Appeals court race hard on voters, candidates

Mike Sheffield

Age: 58

Occupation: Attorney in private practice in Lawrenceville, 2001-2008; Attorney in private practice in Decatur, 1999-2001; Public Defender in DeKalb County, 1984-1999; Assistant District Attorney in DeKalb County, 1975-1984;

Education: JD degree from Emory University Law School 1974; BA Degree from Wake Forest University, 1971; Graduated from North Fulton High School, 1967;

Top campaign Issue: The issue in this race is who has the most experience to serve on the Court of Appeals. Over half the caseload of the Court of Appeals are criminal cases. I have extensive experience in criminal law having served 9 years in the DeKalb District Attorney's Office and also on the defense side. This gives me a unique perspective of being able to see both sides of the case. The Court of Appeals reviews cases that were tried in Superior Court to see if errors were made by the judge trying the case. I have tried 300 jury trials in Superior Court which gives me a good background for the Court of Appeals. I have also written 65 appeals in the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court which means that I have actually practiced in the court. Additionally, I have been elected president of both the DeKalb County Bar Association and the Gwinnett County Bar Association. I am the only lawyer ever to be elected to two of the largest Bar Associations in the State. I believe this shows that the lawyers who know me respect me and recognize both my legal abilities and my ability to work with other lawyers.

Perry McGuire

Age: 49

Occupation: Present: Partner, Taylor, Busch, Slipakoff & Duma, LLP; Corporate attorney, Chick-fil-A, Inc. (1996-2004); Georgia state Senator (1993-1996);

Education: Juris Doctor degree, Georgia State University College of Law (1988); BBA in finance, Valdosta State University (1981);

Top Campaign Issues: As a former state Senator and 2006 Republican nominee for Attorney General, I believe that judges should respect laws as written and not re-write them from the bench. Judges and lawmakers have distinct jobs in our system of government. My conservative philosophy is consistent with the majority on the U.S. Supreme Court. I also believe that the Georgia Court of Appeals - the "court of last resort" for thousands of Georgians every year - needs a judge with extensive real-world business experience to help the court reach fair and equitable decisions that impact family budgets, jobs and consumers. Finally, as a board member on the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue, I believe we should strictly enforce our criminal laws to protect our families while reforming troubled youth to prevent a lifetime of crime. That is why I've been endorsed by state legislative leadership, sheriffs, attorneys and conservative organizations.

Sara Doyle

Age: 40

Occupation: Holland & Knight, LLP, Equity Partner, Jan. 1, 2008 to present, Non-equity Partner, Jan. 2, 2003 to Dec. 31, 2007, Associate, Aug. 16, 2000 to Dec. 31, 2002; Wilson, Strickland & Benson, P.C., Associate, July 1, 1994 to Aug. 15, 2000, Summer Associate, 1993.

Education: University of Florida, BSBA, 1990; Mercer University Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1994.

Top campaign issues: "...There are no issues with this campaign other than the lack of attention it is getting from the voters. Few know about this important statewide race. Of the candidates, only two have more Court of Appeals experience. I have tried cases representing both the plaintiff and the defendant and have an understanding of how both perceive the legal system. I graduated in the top of my law school class (No. 8) and was a member of the Law Review. I have both small and large firm experience and have handled virtually all of the types of legal cases that come before the Court of Appeals on a daily basis. As a partner at a large firm, I also have experience leading a team of people to move a large caseload efficiently through the court system. The Georgia Court of Appeals is one of the busiest in the country and it needs someone with my experience to help with the huge caseload.

Chris McFadden

Age: 51

Occupation: Appellate lawyer, sole practitioner; Lokey & Bowden, Atlanta, Law Clerk (Summer, 1985); Land, McKnight & Newlin, Atlanta, contractor (1985-1986); McLain &; Merritt, Atlanta, Associate (1986); Bailey, Stevens & Gerson, Atlanta, Associate (1986-1987); Bruce Mitchell & Associates, Atlanta, Associate (1987-1988). Weeks, Candler, Decatur, Clerk (Summer, 1984). Curtis Fuchs Insurance Agency, Atlanta, Sales Rep. (1980-1981); Management Search, Inc., Atlanta, Account Executive (1981-1982). Education: Oglethorpe University (Atlanta), B.A., magna cum laude (1980), University of Georgia, J.D. (1985).

