U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Alabama, on Wednesday chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to consider several of President Donald Trump’s nominees for federal judgeships, including three selections from Alabama. The committee will vote on whether to advance the nominations for consideration by the full Senate.
The nominees under review were Edmund LaCour to serve on the Northern District of Alabama, Justice Bill Lewis for the Middle District of Alabama, and Hal Mooty for the Northern District of Alabama. Britt and Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, had jointly recommended the nominees to Trump earlier this year.
“Today is a great day, not only for the state of Alabama, but for our nation to get to see these fine men in front of us,” said Britt. “Before us are three nominees for federal judgeships in our state who have superb qualifications and a devotion to the Constitution and the rule of law. I am thrilled that President Trump has nominated them to serve in the judiciary, and I’m looking forward to their swift confirmation.”
Britt introduced each nominee by outlining their careers and service. She described Lewis, an associate justice on the Alabama Supreme Court who previously served as a circuit judge and on the Court of Civil Appeals, as “a pillar of our community” whose “grit inspire[s] all who know him.”
Mooty, a longtime attorney at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, was praised for his litigation record and civic leadership.
“Every person, every part of our state is seen by Hal, and he has a relentless pursuit to make sure that they’re fought for,” said Britt.
LaCour, Alabama’s solicitor general since 2019, was highlighted for his broad appellate experience.
“As a lawyer, he has filed more than 100 briefs before the Supreme Court and has argued three cases before the court,” said Britt.
During questioning, Britt asked the nominees to explain what experiences and qualities they would bring to the federal bench.
Mooty emphasized his courtroom background, saying he felt “born to do this” work after growing up in a family of lawyers and spending 17 years in private practice. He added that he would carry his commitment to preparation to the bench.
“Preparedness shows respect, and preparedness shows integrity,” said Mooty. “That’s something that I’ve tried to do every single time I set foot in the courtroom.”
Lewis reflected on his time across multiple levels of Alabama’s judicial branch and said his philosophy centers on fairness and access. He added that his experience as both a trial and appellate judge taught him to manage dockets efficiently while ensuring litigants leave believing “the system is working for them.”
“Everybody that comes into that court deserves to have their voice heard regardless of where they are on the issues, regardless of where they come from, regardless of what they look like, regardless of who they are,” said Lewis.
LaCour highlighted his extensive litigation experience, spanning state courts to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I think that’s given me a good experience in terms of being able to get a new issue, get up to speed quickly, try to get the right answer, and then move on,” said LaCour. “That’s a really important skill for a judge to have.”
Britt concluded the hearing by reiterating her support. “I believe that all three of these nominees will apply our laws fairly, uphold the Constitution, and serve with distinction on the federal courts,” said Britt.
