Attorney General Barr appointed Philip P. Taylor to begin hearing cases in January 2020. Judge Taylor earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1986 from LeMoyne College, a Juris Doctor in 1989 from Emory University School of Law, a Master of Judicial Studies in 2007 from University of Nevada, Reno, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Judicial Studies in 2012 from University of Nevada, Reno. From 2000 to 2019, Judge Taylor served as chief municipal judge for the City of Kennesaw, Acworth, Powder Springs, and Woodstock, Georgia. From 1996 to 2016, Judge Taylor served as magistrate judge, in Cobb County, Georgia. From 1989 to 2012, he was in private practice at Webb, Carlock, Copeland, Semler & Star; Hopkins & Taylor L.L.P.; and The Taylor Firm P.C. Judge Taylor is member of the Georgia State Bar.