Professor Lance McMillian, creator of the best-selling Atlanta Murder Squad crime series, recently spoke at the Georgia Supreme Court and Court of Appeals to share his expertise on the craft of writing with summer interns working in both courts. The event was hosted by Judge Elizabeth Gobeil of the Court of Appeals.
Drawing on his experience as a civil litigator, legal scholar, and novelist, Professor McMillian offered the interns—comprising both undergraduate and law students—a series of practical tips for becoming effective legal writers. His insights emphasized the importance of understanding one’s audience, adding meaningful value in a time when attention spans are short, and using storytelling as a persuasive tool in legal writing. He also discussed the emerging role of artificial intelligence in the writing process, including both its potential and its limitations.
During the Q&A portion of the event, Professor McMillian’s second novel, Death to the Chief, drew particular interest. The book, which centers on the fictional murder of the Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, sparked student questions about the creative process and how closely fiction can mirror real-world legal themes.
In addition to Death to the Chief, Professor McMillian has authored six other novels over the past five years: The Murder of Sara Barton, To Kill a Lawyer, A Hard Way to Die, The Just and the Unjust, Street Girls, and A Town on Trial. His works have reached best-seller status across platforms such as Kindle, Audible Plus, Apple Books, and Nook, including holding the title of #1 Best-Selling Legal Thriller in the world.
Beyond fiction, Professor McMillian’s legal scholarship has appeared in respected academic journals, including the North Carolina Law Review, Wisconsin Law Review, Washington and Lee Law Review, Alabama Law Review, and many others. His dual success as both a legal academic and popular novelist continues to inspire students and professionals alike.