Pete Skandalakis stands out as a key player in Georgia’s legal world. He has spent decades working to uphold justice in the state. His work touches on everything from local crimes to major national cases. As of November 14, 2025, he took on the role of prosecutor in the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump and others. This came after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was removed from the case due to concerns about appearance of impropriety. Skandalakis leads the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, a group that supports district attorneys across the state. His story shows a commitment to fair law enforcement. Readers can learn how one person’s choices shape the justice system. This biography covers his background, education, and key career steps. It aims to explain his role in simple terms. By understanding his path, people can see the importance of prosecutors in society. Prosecutors decide which cases to pursue and ensure trials are just. Skandalakis has handled tough situations with a focus on ethics. His recent appointment highlights his trusted position in Georgia law. This section sets the stage for exploring his life in detail.
Pete Skandalakis grew up in a setting that valued public service. His family background played a big role in his choices. Over the years, he built a reputation for being thorough and fair. In 2017, he stepped into a statewide leadership role after a long time as a local district attorney. This move allowed him to influence more than just one area. His work includes training other prosecutors and handling special cases when conflicts arise. For example, he reviewed the Rayshard Brooks shooting in 2022 and decided not to press charges against the officers involved. Such decisions show the weight of his responsibilities. This biography will break down his journey step by step. It uses facts from reliable sources to paint a clear picture. The goal is to inform without overwhelming the reader. Simple words help make complex legal ideas easy to grasp. As you read on, think about how leaders like Skandalakis keep the balance in justice systems. His story is one of steady progress in a field full of challenges.
Early Life
Pete Skandalakis was born into a family with strong ties to Georgia. He grew up in LaGrange, a town in the western part of the state. His heritage is Greek American, which influenced his values. Family members often focused on community and hard work. This background helped shape his interest in public service. As a child, he saw the importance of helping others. LaGrange offered a mix of small town life and exposure to diverse people. This setting taught him about fairness from an early age.
His brother, Mitch Skandalakis, also entered public life as a politician. Mitch served in roles like Fulton County Commissioner. Born on July 22, 1957, Mitch’s path shows a family pattern of involvement in government. Pete likely drew inspiration from this. Though exact birth details for Pete are not widely shared, he is around the same age group. Growing up, the brothers experienced Georgia’s changing society in the late 20th century. Events like civil rights movements were part of the era. These may have sparked Pete’s interest in law.
In his youth, Pete learned about responsibility. Community activities played a part in his development. He saw how laws affect everyday people. This early exposure built a foundation for his future career. Family discussions might have included topics on justice and ethics. Such talks encouraged him to pursue a path in legal work. LaGrange’s environment, with its factories and farms, showed him real world issues. Crime and community safety were common concerns. These elements motivated him to think about protecting victims.
Pete’s early years emphasized education and morals. His parents supported learning as a way to succeed. Greek traditions, like strong family bonds, stayed with him. This heritage appears in his later life choices. For instance, he values integrity in his work. Understanding his roots helps explain his dedication to law. It shows how personal history guides professional decisions. Readers can see that leaders often start with simple lessons from home. Pete’s story reminds us that backgrounds matter in shaping careers.
Education
Pete Skandalakis pursued higher education at the University of Georgia. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and his law degree there. The university, located in Athens, Georgia, is known for its strong programs. He completed his studies in the 1980s. This time was key for gaining legal knowledge. The School of Law at UGA focuses on practical skills. Students learn about trials, evidence, and ethics.
During his time at UGA, Pete likely joined activities that built his abilities. Moot court sessions help students practice arguing cases. These experiences prepare them for real courtrooms. He studied subjects like criminal law and procedure. This groundwork was vital for his future roles. UGA’s alumni include many leaders in Georgia law. Being part of this network helped him connect with others.
His education emphasized public service. Professors taught the importance of fair justice. Pete absorbed these ideas, which show in his career. Graduating from UGA gave him a solid start. He passed the bar exam soon after. This allowed him to practice law in Georgia. The university’s reputation added to his credibility.
Learning at UGA also exposed him to diverse views. Classmates from different backgrounds shared ideas. This broadened his understanding of society. He gained skills in research and analysis. These tools are essential for prosecutors. Overall, his education set him up for success in the legal field. It provided the knowledge needed to handle complex cases. Readers can appreciate how good schooling leads to effective leadership in law.
Career
Pete Skandalakis built a long career in prosecution. He started in local roles and moved to statewide influence. His work focuses on upholding laws and supporting victims. Over time, he handled various cases, from small crimes to major investigations. This path shows his growth in the field.
After law school, he joined the legal system as an assistant district attorney. In this role, he learned the basics of courtroom work. He dealt with evidence and witnesses daily. This hands on experience was crucial. By the early 1990s, he was ready for more responsibility.
In 1993, he became District Attorney for the Coweta Judicial Circuit. This area covers several counties southwest of Atlanta. He served in this position until 2017, a total of 25 years. During this time, he led efforts against crime. His office prosecuted felonies like theft and violence. He worked closely with police to build strong cases.
