United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama
About This Court
Located in central Alabama, this federal district court serves the middle portion of the state within the Eleventh Circuit. The district encompasses a broad geographic area that includes Montgomery, the state capital, as well as surrounding counties spanning from the Chattahoochee River valley westward through the Black Belt region.
The court has historically been significant in civil rights litigation, given Montgomery's role in the American civil rights movement and the presence of major federal agencies and state government offices in the district. Cases involving challenges to state governmental actions frequently appear on its docket.
The Middle District of Alabama operates under the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure and follows Eleventh Circuit precedent. Its location in Montgomery places it in proximity to the Alabama Supreme Court and the state legislature, making it a frequent forum for constitutional and administrative law disputes.
Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and Federal Rules of Evidence, along with the court's local rules. Bankruptcy cases are handled by the companion Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Alabama.
Divisions
Northern Division (Anniston), Southern Division (Dothan), Eastern Division (Opelika)
Caseload
The court has a notable history of civil rights and voting rights cases, and its docket includes a significant volume of cases involving challenges to Alabama state laws and governmental conduct. Federal criminal matters and prisoner civil rights filings also represent a substantial portion of the court's workload.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, which generally requires membership in good standing with the Alabama State Bar or admission pro hac vice for attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions.
Clerk's Office
One Church Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104
(334) 954-3600
Active Judges 6
| Name | Appointed By | Confirmed | Law School |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Albritton | George H.W. Bush | 1991 | University of Alabama School of Law |
| R. Huffaker | Donald J. Trump | 2019 | University of Alabama School of Law |
| Billy Lewis | Donald J. Trump | 2025 | Cumberland School of Law |
| Emily Marks | Donald J. Trump | 2018 | University of Alabama School of Law |
| Myron Thompson | Jimmy Carter | 1980 | Yale Law School |
| William Watkins | George W. Bush | 2005 | University of Alabama School of Law |
Local Rules
51 local rules extracted from this court's published rules. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.