meet the candidate
Elect Dondell Patterson for
Chief Magistrate Judge
Douglas County, GA
Dondell R. Patterson
Attorney Dondell R. Patterson is a respected legal leader with more than 19 years of courtroom experience, building a career defined by fairness, integrity, and a deep commitment to justice. A 2001 graduate of Tuskegee University and an alumna of Thomas M. Cooley Law School, she currently serves as Deputy Director of the City of Atlanta Office of the Public Defender. Known for her balanced judgment and steady leadership, Dondell is dedicated to ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and receives ethical, effective representation. She resides in Douglasville, Georgia with her husband, Jeremi, and their two daughters, where her commitment to justice is matched by her investment in family and community.
cHIEF mAGISTRATE JUDGE
THE VISION
Dondell R. Patterson is committed to strengthening public trust in the legal system by promoting fairness, accountability, and equal justice for every member of the community.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Extensive trial experience with proven courtroom leadership
- Fair, impartial decision making grounded in sound legal judgment
- Strong commitment to equitable access to justice
- Demonstrated judicial temperament, professionalism, and integrity
- Experienced mentor in trial advocacy, ethics, and professional responsibility
- Strategic leader in case management and courtroom administration
- Engaging public speaker on justice reform and legal ethics
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- More than 19 years of litigation experience across felony, misdemeanor, and ordinance cases
- Lead counsel in over 100 jury and bench trials
- Deputy Director overseeing attorneys, investigators, social workers, and client advocates
- Co-designed and implemented a Holistic Defense Model to better serve clients and communities
- Trains and mentors attorneys, law students, and interns in courtroom practice and professional standards
- Serves as a key liaison to courts, service providers, and justice system stakeholders
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (2008 to Present)
- National Legal Aid and Defender Association (2011 to Present)
- Mentor, State Bar of Georgia Transition Into Law Practice Program (2013 to Present)
- Intern Coordinator for SLIP Program, Mayor’s Internship Program, and Metro Atlanta law schools
- Panelist, Safety and Justice Challenge Conference (2022)
- Presenter, NLADA Conference (2016)
- Ongoing presenter at community legal clinics and Know Your Rights sessions
- Brighten Academy Charter School Governing Board and PTO Board (2020 to 2026)
- Jack and Jill of America, Inc., West Georgia Chapter (2023 to Present)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (1999 to Present)
Join the movement for Douglas County justice.
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