On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) convened a status conference regarding the ongoing proceedings against Judge Thomas C. Bordeaux, Jr.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Thomas C. Bordeaux, Jr.,” with case number 2023-1082.

During the conference, both parties expressed the need for an extension of 30 days to continue discussions and share pertinent information. The presiding officer, Judge Brian M. Rickman, acknowledged this request, agreeing that the extra time would be beneficial in streamlining the issues that the hearing panel will address at the final hearing.

The conference was scheduled in response to the ongoing investigation into Judge Bordeaux’s alleged misconduct, which has garnered significant public attention. The JQC has been examining claims that Bordeaux failed to manage court cases efficiently, resulting in substantial delays in probate matters, since he took office in January 2017.

The status conference was part of a series of procedural steps leading to a formal hearing. Judge Rickman indicated that the next status conference would be scheduled for a date more than 30 days following the February 26 meeting, allowing both sides ample opportunity to prepare.

The formal charges against Judge Bordeaux were initiated by JQC Director Courtney Veal and Deputy Director Ashton Murphy on October 3, 2024. These charges consist of multiple allegations asserting that Bordeaux did not handle at least nine probate cases in a timely and effective manner, thereby violating provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Specifically, the charges cite breaches of Rule 2.5(A), which mandates that judges execute their duties competently and without bias, and Rule 2.2, which compels judges to manage all judicial matters efficiently.

The allegations against Bordeaux detail delays in the probate cases ranging from 11 months to over seven years. Many of these cases were inherited from his predecessor, Judge Harris Lewis, who served for 21 years prior to his retirement. The JQC has emphasized the importance of judicial efficiency, stating that delays can undermine the rights of the parties involved and complicate the judicial process.

As the investigation progresses, the outcomes of the upcoming status conference and final hearing are anticipated to shed light on the future of Judge Bordeaux’s judicial career. The JQC continues to emphasize the importance of judicial accountability and the necessity of maintaining public trust in the legal system.

Bordeaux was born in Savannah, Georgia, where he graduated from Savannah High School. He then obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from The University of Georgia in 1975. After completing his undergraduate studies, he earned his JD from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1979.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.