Our January Member Spotlight is Judge Nailah McFarlane, a dedicated jurist whose lifelong commitment to fairness and service is deeply rooted in her upbringing in a close, diverse community—much like Fayette County, where she has lived with her family for the past decade. Inspired early on by a passion for advocating for underserved youth, Judge McFarlane has carried that commitment throughout her career in the justice system. After moving to Atlanta in 1995, she continued her education and became an attorney in 2006, beginning her legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Fulton County before founding The Law Firm of Grant & Associates, LLC.
Appointed to the bench in 2014, Judge McFarlane has served with distinction across Municipal, Magistrate, State, and Juvenile Courts, and by designation, Superior Court. In 2021, she briefly returned to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute complex, high-profile murder cases, earning multiple awards for her service before returning to the judiciary in 2023. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication to justice. Judge McFarlane is also a candidate for Fayette County State Court Judge.
Reflecting on her involvement with GAWL, Judge McFarlane shared that she was drawn to the organization to connect with like-minded lawyers and judges who are committed to professional growth, mentorship, and community service. After speaking with several members and learning more about GAWL’s impactful initiatives, she was inspired by both the opportunity to receive mentorship and to serve as a mentor to women lawyers coming up behind her in the profession. Judge McFarlane values GAWL’s meaningful work and the exceptional professionalism of its members, noting that the organization plays a vital role in strengthening the legal community and uplifting women leaders across Georgia.
Judge Nailah McFarlane can be reached at ElectJudgeNailahGrantFarlane@gmail.com
