Honorable Matthew Simmons, Mediator

Phone: (404) 348-4881

Judge Matthew “Matt” Simmons served as a Superior Court Judge for one of Metro Atlanta’s busiest counties for 24 years, including 4 years as the Chief Judge for the Circuit. For 2 years he served as the Sixth District Administrative Judge and as a member of the Judicial Council of Georgia. Judge Simmons has presided over a wide variety of civil cases, including torts, contracts, business disputes, tax appeals, condemnations, medical malpractice, local government matters, estates, family law, and personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Attorneys appearing before Judge Simmons appreciated his sense of humor, his respectful, relaxed style with counsel and parties, and his intellect. Matt graduated Cum Laude from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1979, where he wrote for the Georgia Law Review and was a member of the Order of the Coif. He earned an LL.M. in Taxation from Emory University in 1982. Prior to law school, Matt earned his bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Georgia, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1976.

From 1979 through 1992, Matt was in private practice, dealing in a range of areas, including business law, commercial real estate, wills and estate planning, and taxation. Additionally, Matt has many years of political experience, providing him with unique insight into both legal and governmental matters. From 1983 to 1986, he served as a City Councilman in the City of Forest Park and then was elected Mayor of Forest Park, serving in that capacity from 1987-1991.

In addition to his extensive experience in these many facets, Matt served as an educator. He held a teaching position with Clayton Junior College, where he was an adjunct professor of business law and income taxation.

Twice named by The Atlanta Business Chronicle to its list of “Who’s Who in Law and Accounting,” Matt has held a number of other positions, including Chairman of the Board of Directors of Peach State Bank, President of the Clayton County Municipal Association, President of the Forest Park Kiwanis Club, President of Friends of Clayton Developmental Services, Inc., and has also served as a member of the Clayton County Board of Health.

He currently serves as a Senior Judge, hearing cases throughout the state. When he’s not in the courtroom or mediating, he enjoys spending time with his wife, their four children and two grandchildren.

If you need help with alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, please contact the attorneys of Hecht Walker, P.C. at (404) 348-4881 to schedule your mediation, arbitration or special master services.