Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Fani Willis

Discover the career path of Fani Willis, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Fani Taifa Willis is an American attorney currently serving as the district attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, since 2021. Notably, she is the first woman to hold this position in Fulton County, which encompasses the majority of Atlanta. Her career is centered around law and public service within the Fulton County legal system.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2014: Lead Prosecutor in Atlanta Public Schools Cheating Scandal Trial

In 2014, Fani Willis served as the lead prosecutor in the trial of twelve educators accused of correcting students' answers on standardized tests to inflate scores.

April 2015: Convictions in Atlanta Public Schools Cheating Scandal Trial

In April 2015, eleven of the twelve educators in the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal were convicted of racketeering under Georgia's RICO statute, with Fani Willis serving as the lead prosecutor.

2018: Entered Private Practice and Ran for Fulton County Superior Court

In 2018, Fani Willis transitioned into private practice and unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the Fulton County Superior Court.

2019: Became Chief Municipal Judge for South Fulton, Georgia

In 2019, Fani Willis became the Chief Municipal Judge for South Fulton, Georgia.

2020: Investigated 2020 Presidential Election in Georgia

In 2020, Fani Willis investigated the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, leading to indictments against Donald Trump and others. This investigation began during her tenure as District Attorney.

2020: Elected District Attorney for Fulton County

In 2020, Fani Willis was elected as the district attorney for Fulton County, defeating the incumbent Paul Howard Jr.

February 10, 2021: Launched Criminal Investigation into Trump's Election Influence Attempts

On February 10, 2021, Fani Willis launched a criminal investigation into Donald Trump's attempts to influence Georgia election officials.

2021: Served as District Attorney of Fulton County

Since 2021, Fani Willis has served as the district attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, which includes most of Atlanta. She is the first woman to hold the office in Fulton County.

January 2022: Requested Special Grand Jury for Election Interference Charges

In January 2022, Fani Willis requested a special grand jury to consider charges of election interference by Donald Trump and his allies.

May 2022: Indictment of Young Thug and YSL Members

In May 2022, Fani Willis's office indicted Young Thug and 28 members of his YSL record label for gang-related crimes under Georgia's RICO statute.

January 9, 2023: Special Grand Jury Dissolved

On January 9, 2023, the special grand jury investigating election interference completed its work and was dissolved after hearing from 75 witnesses.

August 14, 2023: Indictment of Trump and Others on 41 Charges

On August 14, 2023, Fani Willis' office indicted Donald Trump and 18 others on 41 charges, including 13 charges against Trump.

November 27, 2023: Young Thug Trial Begins

On November 27, 2023, the trial of Young Thug and members of his YSL record label began, prosecuted by Fani Willis's office.

2023: Used RICO Statute to Prosecute Donald Trump

As of 2023, Fani Willis is using Georgia's RICO statute to prosecute former president Donald Trump and 18 alleged co-conspirators.

October 31, 2024: Young Thug Enters Guilty Plea

On October 31, 2024, Young Thug entered a guilty plea as part of a plea agreement in his RICO case, receiving 15 years of probation and being released from custody. Fani Willis's office released a statement on the plea deal.

November 2024: Willis Won Reelection Bid

In November 2024, Fani Willis won her reelection bid as District Attorney, defeating Republican Courtney Kramer in the general election.

2024: Charges Against Trump Quashed

In 2024, Judge Scott McAfee quashed 6 charges, including 3 against Donald Trump, in the case brought by Fani Willis's office, while giving prosecutors the option to refile these charges.