United States Senator Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican, attended the investiture ceremony for Harold D. Mooty III, the newly appointed United States district judge for the Northern District of Alabama, along with local, state and federal officials.
President Donald Trump nominated Mooty in August 2025. The United States Senate confirmed him in October by a 66-32 vote, giving him the most bipartisan support of any judicial nominee so far in the 119th Congress.
“What an honor to take part in such a special moment for Judge Mooty and his friends and family, the Northern District, and the entire state of Alabama,” Britt said in a press release. “It was truly a wonderful ceremony, centered around Judge Mooty’s inspiring call to service and life’s purpose.”
“Having known Judge Mooty for 24 years, I have seen firsthand his relentless pursuit of excellence, commitment to the rule of law, deep sense of justice, and dedication to our great state, all of which will serve him exceptionally well in this new role,” she said. “I look forward to seeing him apply our laws fairly, uphold the Constitution, and serve with distinction as a federal district court judge.”
Mooty graduated from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law. He began his legal career in 2005 at Mooty & Associates PC, a firm founded by his father, H. Dean Mooty Jr., a registered lobbyist for the Petroleum Convenience Marketers of Alabama.
Mooty joined Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne PC in 2008 as an associate and also worked as an instructor at the University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences. He moved to Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in 2012, and the firm promoted him to partner in 2017.
While at Bradley, Mooty served as counsel for a doctor in a lawsuit that accused the doctor and the Madison County Jail of medical malpractice and civil rights violations in connection with the death of a woman in the jail’s custody. The Northern District dismissed the plaintiffs’ motions against the Madison County Jail and ACH officials in March 2015. He remained at Bradley until he took the judgeship.
During his 2025 confirmation hearing, Mooty declined to directly answer questions about who won the 2020 presidential election and avoided questions about the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol.
Mooty will serve a lifetime appointment as a United States district judge for the Northern District of Alabama.
