Attorneys shall not present to any judge any matter or issue in any action which has been assigned to another judge, except under the most compelling circumstances. In that event, any attorney doing so shall first advise the judge to whom the matter is presented that the action is assigned to another judge. Counsel shall also inform the assigned judge as soon as possible that the matter was presented to another judge.
Rule 4.7.To Utilize Assigned Judge
Rule 4. ATTORNEYS APPEARANCE, WITHDRAWAL AND DUTIES · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4.7 requires Georgia attorneys to bring case matters to the judge assigned to that action rather than to a different judge, except in the most compelling circumstances, and even then requires disclosure to both the judge approached and the assigned judge about what happened.
Full Text of Rule 4.7
Plain-English Summary
Every civil action in a Georgia superior court has a judge attached to it, and Rule 4.7 says that judge is who hears the matters in that case — not whichever judge happens to be available or seems likely to rule a certain way. An attorney can go outside that assignment only under the most compelling circumstances, and the rule doesn’t treat convenience or urgency alone as enough.
When those compelling circumstances do arise, the rule builds in transparency both ways. The attorney must first tell the judge being approached that the matter is assigned to someone else, so that judge understands the posture before acting. Then, as soon as possible afterward, the attorney must let the assigned judge know the matter was brought to another judge and what happened. Neither disclosure is optional — the rule uses “shall” for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an attorney bring a motion or issue to any judge who happens to be available?
No. Attorneys are not to present a matter to a judge other than the one to whom the action is assigned, except under the most compelling circumstances.
What must an attorney tell the other judge if compelling circumstances justify going outside the assignment?
The attorney must first advise that judge that the action is assigned to another judge.
Does the assigned judge need to find out afterward?
Yes. Counsel must also inform the assigned judge as soon as possible that the matter was presented to another judge.
What standard must be met before departing from the assigned judge?
The rule requires “the most compelling circumstances” before an attorney may present a matter to a judge other than the one assigned.
Why does Georgia require attorneys to stick with the assigned judge?
It keeps control of a case with the judge responsible for it, rather than letting attorneys pick and choose among judges for individual matters.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Uniform Superior Court Rules, published by the
Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
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