U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., to review several of President Donald Trump’s nominees for federal judgeships, including three from Alabama. The nominees under consideration were Edmund “Eddie” LaCour for the Northern District of Alabama, Bill Lewis for the Middle District of Alabama, and Harold “Hal” Mooty for the Northern District of Alabama.Senator Britt introduced the nominees to the committee and noted her collaboration with Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in recommending them to President Trump.During her opening statement, Britt said, “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. I want to thank President Trump for his exceptional leadership in nominating each of these individuals. And I want to thank Senator Tuberville for us being able to work hand-in-glove to make this happen and move these in front of this committee. I want to welcome Justice Bill Lewis, Hal Mooty, and Edmund LaCour, and their friends and family who are here and with them today. We are so proud to have each and every one of you with us today. 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 described Bill Lewis as an experienced judge who has served since 2016 as an Associate Justice on the Alabama Supreme Court after holding positions as a circuit judge and on the Court of Civil Appeals. She highlighted his legal career both as a prosecutor and defense attorney as well as his service on the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees.“Justice Bill Lewis has served as a judge in Alabama’s judicial system since 2016 and is currently an Associate Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Prior to that, he served as a circuit judge for Alabama’s 19th Judicial Circuit and a judge on Alabama’s Court of Civil Appeals. He has worked as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney and was in private practice for approximately ten years before becoming a judge. He has also served our state in other ways, including as a member of the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees. As a graduate of the [University of the South] and Cumberland School of Law, he has received numerous awards and honors and has served with distinction throughout his career. Born and raised in the River Region, this is the place that my children call home, and I have an opportunity to reside. I can say that Justice Lewis has unquestionable character. He is a pillar of our community. His story and his grit inspire all who know him, and I cannot wait for him to be sitting on the bench.”Hal Mooty was introduced as a partner at Bradley Arrant Boult Cummings law firm with recognition for commercial litigation work nationwide. Britt cited Mooty’s involvement with several community organizations in Huntsville.“Second, is Hal Mooty. Hal is a partner at one of our state’s preeminent law firms, Bradley Arrant Boult Cummings. He has an outstanding record of representing his clients and commercial litigation across our great nation, and he has been named as one of the best lawyers in America for commercial litigation. Hal has been an active member of the Huntsville community, having served as a board member and board president of [Crisis Services] of North Alabama, the development council of Huntsville Hospital, the Committee for the Future for the Children’s Hospital of Alabama, and as part of the Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program. 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. As a graduate of the University of Alabama for both undergrad and law school, Hal has, throughout his career, consistently demonstrated the qualities that are essential to serving as a member of the federal judiciary. Having known Hal for 22 years myself, I can tell you there is no one else who has the focus–it is unmatched. He has a relentless pursuit of excellence, and he has a deep sense of justice.”Edmund LaCour was presented by Britt as Solicitor General since 2019 with credentials from Birmingham-Southern College and Yale Law School; she mentioned his experience arguing cases before appellate courts including three before
.“Finally, Edmund LaCour currently serves as the Solicitor General of the state of Alabama, a position he has held since 2019. A graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and Yale Law School, his legal credentials are unquestioned. As Solicitor General of Alabama He has represented the state and a whole host of litigation and federal court and is admitted to practice before every circuit court of appeals in the United States,
as well
as
the Supreme Court.
As
a lawyer,
he
has,
filed more than 100 briefs before
and
has argued three cases before
. Prior
to becoming Solicitor General,
he was
in private practice at firms including Kirkland & Ellis
and Baker Botts,
and he
has also served
as
a clerk
to Judge Bill Pryor on
the 11th Circuit.
As
a fellow native
of
the Wiregrass,
obviously
the entire region is proud
to see you serve.”
In her concluding remarks Britt stated: “I believe that all three of these nominees will apply our laws fairly uphold the Constitution and serve with distinction on the federal courts I am proud to support their nominations and thank them for their willingness to serve and look forward to their swift confirmations.”Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) asked Britt to chair most proceedings during two witness panels; she also swore in all three nominees prior to their testimony.
