ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Leaders from across Georgia’s legal community gathered in Albany to honor a trailblazer whose work helped shape the fight for justice in Southwest Georgia.

The Dougherty Circuit Bar Association hosted a Law Day luncheon at Albany State University’s West Campus recognizing Judge Herbert Phipps, whose journey to the bench continues to leave a lasting impact.

From growing up in segregated South Georgia to becoming a judge on the Georgia Court of Appeals, Phipps’ journey was rooted in purpose. As a young man, he learned under civil rights attorney C.B. King, witnessing history unfold during the Albany Movement.

He went on to become a Dougherty Circuit Superior Court judge in 1995, and a Georgia Court of Appeals judge in 1999.

U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop was among those honoring Phipps’ legacy.

“He was a man for all seasons. He was courageous in his positions. And he always stood for the rule of law and equal justice under law for all people,” Bishop said.

Judges, attorneys and elected officials gathered to reflect on his impact.

“We have the right to live and be in our own truth. And I felt like Judge Phipps was definitely one of those people that lived in his own truth and lives in his own truth as well. And he wasn’t afraid to speak up even when he wasn’t supposed to say certain things, but he didn’t care,” said Senoqua Claiborne, president of the Dougherty Circuit Bar Association.

Those who served alongside Phipps said his presence on the bench was defined by fairness.

“At the courthouse, he had a tradition of following the rule of law. And he knew that it was incumbent upon all of us to protect our system of justice. His courage is the thing that he’s most known for,” said Georgia Supreme Court Justice John J. Ellington.

Speakers said that example still guides the next generation, showing what it looks like to lead with integrity.

“In Georgia, Herb Phipps made a difference. In the judiciary, Herb Phipps made a difference. And in the quality of life of many Georgians, Herb Phipps made a difference,” Ellington said.

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