The State Bar of Georgia announced on May 11 the passing of longtime Atlanta attorney and former U.S. Ambassador to Australia, Robert D. McCallum Jr., at the age of 80.
McCallum was a member of the Georgia Bar since 1973 and spent nearly three decades as a partner at Alston, Miller & Gaines, later known as Alston & Bird, in Atlanta. His career focused on appellate advocacy and commercial litigation. He was recognized for his courtroom tenacity, intellect, graciousness, and for mentoring younger lawyers at his firm.
In a letter to the editor, Christopher P. Twyman said: “On behalf of the State Bar of Georgia, I am writing to extend condolences to the family, colleagues and many friends of longtime Atlanta attorney and former U.S. Ambassador to Australia Robert D. McCallum Jr. on his passing at the age of 80.” Twyman continued: “Robert McCallum will be missed and fondly remembered by his fellow members of Georgia’s legal community. We appreciate his dedication and the many contributions he made through his service to the public and the justice system.”
McCallum served in several high-profile federal roles after being appointed by President George W. Bush in 2001 as assistant attorney general for the Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. He later became associate attorney general and acting deputy attorney general before serving as ambassador to Australia in 2006.
The Georgia Bar Association supports mental health initiatives, mentorship programs, inclusion efforts within its legal community, funds its activities mainly through membership fees and voluntary contributions, provides conference facilities in Atlanta for law-related gatherings with free parking access, honors excellence with an annual awards program recognizing outstanding local bar associations’ efforts, comprises attorneys practicing both within Georgia and elsewhere, promotes duty among members while advancing justice administration and legal knowledge—all according to the official website.
Twyman concluded that McCallum’s legacy would continue through those he mentored and served alongside.
