Former Chief Justice Harold Melton Honored with Portrait at Nathan Deal Judicial Center

Former Chief Justice Harold Melton continues to make his mark in private practice while remaining a familiar presence at the Nathan Deal Judicial Center. Though no longer serving on the Georgia Supreme Court, the high court honored Melton with a painted portrait that will hang in the main courtroom, ensuring that his legacy will be seen by colleagues and visitors for years to come.

The unveiling ceremony, held on Wednesday, January 10, 2025, was attended by Melton’s family, friends, colleagues, and both current and former justices of the Supreme Court. The portrait, painted by Atlanta-based artist Suzanne Royal, was revealed in front of an audience that included prominent members of the legal community.

Melton, a Cobb County native and graduate of Wheeler High School, served on the Georgia Supreme Court from 2005 until his retirement in 2021. Current Chief Justice Michael Boggs spoke fondly of his colleague, calling him a great friend, a great Georgian, and a great American. Boggs emphasized Melton’s faith and character, quoting the Bible verse 1 Peter 3:16, which calls for sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. “I know no one that better exemplifies these qualities than Justice Harold Melton,” said Boggs.

In a moving speech, Melton expressed his gratitude to those who helped shape his career, noting that he plans to personally thank each individual through letters over the course of the next year. “God has blessed me with so many people, I had to be successful at something,” Melton said. “I had to be good at something.”

Helen Hines, widow of former Chief Justice Harris Hines, also spoke at the event and shared the story of how her late husband first mentored Melton. While Melton was an undergraduate at Auburn University, Hines offered him an internship opportunity in 1987, which ultimately set Melton on his path toward becoming a Supreme Court justice. “Miss Helen Hines reading the Marietta Daily Journal was monumental,” Melton said, reflecting on the pivotal moment in his career.

Following law school, Melton’s law career began with various positions, including serving in the Georgia Attorney General’s office and as Executive Counsel to former Governor Sonny Perdue. In 2005, Melton was appointed to the Georgia Supreme Court in 2005, where he worked alongside Justice Hines until his retirement in 2018. Melton’s leadership as Chief Justice from 2018 to 2021, was marked by innovation and resilience, as he navigated the challenges of maintaining court operations during an unprecedented time brought on by the pandemic. After retiring from the Supreme Court in 2021, Melton transitioned to private practice as a partner at Troutman Pepper’s Atlanta office. In 2023, he was hired by the city of Mableton to defend against claims that the legislation enabling the formation of the city was unconstitutional.

Melton’s portrait serves as a testament to his lasting impact on Georgia’s legal community and the high regard in which he is held by colleagues and the public alike.