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I AM, WAS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE A CATALYST FOR CHANGE.
-Shirley chisolm

ABOUT TERI
With a legal career that spans over 30 years, Teri Thompson serves as an Associate Judge in DeKalb County Magistrate Court, Federal Death Penalty Defense Attorney, Adjunct Professor, and an award-winning author.
Teri’s legal background is unmatched:
Qualified as Learned Counsel since 2018, she represented men and women facing the death penalty across the country, including the federal courts of Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. She is also an adjunct professor where she lectures in the area of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and the American Court System.
Teri’s passion is uncompromising: From representing youthful offenders in juvenile court to representing former members of the Black Panthers and the Black Liberation Army, she has advocated for justice around the country. She also volunteered for Clemency Project 2014, an initiative of President Barack Obama, where she worked with federal inmates around the country to fight for clemency from unjust federal drug sentences.

AFFILIATIONS

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
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Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL)
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Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (GABWA)
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National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, Life Member
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Life Member

BAR MEMBERSHIPS
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United States Supreme Court
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United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
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United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia
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United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
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United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia
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United States District Court for the Eastern District of California (Pro Hac Vice)
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United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois (Pro Hac Vice)
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United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Pro Hac Vice)
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United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (Pro Hac Vice)
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United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Pro Hac Vice)
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United States District Court of the Virgin Islands (Pro Hac Vice)
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Georgia Supreme Court
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Georgia Court of Appeals
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State Bar of Georgia

MENTORSHIPS
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Spelman College Mock Trial Team Coach
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Spelman College, Sister 2 Sister Committee
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Spelman College, Debate Team Coach

PUBLICATIONS
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Judge Teri Thompson: Empowering Youth and Reforming Justice One Step at a Time
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“If God is a God of Redemption, Should Government Get in the Way,” Canopy Forum, November 25, 2020, Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Emory University.
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“Navigating Probation Revocation Hearings in Georgia,” June 1, 2017, Avvo Legal Guides
appearances
community service & mentorships
-African PROVERB
WHEN YOU EDUCATE A WOMAN, YOU EDUCATE A NATION
Teri Thompson LLC is a proud supporter of the Oyedeji Grammar School in Oyedeji, Nigeria where young girls in rural areas often miss school simply because their families are unable to afford necessary feminine products. Click to support our goal as we change the lives of underprivileged young scholars.
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Teri's other community support efforts include:
Board Member, Children’s Museum of Montgomery, Alabama
Believing in the unlimited abilities of every child, Teri serves is a member of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Museum of Montgomery which inspires young minds and provides hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
Coach, Spelman College Speech and Debate Team
Teri serves as a volunteer coach of the national award-winning Spelman College Speech and Debate Team.
Coach, Spelman College Mock Trial Team
Training pre-law students in trial skills from opening statement to cross-examination, Teri led the Spelman College Mock Trial Team in competitions across Georgia and Florida.
Mentor, Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Giving a voice to the voiceless, Teri served as a CASA volunteer for foster children in the DeKalb County Juvenile Court.