As a law student at the University of Georgia, Benjamin A. Land clerked for the Georgia Supreme Court. After decades of judicial experience and a stint serving in the state appellate court, Land will soon return to the Supreme Court, this time as a justice.
After an appointment from Republican Gov. Brian Kemp Thursday morning, Land will be the newest member of Georgia’s Supreme Court. He will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Michael P. Boggs, who served as the chief justice before returning to private practice this year.
“After careful consideration of multiple accomplished and noteworthy candidates, I’m proud to announce Ben Land as my appointment to serve on the Georgia Supreme Court,” Kemp said in a Thursday statement. “Judge Land has earned the respect of his peers and hardworking Georgians through his commitment to fairness and impartiality, his strong work ethic, and his integrity. His extensive experience as a former litigator and judge will make him a valuable addition to the Supreme Court as he continues his service to the people of our state.”
Land has served on the Georgia Court of Appeals since July 2022 when he was appointed by Kemp. In 2024, he won a statewide election to serve a full six-year term. Prior to his time with the Court of Appeals, Land served as a judge in the superior court for the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit, an appointment he received in 2018 from former Gov. Nathan Deal.
Land’s early career started with a focus on complex civil litigation as a private practice attorney in Columbus for over 25 years and over the years represented plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of cases.
“The Supreme Court congratulates and welcomes Judge Land,” Chief Justice Nels S.D. Peterson said in a statement. “His background and experience, including years as a state appellate judge, trial court judge, and litigator, position him well to serve on the state’s highest court. My fellow Justices and I look forward to working with him.”
Of the Justices currently serving on Georgia’s Supreme Court, four have been appointed by Kemp and an additional three were appointed by his predecessor, Deal. John J. Ellington is the only justice who was elected without an initial appointment.
Land’s appointment means that Kemp has handpicked over half of Georgia’s Supreme Court.
Land’s official swearing in date has yet to be announced, but will take place before Aug. 1.
Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.