Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Fani Willis

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 10, 2026

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

Fani Taifa Willis is an American attorney and the current district attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, a position she has held since 2021. Notably, she is the first woman to serve as district attorney in Fulton County. Her role places her as the lead prosecutor for a large jurisdiction encompassing most of Atlanta.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

April 2015: Convictions in Atlanta Public Schools Cheating Scandal

In April 2015, eleven of the twelve educators were convicted of racketeering under Georgia's RICO statute in the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal where Fani Willis served as lead prosecutor from 2014 to 2015.

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

In 2018, Fani Willis transitioned to private practice after working in the Fulton County District Attorney's office. She also ran for a seat on the Fulton County Superior Court in 2018, but was unsuccessful.

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 for racketeering and related crimes. However, she was later disqualified due to improprieties, resulting in the dismissal of all charges.

2020: Elected District Attorney for Fulton County

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

February 10, 2021: Launched Criminal Investigation into Donald Trump's Attempts to Influence Georgia Election Officials

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

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.

August 14, 2023: Trump Indicted on 41 Charges

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

November 27, 2023: Trial of Young Thug and YSL Members Began

On November 27, 2023, the trial of Young Thug and members of his YSL record label began.

2023: Used RICO statute to prosecute Donald Trump

In 2023, Fani Willis used 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, receiving 15 years of probation and being released from custody.

November 2024: Willis Wins Reelection Bid

In November 2024, Fani Willis won her reelection bid as district attorney, defeating Courtney Kramer in the general election after winning against Christian Wise Smith in the Democratic primary.