Top campaign issues: I have wanted to be a judge for a very long time. I decided to run for this office after examining my temperament, gifts, and qualifications. I was inspired by the memory of my father, who served as a trial judge for 20 years. His example led me to conclude that, in light of my temperament and gifts, service as a judge is the most honorable vocation to which I can aspire. Examination of my qualifications led me to conclude that the Court of Appeals is where I am best prepared to serve. I have handled more cases in the Georgia Court of Appeals than my six opponents combined. I wrote the book on practice before that court. Literally. My book, Georgia Appellate Practice , is published by the nation's leading law book publisher and is used in law offices, courthouses and law libraries throughout Georgia. Working with a state bar committee, I wrote a part of Georgia's Appellate Practice Act. I was a founding chair of the Appellate Practice Section of the State Bar of Georgia.

Bruce M. Edenfield

Age: 60

Occupation: Upon graduation from law school, I worked for the Marietta firm of McDonald, DuPree, Rodriguez & Moore (1973-1974). In 1974 I joined the Office of the Georgia Attorney General as an Assisstant Attorney General. In 1979, I left the Attorney General's Office for a private litigation practice with Hicks, Maloof & Campbell. In 1998, I entered partnership with the firm of Gray, Hedrick & Edenfield, now Hedrick & Edenfield. From 1979 through the present, I have continuously served as a Special Assistant Attorney General providing legal representation to State agencies, officials and employees.

Education: University of Georgia, 1966-1970, BA Political Science. Samford University, Cumberland School of Law, 1970-1973, Juris Doctor.

Top campaign issues: Since I have signed the agreement sponsored by the Georgia Committee for Ethical Judicial Campaigns, I will highlight my qualifications for the Court of Appeals. The depth and breadth of my litigation experience exceeds that of any of the other candidates. I am the only attorney seeking this judgship who has 35 years of both trial and appellate experience. I have handled over 60 appeals in the appellate courts of Georgia and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. I handled the vast majority of those cases in the lower courts. I have succeeded in 87 percent of the cases where I appeared on behalf of appellees, and in over 50 percent of the cases where I represented appelants. I have practiced continually in both state and federal venues. My trial and appellate experience has equipped me well for a new career on the bench. Trial attorneys must be able to not only understand their client's case, but must also be able to objectively understand the legal claims and facts and circumstances from their opponent's poiint of view. I believe that I have developed a good reputation in the Bar of this state as a person who can make those objective assessments. That kind of objectivity is critical to the performance of one's duty as an appellate judge.

Michael S. Meyer von Bremen

Age: 51

Occupation: State Senator, 1999-Jan. 2009; Partner, Hall Booth, Smith & Slover, Albany, 2002-present; attorney, Hall Booth, Smith & Slover, 1983-present;

Education: Juris Doctor, Mercer University School of Law, 1983; Bachelor of Arts, Mercer University, 1979;

Top campaign issues: I have more than 25 years of courtroom and appellate experience. In my practice, I have represented clients in virtually all types of civil and criminal cases that are considered by the Court of Appeals. As a state Senator for 10 years, I have chaired the Special Judiciary and Ethics committees and served one term as minority leader. I have had a direct role in writing and/or passing many laws ranging from open government to ethics to DNA testing to protecting our children. Therefore, not only am I familiar with 10 years of new laws on the book by having been there, this experience further enhances my ability to understand the laws in detail and the appeals process. The combination of courtroom experience and legislative service is a well-rounded background conducive to upholding the Constitution and rule of law in a fair and impartial manner.

Tamela Adkins

Age: 45

Occupation: Family law attorney

Education: Meredith College and the University of Bridgeport School of Law (now Quinnipiac College), graduated Cum Laude and was a member of the Law Review.

Top campaign issues: Ms. Adkins is a family law attorney with extensive courtroom experience and a proven record of fighting for Georgia families and Georgia values. Having tried over 1,500 cases, She has a comprehensive understanding of Georgia law, court procedures and the issues that impact the quality of life for families throughout the state. She has practiced law in Georgia since 1993 and has focused her practice on family law and the issues of child custody, child protection and domestic violence. She was the recipient of four American Jurisprudence Awards, including honors for trial practice and conflicts of law.