Wanda Dallas
Fairburn,GA
Summary
Judge and Attorney with extensive experience in problem solving, leadership, and mediation. Adept in both written and oral communication, relationship building, and networking, with a proven acumen in the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of special projects and programs.
Respected Judge with 14 total years of bench experience and uncompromising approach to legal adjudication. Well versed in the interpretation and application of the Georgia Municipal Court Uniform Rules, laws and procedures. Dedicated to faithful interpretation of laws with deference to legislative intent and purpose.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pro Tem Judge
City Of South Fulton Municipal Court
City of South Fulton, Ga
10.2021 - Current
- Serve as a Judge on a part-time basis resolving plea and arraignment calendars, bench trials, motion hearings, and city code compliance matters.
- Co-ordinate with various departments, including the Clerk of Court, the Probation department, the assigned Solicitor, and Defense Attorneys to resolve all matters.
- Assist with the newest calendar to address litigants contesting tickets generated by cameras in school zones.
Associate Judge
City Of East Point Municipal Court
East Point, georgia
04.2021 - Current
- Handle Plea and Arraignment calendars, Bench Trials, Motion Hearings, and City Ordinance violations
- Remain updated regarding changes to traffic law, criminal case law, and other relevant legal principles
- Work on a rotation to respond to Arrest and Search Warrant applications by the City of East Point Police Department
- Monitor court proceedings for adherence to legal procedures and rules by attorneys and self represented litigants
Chief Judge
City Of Riverdale Municipal Court
Riverdale, GA
01.2021 - Current
- Prepare written opinions to defend rationale of rulings and inform public of new legal precedent arising from case.
- Monitor court proceedings for adherence to legal procedures and rules by attorneys and litigants.
- Meet with litigants' legal counsel to discuss and decide on objections, pretrial motions, discovery issues and evidence.
- Determine proper sentencing, monetary fees and damages to be paid on basis of case facts and established guidelines.
- Oversee daily operations to ensure high levels of productivity.
- Created a diversion program for under 21 year old drivers to insure awareness of traffic accountability.
- Maintain a balanced and cohesive relationship with the City of Riverdale elected and appointed officials, including the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager.
Chief Judge
Magistrate Court Of Clayton County
Jonesboro, GA
10.2013 - 12.2020
- Supervised a staff of 20, to include 9 Judges and Support staff over the County's Magistrate Court.
- Served as the Chief Administrative Officer as well as an active and involved Judge on the bench.
- Handled criminal calendars, including First Appearance; Preliminary; and Bond Hearings.
- Oversaw all civil calendars, which involved dispossessory matters; civil bench trials; T.P.O. (Temporary Protective Orders); and Abandonment calendars.
- Researched the law and remained abreast of legal issues that affect the citizens who appeared before me, and insured that due process is afforded to all parties.
- Drafted legal opinions and judgments based on trials held, and evidence presented.
- Carried the Court through the coronavirus pandemic by creating strategies and partnerships to assure continuity of Court operations.
Assistant Adjunct Professor
Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Atlanta, GA
08.2014 - 12.2019
- Taught Critical Thinking and Legal Analysis to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year undergraduate students.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Stimulated in students, an understanding of the legal court system, law and society, jurisprudence, critical thinking, and an ability to hone their research and analytical skills.
- Encouraged students to look beyond the pages of what is presented to them in textbooks, and strive to become global thinkers who seek a deeper understanding of their role in an emerging world.
- Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
Labor Relations Manager
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Atlanta, GA
12.2010 - 10.2013
- In supervising a staff of 21 employees, I was directly responsible for the recruitment, retention, and promotion of employees in the agency.
- Managed Human Resource staff that oversaw payroll and personnel transactions.
- Researched and analyzed policies and procedures relevant to personnel management and employee relations.
- Assisted with the accreditation and certification of the Sheriff's Office
- Co-ordinated with Command Staff to respond to employee grievances and other disciplinary matters.
Staff Attorney
Fulton County Attorney's Office
Atlanta, GA
10.2009 - 12.2010
- Assigned to the public safety unit that represented the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Police, Marshall, and Emergency Service in civil litigation, focusing on constitutional challenges related to employment, public safety, and labor disputes.
- This civil practice group required efficiency in taking and representing clients in depositions, drafting summary judgment motions and responses in the United States District Court.
