Georgia Judge Stephen Dillard to receive William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence

Williamsburg, Va. (Sept. 26, 2025) -- Presiding Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard of the Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia has been named the recipient of the 30th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence presented by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC).

One of the highest judicial recognitions in the country, the Rehnquist Award honors a state court judge who demonstrates the outstanding qualities of judicial excellence, including integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, professional ethics, creativity, sound judgment, courage and decisiveness.

"Judge Dillard's transformational efforts to improve appellate court administration will have lasting impacts for many years to come," said NCSC President Elizabeth Clement. "His enthusiasm for and commitment to transparency and public trust is evident from his leadership in making courts more accessible."

Judge Dillard will receive the Rehnquist Award from Chief Justice of the United States John G. Roberts, Jr., during an event at the Supreme Court of the United States in November.

A forward-thinking judicial leader 

Judge Dillard's nomination spoke to numerous initiatives that improved the administration of justice including a restructuring of central staff to prioritize resources and more efficient case resolution. He was also successful in gaining additional staff resources from the General Assembly to handle an increasing caseload. 

His contributions on the Georgia Appellate Jurisdiction Reform Commission led to several categories of cases shifting from the supreme court to court of appeals to help reduce redundancies and improve efficiencies. Judge Dillard was also instrumental in getting the Appellate Jurisdiction Reform Act of 2016 signed into law. 

"These changes were nothing short of revolutionary, and Stephen played a key leadership role throughout this historic process," wrote Judge Don R. Willett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

An advocate for transparency & access 

Devoted to endeavors that seek to improve public trust and confidence in our courts, Judge Dillard has actively supported the Georgia High School Mock Trial Competition since 2012. He serves as a special consultant who teaches effective oral argument techniques and judges arguments during the competition.

His work to implement live streaming of oral arguments was an extension of his commitment to demystifying the judiciary and connecting with the public. 

"Stephen exemplifies what we should all desire of our state judges - a commitment to the rule of law, an undying devotion to improving public trust and confidence in our courts through extra-judicial public activities, and a dedication to improving the administration of justice through efforts to improve court functions and deliverables," wrote former Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs. 

Judge Dillard earned an undergraduate degree from Samford University and his juris doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law. Earlier this year, he received a master of laws in judicial studies from the Duke University School of Law.

Before his appointment to the Court of Appeals in 2010, Judge Dillard clerked for Judge Daniel A. Manion of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and spent 12 years in private practice, specializing in complex litigation and appellate practice.