Skandalakis also pushed for victim support programs. He believed in giving voices to those harmed by crime. This included counseling and court help. His leadership improved how cases were handled. Crime rates in the circuit saw changes under his watch, though specific numbers vary by year.
In 2017, he took on the role of Executive Director at the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia. This group trains and advises district attorneys statewide. He oversees about 50 offices. His duties include setting standards for ethics and procedures. This position lets him shape policy beyond one area.
Special appointments mark his career. In 2021, he was named special prosecutor in the Rayshard Brooks case. Brooks died in a police encounter in Atlanta. Skandalakis reviewed the facts and decided on charges. In August 2022, he announced no charges against the officers. This choice drew public attention but followed legal reviews.
Another key role came in 2022 with the Burt Jones investigation. Jones, then Lieutenant Governor candidate, faced election related claims. Skandalakis handled this due to conflicts in Fulton County. He chose not to pursue charges after review.
As of November 14, 2025, Skandalakis appointed himself to lead the Georgia election interference case. This involves claims against Donald Trump and allies over 2020 election actions. The case moved to him after Fani Willis’s disqualification. He filed the order in Fulton County court. This step keeps the case active.
Throughout his career, Skandalakis stressed fairness. He trains others on best practices. His work includes cold case reviews and sentencing guidelines. These efforts aim to make justice more effective. Readers can see how his roles evolved from local to statewide. This progression highlights dedication to public safety. His career educates on the prosecutor’s impact in democracy.
Personal Life
Pete Skandalakis keeps his personal life private. He values family and community. His Greek American roots influence his traditions. He participates in cultural events when possible.
His brother Mitch is a known figure in Georgia politics. They share a commitment to public service. Family gatherings likely focus on shared experiences. An Instagram post from November 1, 2022, highlights his priorities: God, family, country.
He lives in LaGrange, Georgia. This hometown connection keeps him grounded. Outside work, he supports local causes. These include victim advocacy groups.
Controversies arise from high profile decisions. In the Rayshard Brooks case, his choice not to charge officers sparked debate. Some saw it as fair, others as lenient. Similar views came from the Burt Jones review.
His legacy includes mentoring young prosecutors. He promotes ethical standards. Colleagues praise his nonpartisan approach. This helps maintain trust in the system.
Overall, his personal side supports his professional duties. Family provides balance in a demanding job. Readers see that leaders have lives beyond work. This humanizes his story.
Entry into the Legal Arena
Pete Skandalakis entered prosecution after law school. He started as an Assistant District Attorney in the 1980s. This role involved handling misdemeanors and felonies.
Early tasks included preparing cases for trial. He gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses. Courtroom arguments built his skills. He learned to present facts clearly.
His focus was on fair outcomes. He dealt with crimes like theft and assaults. This groundwork taught him about the justice process.
By gaining experience, he advanced quickly. Mentors guided him on ethics. He emphasized victim rights from the start.
This phase prepared him for leadership. It showed the daily work of prosecutors. Readers understand that careers begin with basics. Skandalakis’s entry highlights persistence in law.
Conclusion
Pete Skandalakis has made a lasting mark on Georgia’s justice system. From early roles to leading major cases, his path shows dedication. As of 2025, his work continues to influence law enforcement.
His story teaches the value of ethics and service. Future prosecutors can learn from his example. He promotes fairness in a complex field.
Looking ahead, he may shape more policies. His role in the Trump case could define his legacy. Readers are encouraged to follow Georgia legal news.
In summary, Skandalakis embodies committed prosecution. His biography inspires understanding of justice roles.
FAQs
Who is Pete Skandalakis?
Pete Skandalakis is the Executive Director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia. He has served as a prosecutor for over 40 years, including 25 as District Attorney.
What is Pete Skandalakis’ background?
He grew up in LaGrange, Georgia, with Greek American heritage. His family emphasized public service.
What education did Pete Skandalakis receive?
He earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Georgia in the 1980s.
What cases has Pete Skandalakis handled?
He led the Rayshard Brooks review in 2022, the Burt Jones investigation in 2022, and the Trump election case in 2025.
Is Pete Skandalakis related to Mitch Skandalakis?
Yes, Mitch is his brother, a former Georgia politician.
Why was Pete Skandalakis appointed in the Trump Georgia case?
He stepped in after Fani Willis’s disqualification on November 14, 2025, due to conflict concerns.
What is the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia?
It is a nonpartisan group that trains and supports district attorneys in the state.
How long was Pete Skandalakis District Attorney?
He served 25 years in the Coweta Judicial Circuit from 1993 to 2017.
What are Pete Skandalakis’s key achievements?
He improved victim programs and handled special prosecutions with a focus on ethics.
What is Pete Skandalakis’s role today?
As of 2025, he leads PAC and prosecutes the Georgia election interference case.
