News & Announcements
Appeals court judge speaks to TFS seniors
In back-to-back sessions on Oct. 17, Georgia Court of Appeals Judge Brian M. Rickman shared wisdom and insight with members of the Tallulah Falls School class of 2017.
Rickman told students he was initially interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice, perhaps working as a Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent. He changed course after spending time serving in a DA’s office, subsequently attending the University of Georgia School of Law.
He has experience working in private practice and serving as an assistant DA before being appointed District Attorney for the Mountain Judicial Circuit in 2008. He was appointed to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 2015, taking office in January 2016.
Rickman provided to students an overview of the appeals court where many types of cases are considered. He stressed the importance of the judiciary’s role as independent and free of influence. He used real world examples to engage students.
One topic of interest to TFS students was which college major best prepares a candidate to be successful in law school. According to Rickman, a course of study where critical thinking is emphasized, coupled with strong writing skills, provides that background. However, Rickman said, many majors can translate to the legal field, using the example of a biochemistry major working in patent law for medical research.
“I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with the students, who clearly were very well prepared and highly interested in our justice system,” Rickman said. “In order for our system to continue to function and to have the confidence of our citizens, it is vital that our young people hold on to their idealism and sense of fairness, and that many make the choice to take that pa
ssion with them to careers in the legal field.”
Senior William Cantrell of Cleveland was one of the first to ask a question of the courtroom veteran.
“I thought the judge was an enjoyable speaker, and he felt extremely genuine in his responses, making it feel as though he were talking to equals, not speaking down to children,” Cantrell said. “That’s immensely important for any speaker, especially one that speaks to high school seniors, who are, for the most part, adults either legally, intellectually, or both.
Dallas Barron, TFS Upper School history and government teacher said Rickman is a great model for TFS students as they prepare to make important decisions about next steps for college and life.
“I appreciate the time Judge Rickman gave to our seniors,” Barron said. “Learning about government in the classroom becomes more relevant when students can interact with people serving in government roles. Judge Rickman was enlightening and enthusiastic about the role of the state judicial system. I know that our seniors enjoyed the time spent with Judge Rickman.”
President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy was also appreciative of the time Rickman spent with the senior class.
“Our mission at TFS is to increase intellect and develop character. Brian Rickman is an excellent example of both. He is an intellectual judge with the highest moral and ethical standards," Peevy said. “He is a perfect person to represent his profession to our students.”
Students in Barron’s government class will visit with Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Chan Caudell in November to tour the Habersham County Courthouse and observe a trial.