Ballar Qualifies as Candidate for Probate Court

Chris Ballar, of Buford, has formally qualified for Probate Court judge. Marlene Duwell is also planning to run for the position.

PRESS RELEASE/Campaign for Chris Ballar Republican attorney Chris Ballar formally qualified with the Gwinnett Republican Party Wednesday for the election of judge of Gwinnett Probate Court.   Ballar is an attorney and owns the Estate Planning and Elder Law Firm of “Christopher A. Ballar, PC”, in Buford. “My experience in running a private practice gives me an entirely different perspective of what it takes to run our court efficiently,” Ballar said. “I believe voters today are demanding private sector and business experience in our elected officials.” “I have tremendous experience in exactly the kind of law that a Judge of the Probate Court deals with each day,” Ballar said. “For more than a decade, I have counseled and advised clients …

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Wednesday's Woman

Wednesday's Woman: Marlene Duwell

Marlene Duwell is running for Gwinnett County Probate Court judge.

Now that the current Gwinnett County probate judge is retiring after a 20-year career, a number of people are campaigning for the position. Marlene Duwell, the current chief clerk, is one of the top contenders.  An Atlanta native, Duwell has been involved in law since 1993. She is currently the second-in-command at probate court and is responsible for the administrative side of things.  Probate court, according to Duwell, is the court closest to the people.  “Not only do I love working with the people,” Duwell said, “but I really want people to feel that when they come in the door they will be heard, and sometimes that's all they really want.  Delivering justice in what people need everyday is the role of the court and something I take …

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