Presiding Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren and Paul W. Grimm explored the vital role of state courts and the evolving challenges facing the judiciary.
On September 30, 2025, Presiding Justice Sarah Hawkins Warren (Duke Law ’08) of the Supreme Court of Georgia and Paul W. Grimm, director of the Bolch Judicial Institute and retired federal judge, engaged in a wide-ranging conversation on the vital role of state courts in upholding the rule of law. The event, described as a “fireside chat,” was held in the Supreme Court courtroom at the Nathan Deal Judicial Center in Atlanta.
The evening opened with remarks from Susan Bass Bolch, co-founder of the Bolch Judicial Institute, who emphasized that “an independent and fair judiciary is critical to maintaining the rule of law,” noting the Institute’s mission to support both judicial and civic education.
Grimm then led the conversation with Warren, which covered a variety of topics, including judicial independence, public trust in the courts, and the value of public service. Warren traced her journey from Duke Law to Georgia’s highest court and touched on emerging issues in the law, including how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal profession as well as the justice system.
