Judge Jeff Watkins is a lifelong resident of Georgia and a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University.

He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, previously serving on the Statewide Judicial Evaluation Committee, and the Cartersville Bar Association, and is a member in good standing of the Lawyers Club of Atlanta, and the Old War Horse Lawyers Club.

After being appointed by Governor Brian Kemp, Judge Watkins left the practice of law to become a Superior Court Judge for the Cherokee Judicial Circuit on July 10, 2019. During his time on the Superior Court bench, Judge Watkins displayed professionalism and courtesy to all and was always mindful of the consequences of his rulings. His courtroom demeanor, fairness, and careful decision-making made him a respected and valued member of the bench. Judge Watkins also served on the Council of Superior Court Judges Legislation Committee, Bench and Bar Committee, and Mandatory Continuing Judicial Education Committee.

Judge Watkins is actively involved in his community, having been a member of the Bartow Rotary Club, including serving as a past member of the Board of Directors and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He is a past member of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, including service as a former member of the Board of Directors and Executive Board and former Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee. Judge Watkins is also a past member and Chairman of the Georgia Highlands College Foundation Board, and a current member of the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is also a graduate of Leadership Bartow.

Judge Watkins lives in Cartersville, Georgia, with his wife and three children.

After four years of service as a Superior Court Judge, Judge Watkins was honored to be appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to the Georgia Court of Appeals and was sworn in on July 11, 2023. Judge Watkins' next election will be in 2024.