Teri Lee Thompson

Teri Lee Thompson is an Associate Judge with the DeKalb County Magistrate Court in Georgia, a seasoned trial attorney, author, and adjunct professor with more than 30 years of legal experience. She has built a distinguished career in criminal defense, including extensive work in juvenile law and federal capital cases, where she has served as Learned Counsel in death penalty litigation across multiple jurisdictions in the United States, including Georgia, California, Texas, Illinois, New York, South Carolina, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In addition to her judicial role, she is the founder of ZELLA PUBLISHING, LLC and an award-winning children’s book author.

Throughout her legal career, Thompson has appeared before some of the highest courts in the nation, including the United States Supreme Court and multiple federal circuit and district courts. She is admitted to practice in several jurisdictions and is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers. Her practice has included representing clients facing complex and high-stakes criminal matters, from juvenile offenders to individuals associated with historic political and social movements, reflecting her deep commitment to due process and equitable representation.

Beyond the courtroom, Thompson is an educator and advocate dedicated to mentorship, youth empowerment, and legal education. As an adjunct professor, she teaches subjects such as Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Procedure, sharing her real-world experience with future legal professionals. Through her writing and initiatives like Girls Who Rise, she focuses on breaking cycles that lead young girls into the justice system, using storytelling and educational tools to inspire resilience, self-awareness, and opportunity for future generations.