Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia ATLANTA,____________________ March 13, 2018 The Court of Appeals hereby passes the following order: A18A1325. SAM LESTER v. MARK BUTLER, COMMISSIONER, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR et al.

Sam Lester appealed directly to this Court from a superior court order affirming a decision of the Georgia Department of Labor denying his request for unemployment compensation benefits. Under OCGA § 5-6-35 (a) (1), however, a party seeking to appeal a superior court decision reviewing a state agency ruling must follow the discretionary appeal procedure. See Dunlap v. City of Atlanta, 272 Ga. 523, 524 (531 SE2d 702) (2000). Because Lester failed to follow the required procedure, this Court lacks jurisdiction over this appeal, which is therefore DISMISSED.

Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia Clerk’s Office, Atlanta,____________________ 03/13/2018 I certify that the above is a true extract from the minutes of the Court of Appeals of Georgia.

Witness my signature and the seal of said court hereto affixed the day and year last above written.

, Clerk.