ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. Rep. Denise Majette has accepted a job as a part-time judge in DeKalb County. Majette, a one-term congresswoman, shocked the Georgia political establishment when she vacated what was believed to be a safe seat to run unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate.

Chief Magistrate Winston P. Bethel confirmed Tuesday that Majette will be sworn in and begin hearing cases once her term in Congress officially ends Jan. 3.

Majette was a longtime DeKalb state court judge before running for Congress in 2002.

``Of course, the congresswoman brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this,'' Bethel said. ``I basically came to her because I know of her experience and because of our personal relationship from when she was in the state court.''

More than 20 attorneys work four to six hours a week as judges in DeKalb Magistrate Court, which handles a range of criminal and civil cases. Magistrate judges issue search and arrest warrants, set criminal bonds and fill in for Superior Court judges.

Majette, a Democrat, lost her Senate bid to Republican U.S. Rep. Johnny Isakson.