Scott Halperin named Circuit Defender

June 16, 2022 – Cobb’s Superior Court Judges announce that attorney Scott Halperin has been selected as Circuit Defender. Halperin succeeds Randall Harris, who has led the office since 2004 and is retiring.

“I want to express the sincerest gratitude to Randy Harris for his steadfast dedication to this office and its mission,” Chief Judge Rob Leonard said. “I’m proud to say that Cobb offers the best indigent defense services in the state. That is due in large part to Randy’s leadership and can only improve with Scott Halperin at the helm.”

“We were lucky to have many qualified candidates for this position. That’s a testament to the strength, integrity, and heart for service of our local bar,” Leonard said. “Scott has spent his entire career serving the indigent and most vulnerable in our community. He has a heart for serving the indigent. He also has the respect of the bar and the bench, and he understands the importance of maintaining the independence of the office.”

Leonard added that the vote was unanimous and was in consultation with the Chief Judges of Magistrate, State, and Juvenile Courts.

People charged with crimes have a Constitutional right to an attorney. The Circuit Defender’s Office contracts with private attorneys to represent defendants who qualify.

Halperin earned his law degree at Georgia State University in 2001. His background includes years working with Legal Aid and serving as a Public or Conflict Defender for the cities of Doraville, Sandy Springs, and Roswell. In private practice, he focused on representing defendants in criminal and juvenile courts. Since 2020, he has served as the Circuit Defender’s Lead Advocate in Cobb Juvenile Court, representing children, parents, and others.

“I am looking forward to continuing the legacy of superlative representation that the Circuit Defender has always provided to the community,” Halperin said.