For most attorneys, becoming a judge represents

the pinnacle of success in the legal profession. However, attaining that career milestone is only for those who have demonstrated keen legal acumen, ethical character and civic responsibility. Miles Law School is fortunate to count among its many accomplished alumni several distinguished jurists serving locally.

The longest serving law school alumnus of the Alabama judiciary is the Honorable Eric M. Fancher. Judge Fancher is a district court judge in the Bessemer Division of the Tenth Judicial Circuit, presiding over all criminal matters. He is a 1983 law school graduate.

The Honorable Katrina Ross is a district court judge in the Birmingham Division of the Tenth Judicial Circuit. Like Judge Fancher, Judge Ross also presides over criminal proceedings such as misdemeanor trials and felony preliminary hearings. Judge Ross is a 1999 law school graduate.

The Honorable Nyya Parson-Hudson is a new addition to the bench in Birmingham Municipal Court. She was appointed to replace the retiring presiding judge, Raymond P. Chambliss, a 1984 graduate. Former Miles Law School dean Emory Anthony Jr. also served on the Birmingham Municipal Court. Judge Anthony graduated in 1979. Honorable Carnella Greene Norman, class of 1984, is a former Birmingham municipal judge as well. Judge Parson-Hudson joins the Honorable Brendette Brown Green on the municipal court bench. Judge Parson-Hudson is a 2000 graduate and Judge Greene is a 1988 graduate. Other newcomers include Honorable Lynneice O. Washington, who sits on the Bessemer Municipal Court. Judge Washington is a 1995 graduate

The Honorable David J. Hobdy, Jr. is a circuit court judge in the Bessemer Division of the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama. Judge Hobdy is a 1994 law school graduate. Judge Hobdy is the second law school graduate to sit as a circuit judge.

The first law school graduate to serve as a circuit judge was the Honorable Carole C. Smitherman, a 1979 graduate. Circuit court is the highest trial court level in the state.

Honorable Clotele Brantley is a referee judge for the Jefferson County Family Court, Birmingham Division. Judge Brantley is a 1999 graduate. Other alumni serving in this capacity in the past have been Honorable James Earl “Peter” Finley, a 1989 graduate, and Raymond P. Chambliss.

As the record indicates, Miles Law School is most ably represented on the bench!