Feature Story

Former Georgia Chief Justice Starts a New Chapter

When Leah Ward Sears, Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, retired last year to return to private practice as a lawyer, she could have joined any number of firms. She chose Schiff Hardin for a simple reason: shared values.

"I was excited that they looked at what I wanted to do," says Chief Justice Sears, adding that the firm was willing to "make an investment in me." In addition to leading Schiff Hardin's nationally recognized appellate practice from the firm's Atlanta office, she will serve for one year as the William Thomas Sears Distinguished Fellow in Family Law at the Institute for American Values. She is also teaching a seminar called "Contemporary Issues in Family Law" at the University of Georgia Law School.

Chief Justice Sears was also impressed that managing partner Ron Safer flew to Atlanta from Schiff Hardin's Chicago office to meet with her at the very beginning of her search for a firm. "Not every managing partner would make that effort," she notes.

Schiff Hardin has hosted several events to welcome Chief Justice Sears to the firm. In early November, the Energy and Public Utilities Group held its second Women's Energy Roundtable at the firm's Washington, D.C. office. Entitled "Women in Leadership — Rising to the Top," the roundtable featured Chief Justice Sears, FERC Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge Bobbie J. McCartney, and Sue Kelly, General Counsel of the American Public Power Association. The 15 women in attendance discussed topics ranging from career progress in various professions to work-life balance issues. The intimate setting provided participants with the opportunity to get to know each other well and was a great way to introduce Chief Justice Sears to the Washington, D.C. community. The Women's Energy Roundtable gave way to a broader welcoming reception in honor of Chief Justice Sears, also hosted by Schiff Hardin's Washington, D.C. office.

Later that month, her official portrait was unveiled at the Judicial Building in Atlanta, where it joined those of other past chief justices of the state's high court. Schiff Hardin sponsored a reception at the event, and later that evening hosted a larger welcoming gathering at the Four Seasons Hotel. Over 300 people — including clients, state politicians and former colleagues from the Supreme Court — attended this cocktail reception, and welcomed Chief Justice Sears to the firm in a relaxing, collegial environment.

Since joining Schiff Hardin, Chief Justice Sears has received several official and civic honors. In September, she received the "Grass Roots Justice Award" from the Georgia Justice Project, a group that provides legal representation to those unable to afford it. The award was presented in recognition of her commitment to advancing justice for those underserved by the Georgia justice system. In November she was recognized by the Millennium Gate Museum with the "Justice Award" in a ceremony that raised funds to preserve and interpret Georgia history, architecture, culture, and philanthropic heritage. Most recently, she was selected by Governor Sonny Perdue as the "Remembrance Speaker" for Georgia's 25th Annual Tribute Program honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

From being the first African-American woman to serve as chief justice in a state high court to leading Schiff Hardin's appellate practice, Chief Justice Sears' career continues to be a distinguished and inspiring one. Her new colleagues look forward to many years of productive and rewarding work with her.