In a groundbreaking move for the city of Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens has announced the appointment of Pierce Hand Seitz as the first openly LGBTQ judge to serve on the City of Atlanta Municipal Court. This historic decision not only celebrates diversity but also highlights the city’s leadership’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community.
Pierce Hand Seitz, an Atlanta native and a product of Atlanta Public Schools, is set to bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to justice to his new role. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Seitz went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Emory University, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from the Georgia State University College of Law.
Before his appointment to the bench, Seitz’s career was marked by significant contributions in both public service and legal advocacy. He recently served as the Co-Director of the Safe & Stable Homes Project at the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, where he played a crucial role in providing free legal representation to hundreds of Atlanta residents who could not afford an attorney. His work focused on safeguarding fundamental dignities such as tenants’ rights and access to quality housing, demonstrating his dedication to protecting the underrepresented sectors of the community.
Mayor Dickens commended Seitz for his extensive background and empathetic approach to law, stating, “Pierce Hand Seitz is a respected attorney with a track record of safeguarding fundamental dignities such as tenants’ rights and access to quality housing.” The Mayor also noted Seitz’s fluency in Spanish and his deep understanding of community dynamics, which will be beneficial in his role at the Municipal Court.
Seitz’s legal journey includes significant stints in commercial litigation and public service. He started his career working in the chambers of two federal judges and later represented clients in civil commercial disputes at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP. His passion for public service led him to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted complex felony criminal cases.
An active participant in the legal community, Seitz has published numerous legal articles and continues to engage with various professional, civic, and social organizations. He serves as Vice President of the Gate City Bar Association and holds a position on the Atlanta Bar Association’s Board of Directors. His involvement extends to being a member of the Logan E. Bleckley Inn of Court, an alum of the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2022, a former member of the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, and a member of the Emory University Alumni Board.
In his remarks, Seitz expressed his honor and dedication to serving his city, affirming, “Accepting this appointment is not merely a duty; it’s a solemn pledge to champion the values of our community, to serve with integrity, and to strive relentlessly for the betterment of all.”
The appointment of Pierce Hand Seitz is a significant milestone for Atlanta. It not only reflects the city’s progress toward greater inclusivity and representation but also reinforces the importance of a judiciary that mirrors the diversity of the community it serves. Seitz’s comprehensive legal expertise and deep-rooted connection to Atlanta are set to make a lasting impact on the city’s judicial landscape.
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