History of Fani Willis in Timeline

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

October 27, 1971: Fani Willis Born

On October 27, 1971, Fani Taifa Willis (née Floyd) was born. She is an American attorney.

Others born on this day/year

1993: Graduated from Howard University

In 1993, Fani Willis graduated cum laude from Howard University with a degree in political science.

1996: Graduated from Emory University School of Law and Married Fred Willis

In 1996, Fani Willis graduated from Emory University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. On the same day, she met Fred Willis, and they subsequently married in 1996.

2005: Divorced Fred Willis

In 2005, Fani Willis and Fred Willis divorced.

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.

2022: Allegations of Misuse of Federal Grant Funding

In 2022, an employee in the Fulton County District Attorney's Office alleged that Fani Willis fired her for uncovering plans to misuse federal grant funding.

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.

January 8, 2024: Motion to Disqualify Willis Filed

On January 8, 2024, a defendant filed a pre-trial motion to dismiss the indictment and disqualify Fani Willis from prosecuting the RICO case due to a conflict of interest related to her relationship with Nathan Wade.

February 15, 2024: Evidentiary Hearing Started

On February 15, 2024, Judge Scott F. McAfee started an evidentiary hearing regarding the motion to disqualify Fani Willis.

May 2024: Georgia Court of Appeals Agreed to Hear Appeal

In May 2024, the Georgia Court of Appeals agreed to hear an appeal to revisit whether Fani Willis should be removed.

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.

2024: Judge Quashed 6 Charges

In 2024, Judge Scott McAfee quashed 6 charges against Trump, including 3 against Trump, while giving prosecutors the option to refile these charges.

2024: House Judiciary Committee Subpoenaed Willis

In 2024, the House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed Fani Willis regarding a whistleblower complaint alleging misuse of federal funds.

January 8, 2025: Willis' office ordered to pay Judicial Watch over $20,000

On January 8, 2025, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ordered Willis' office to pay over $20,000 to Judicial Watch for falsely claiming they did not possess any documents showing communication with the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack.