- April 28, 2024
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In his nearly two decades as a judge of the seventh judicial circuit, William Parsons has done everything he possibly could in his honorable position. He has served twice as Chief Judge and presided over criminal, civil, family, dependency, juvenile delinquency and probate cases. Parsons said some of his favorite memories from the bench are working with other judges. When he first started, the judges he worked with helped him to think like a judge, and be completely neutral when trying cases; a skill that is very difficult for most to overcome.
“When a lawyer comes in and makes a presentation, they’re presenting the argument in the client’s best interest,” Parsons said. “At the end of the day the judge is there with these two strong arguments. Our sole obligation is to do what the law requires. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what that is. That takes some time to adjust to.”
For this judge, cases involving the death penalty were the hardest to figure out.
“It’s the heaviest lifting that you do as a judge,” Parsons said. “The ultimate decision lies with you. You want to be absolutely right in your analysis.”
Though his knowledge and skill set will soon be missing from the bench, Parsons has personally made sure his responsibility is in good hands by inviting the new judges into his home.
Over the years the most memorable part has been being a mentor for new judges,” Parsons said. “I’ve invited eight or nine judges into my home on Sundays for what we call ‘Parsons’ Kitchen Table Briefing.’ It’s really rewarding to see them bloom.”
Parsons said he enjoys helping the new judges, because he remembers what it’s like to be one.
“When I first started in criminal law up in Putnam, the first day I had arraignments,” Parsons recalled. “You have to swear in all the inmates before your start questioning them. I’m ready to go and I want to do a good job, so I start doing the questions and one of the inmates says ‘Judge, I know you’re new here but you have to swear me in first.’ The inmate new more about the process than I did. And things like that happen all the time.”
He tells all his new judges he’s mentoring, that you really have to learn how to role with the punches and laugh.
“I think it helps to have a sense of humor, and try not to be influenced by the emotions of what’s going on. You have very bad days, but you can’t ride the roller coaster of emotions.”
Parsons will be stepping down from the bench at the end of this year to join Cobb Cole Law Firm, where his daughter also works.
“At this phase of my life, I want to use my skill set in a different way,” Parsons said. “Eventually, I want a develop a mediation practice to help people with their cases. I was a trial lawyer for 21 years and it’s exciting work as well. I’m working for a change in life that is constructive, and I can help people, use to my skill and background in a positive way.”
