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Jaya Franklin
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Law Communications
College of Law
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ATLANTA — Harold Melton, former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court and a partner at the law firm Troutman Pepper Locke, will serve as the first expert-in-residence for the Georgia State University College of Law, starting in July.
Melton will partner with Georgia State Law Dean Courtney Anderson to lend his expertise as a special advisor to the dean for institutional engagement focused on advancing the college’s visibility and external engagement.
“Justice Melton’s commitment to public service, his leadership throughout this region and his impressive professional achievements represent the pinnacle of legal excellence,” Anderson said. “The Georgia State University College of Law community is honored to welcome the expertise and experience of Justice Melton to our institution as we partner to enhance the impact of our research and engagement and expand opportunities for our talented students.”
As a special advisor to the dean, Melton will help cultivate and deepen relationships with alumni, donors, foundations, corporations and key community leaders. He will also help organize College of Law alumni to champion the institution among community, corporate and political partners and donors.
“I love finding people who are doing great work and jumping on board with them,” said Melton, who shared that he has witnessed the College of Law’s performance from many angles and he is excited to join the college in the next leg of its journey.
“I have had several Georgia State interns and have loved every one,” he said. “I have spoken to classes, participated in panel discussions and interacted with Georgia State professors in various capacities.”
The success of this new partnership will be measured by an increase in philanthropic commitments, alumni participation and a growing alumni-advocate network that advances legislative and fundraising goals.
Melton is no stranger to the local legal community. He has an extensive legal career that spans three decades in state government. In 2003, he served as executive counsel to former Gov. Sonny Perdue and in 2005 he was appointed by Perdue to the Supreme Court of Georgia.
"Having worked closely with Harold Melton when he served as my executive counsel, I knew then what the rest of Georgia knows now: he is a man of remarkable character and impeccable integrity as well as a sharp legal mind," said Sonny Perdue, chancellor of the University System of Georgia and former Georgia governor. "It was a privilege to appoint him to the Georgia Supreme Court, and it's just as rewarding today to see him join Georgia State University's College of Law. His experience as chief justice brings a rare level of expertise to the institution, and our students will benefit immensely from the wisdom of a leader who helped shape our state's judicial system."
Melton is also the recipient of the 2026 Ben F. Johnson Jr. Public Service Award, the College of Law’s highest honor, which recognizes Georgia attorneys whose careers reflect the tradition of public service that founding dean Ben F. Johnson Jr. exemplified during his life and throughout his career.