Rich is a lifelong resident of Gwinnett County and a graduate of South Gwinnett High School in Snellville. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and earned his law degree from the Georgia State University College of Law. He has taught litigation, trial skills, and advanced evidence courses at Georgia State College of Law, Emory Law School, the University of Georgia Lumpkin School of Law and John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. He is also a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett.
Rich is currently serving his third term as State Court Judge in Gwinnett County, after being first elected in 2004. After taking the bench, Rich initiated the one day-one trial jury service option for Gwinnett residents who are called for jury service. Rich also started a business court to expedite business disputes filed in Gwinnett County. Known for his innovative use of technology in the courts, Rich was the first judge in Gwinnett to use PowerPoint jury instructions and to regularly use video conferencing with the Gwinnett County Detention Center to avoid transporting inmates to and from the courthouse. City and municipal courts across the county have also started using the system with inmate cases.
“I am very excited about this opportunity,” said Rich. “The caseload in Superior Court will be demanding, and I look forward to getting started.”
Rich and his wife, Bonnie, attend of Grace Fellowship Church in Snellville and have two children.
