---
title: "Patrick M. Shepherd | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/patrick-m-shepherd-ga-state-6984cadb5be1696852674146"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-25"
---

# Patrick M. Shepherd

Spalding County State Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Spalding County State Court
- State: Georgia
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-08-25

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Appointed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in February 2026 as Judge of the State Court of Spalding County, serving a term through December 31, 2028
- Prior to his election as Solicitor General in 2018, Shepherd was a partner in the firm of Shepherd Law Offices, LLC, where he practiced with his father, Timothy N. Shepherd.
- Shepherd brings 16 years of legal experience in Georgia’s justice system

### Education

- Mercer University School of Law — J.D. (2009)
- bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia in 2005

### Additional information

- The appointment was announced on February 5, 2026, and he was sworn in shortly thereafter.
- Joined fill the seat created by House Bill 798 (Act 233) during the 2025 Georgia General Assembly session.
- His recent role was Spalding County Solicitor-General for seven years, where he prosecuted misdemeanor criminal cases.
- As State Court Judge, he will preside over cases in the Spalding County State Court, including misdemeanor criminal matters and other cases within the court’s jurisdiction

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### electronic devices and recording

Scope: statewide

Georgia's class-specific Uniform Court Rules govern electronic devices and recording in state trial courts. Before using recording, photography, livestreaming, or similar courtroom technology, confirm the governing rule and the assigned court's procedure.

Evidence excerpt: Uniform Superior, Juvenile, Magistrate, Municipal and Probate Court Rules

[Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/6984cadb5be1696852674146/)
- [Official roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/6984cadb5be1696852674146/)
- [Supreme Court of Georgia, court orders amending Uniform Trial Court Rules](https://www.gasupreme.us/rules/amendments-to-rules)
- [Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://georgiacourts.knack.com/gcd2/#directory-entries/entry-details/6984cadb5be1696852674146/)
- [Gov. Kemp Announces Superior and State Court Appointments](https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-01-21/gov-kemp-announces-superior-and-state-court-appointments)

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