Chase Sherrod

Chase Sherrod was born and raised in Emanuel County, where his parents, Jim and Bobbie Sherrod, instilled in him a strong sense of duty to his community and a solid work ethic. Growing up, Chase helped out at his family’s small deer processing business, which further shaped his commitment to service. He has two brothers and three sisters.

After graduating from ECI in 2012, Chase attended East Georgia State College for two years before transferring to Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern University). He graduated magna cum laude in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

 Despite initially considering a career in law enforcement, Chase ultimately chose to pursue law, earning his J.D. from Georgia State University’s School of Law in 2020, where he also graduated magna cum laude and in the top 15 percent of his class. Additionally, he earned a Master of Public Administration from Georgia State’s Andrew Young School of Policy Studies that same year.

During his academic career, Chase earned numerous accolades, including two CALI Excellence for the Future awards, the Catherine Henson Scholarship, the National Engaged Leader Award, and membership in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He also contributed to academic research and publication, serving as a research assistant for Dr. Kimberly Martin at Armstrong Atlantic State and Professor Julian Juergensmeyer at Georgia State. His legal training included an internship with the Eight Judicial Administrative District of Georgia as well as an internship with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) for research and policy.

Chase is a published scholastic author in International Social Science Review and Academic GMGC, and he has specialized training certificates in Campaign Management and Youth Leadership from The Leadership Institute.

In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Chase graduated from law school and returned to Emanuel County, where he began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in the Middle Judicial Circuit, prosecuting cases in Emanuel County and beyond. After nearly three years with the DA’s office, he transitioned to the East-Middle Region Public Defender’s Office, working with Jess Clifton to handle major cases across a 20-county region stretching from Washington County to Charlton County near the Georgia-Florida line. This dual experience in prosecution and defense has provided him with a unique perspective on the criminal justice system.

Chase has also contributed to the Emanuel County community by offering pro bono services to the probate court on several occasions.

Inspired by his experiences and commitment to public service, he decided to run for probate judge a few years ago. In May 2024, he qualified and ran unopposed in the election. He took office in January 2025. Later this year, the probate court will merge with the magistrate court, making Chase the judge of both courts.