- Conducted intake interviews and provided legal information, referrals and advocacy to determine potential courses of action.
- Filed timely case pleadings to meet firm deadlines.
- Prepared administrative and judicial complaints advocating on behalf of organization and clients.
- Analyzed probable outcomes of cases using knowledge of legal precedents.
The Dallas Law Firm
Self-employed
Atlanta, GA
08.2007 - Current
- Created a law practice that specializes in juvenile law; probate law; and criminal defense.
- Built law practice from the ground up.
- Supervised a staff of interns, attorneys, and investigators.
- Examined and generated memos on statutory law, case law and federal and state regulations using online research databases, such as Westlaw, and print sources.
- Contacted key witnesses to testify at court hearings.
- Identified appropriate judicial decisions relevant to cases.
- Conferred with clients and other involved parties to gather and track case information.
Associate Judge
Juvenile Court Of Fulton County
Atlanta, GA
12.2005 - 08.2007
- Served as an Associate Judge in all matters involving youth up to 17 years old, who had been charged with criminal matters, truancy, and dependency cases.
- Monitored court proceedings for adherence to legal procedures and rules by attorneys, social workers, case managers, litigants, and other involved parties.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Motivated staff and other employees within the courtroom, to balance punishment and protect the public with sentencing options that promoted sentence options with a goal of rehabilitation.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
- Managed a staff of attorneys, administrative assistants, and law clerks as relates to their hiring, training, and professional growth.
Chief Judge
City Of Riverdale Municipal Court
Riverdale, GA
12.2004 - 02.2006
- Handled criminal ordinance and misdemeanor traffic cases by conducting bench trials, ruling on evidentiary motions, and sentencing convicted offenders.
- Determined proper sentencing, monetary fees and damages to be paid on basis of case facts and established guidelines.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
Chief Community Prosecutor
Fulton County District Attorney's Office
Atlanta, GA
02.2001 - 05.2005
- Created and supervised a unit that fostered a reduction in crime in targeted communities through relationships between the District Attorney's office, law enforcement agencies, political representatives, and the community
- Initiated programs to address the various crime related concerns of the community
- Partnered with the National Prosecutor's Authority of South Africa to assist the government with training prosecutors and stakeholders in crime prevention and reduction strategies.
Senior Assistant District Attorney
Fulton County District Attorney's Office
Atlanta, GA
10.1998 - 02.2001
- Received senior trial attorney status within the first four months of employment.
- Assigned to two different trial divisions.
- Conducted jury trials of criminal felony cases, which included murder and armed robbery.
- Prepared responses to pre-trial motions.
- Handled plea and arraignment calendars on a weekly basis and argued a variety of pre-trial motions before the assigned trial judge.
Education
J.D. -
University of Tulsa College of Law
Tulsa, Oklahoma12.1993
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Broadcast
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA12.1984
Skills
- Criminal and Civil procedures
- Critical reasoning
- Precedential knowledge
- Opinion writing
- Team Building
- Excellent Communication
- Active Listening
Accomplishments
- Elected as District 6 Representative for the Council of Municipal Court Judges (2021 - 2022)
Certification
Certified Mediator - 2020- current
Timeline
Pro Tem Judge
City Of South Fulton Municipal Court
10.2021 - Current
Associate Judge
City Of East Point Municipal Court
04.2021 - Current
Chief Judge
City Of Riverdale Municipal Court
01.2021 - Current
Assistant Adjunct Professor
Atlanta Metropolitan State College
08.2014 - 12.2019
Chief Judge
Magistrate Court Of Clayton County
10.2013 - 12.2020
Labor Relations Manager
Fulton County Sheriff's Office
12.2010 - 10.2013
Staff Attorney
Fulton County Attorney's Office
10.2009 - 12.2010
The Dallas Law Firm
Self-employed
08.2007 - Current
Associate Judge
Juvenile Court Of Fulton County
12.2005 - 08.2007
Chief Judge
City Of Riverdale Municipal Court
12.2004 - 02.2006
Chief Community Prosecutor
Fulton County District Attorney's Office
02.2001 - 05.2005
Senior Assistant District Attorney
Fulton County District Attorney's Office
10.1998 - 02.2001
J.D. -
University of Tulsa College of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Broadcast
Georgia State University
Certified Mediator - 2020- current
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