Elizabeth Ray
A law student asks the judges a question during Q&A in the Frank Johnson Courthouse.
On Friday August 9, the first-year law students from the University of Alabama School of Law visited the Frank Johnson Courthouse to learn about the Middle District of Alabama as part of their new student orientation. The entire incoming class of 1Ls plus faculty and staff from the law school attended the event.
Students and faculty congregated in America’s Courtroom, where Judge Johnson presided during his time as a district judge and where some of the nation’s most significant civil rights cases were decided.
The program began with a presentation on Judge Johnson’s career and legacy by the Johnson Institute’s Executive Director, Thomas Rains. The presentation included a discussion of Judge Johnson’s life and some of the historic court cases he ruled on during his tenure.
Chief District Judge Emily Marks, District Judge Austin Huffaker, and Magistrate Judge Chad Bryan joined the students for a panel discussion moderated by attorney Bobby Segall. During the panel, the judges discussed their individual journeys to the bench, the practice of law, and reflections on their time as law students. To end, the judges answered questions from the law students that ranged from advice on how to succeed in law school to how they have overcome challenges in their legal and judicial careers.
The judges and Mr. Segall are alumni of the University of Alabama School of Law.