Name: Timothy C. ("Tim") Batten Sr.
Title: U.S. District Court Judge, Northern District of Georgia
Employer Name: U.S. Judiciary
Location: Atlanta and Newnan, Georgia
Number of years in this position or with this employer: 10
Georgia Law graduation year: 1984
Other degrees / institution / year: B.S. / Georgia Tech / 1981
1. Why did you choose to attend the University of Georgia School of Law?
The school enjoyed a very good reputation, particularly for those of us who wanted to practice in Georgia after graduating. Plus, it was moderately priced.
2. Who was your favorite Georgia Law professor? Why?
Paul Kurtz. He could take a case and tell a story with it. He was very bright and he did not hold it against you if your judicial/political philosophy differed from his.
3. What is your most memorable experience from your time at Georgia Law?
There wouldn't be one particular experience so much as a pattern of meaningful and rewarding relationships with wonderful colleagues in my class.
4. Where was your favorite place to study during law school?
The law school annex. The place had nice furniture, conducive for a 15-minute power nap.
5. What was your favorite thing about living in Athens?
I enjoy the easiness and feel of a small town.
6. What advice would you give to a current law school student?
Focus not only on school work but also on building relationships, which often last a lifetime.
7. Please briefly describe your current position.
I am a United States District Judge, nominated by President George W. Bush in 2005 and confirmed by the Senate in 2006. I preside over a wide variety of criminal and civil cases.
8. What do you enjoy most about your job? What is the most rewarding aspect?
The best part of the job occurs when, following rigorous or prolonged research, I get what I am certain is the right result in one of my cases. I do not experience this feeling with every case, but it is very gratifying when it happens.
9. What made you decide to be a judge?
I believe that I have an instinct for justice, and I felt the tug at my heart from very early in my career.
10. What do you do to handle the stress of your work? How do you relax after a stressful day?
I'm used to the stress because I was a trial lawyer for 22 years before moving to the bench. As for relaxation, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Beth, and our six kids.
11. What advice would you give to someone working in your field?
Find a way to leave the stress at the office when you go home every day. The weight of the cases is a heavy burden to bear.
12. What do you enjoy doing during your free time? What are your hobbies?
I love watching my kids' sporting events. As for hobbies, I have been playing the piano my whole life and I enjoy cooking.
13. If you could share an afternoon with anyone, with whom would you choose to spend it?
Without a doubt, Teddy Roosevelt. He was a true overcomer of hardship and a great president.
14. What would you consider your greatest accomplishment in life?
Being married to the woman I love for 29 years.
15. How do you stay up to date on legal issues and trends?
I read the Daily Report and all published cases from the 11th Circuit and all Supreme Court cases.
16. What book/resource do you find yourself referencing the most?
The Chicago Manual of Style and Thinking Like a Writer.
17. When you look out your office window, what do you see?
Georgia's beautiful gold-dome capitol.