An Atlanta judge accused of engaging in ex parte communications, not issuing final orders in a timely fashion and failing to remain impartial in how she decides child custody matters is one step closer to learning her fate.

The Judicial Qualifications Commission of Georgia Hearing Panel has scheduled a final hearing for Atlanta Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Shermela Williams for March 5.

'Will Not Be Continued or Reset'

In a two-page order issued Jan. 7, JQC Hearing Panel presiding officer Judge Brian Rickman, who serves on the Georgia Court of Appeals, announced the panel's intent to try Williams' misconduct case with a final hearing.