, which it livestreamed online.
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Watch: Retirement Ceremony

'I Thank You'

From tearful speeches to the thunderous applause of a standing ovation, members of Georgia's legal community expressed their gratitude for Miller during a ceremony held at the Georgia Court of Appeals on Oct. 24.