Thomas A. Woodall, Associate Justice
2001 - Present
Thomas A. (Tom) Woodall was born
in 1950 in Meridian, Mississippi. He graduated from Meridian Senior High School
with highest honors and as a National Merit Semifinalist.
Justice Woodall graduated magna cum laude from
Millsaps College in 1972 with a B.A. degree in history. At Millsaps, Justice
Woodall was inducted into several honorary societies, including Omicron Delta
Kappa (leadership) and Eta Sigma (scholarship). Also, he was recognized by Who's
Who in American Colleges and Universities.
Justice Woodall received his law degree from the
University of Virginia School of Law in 1975. While in law school, he was
employed as an editor at the Michie Company, where he was involved in revising
or updating legal publications.
In 1975, Justice Woodall became employed by the Birmingham
firm of Rives and Peterson where he remained until 1991. While serving as that
firm's managing partner, Justice Woodall was recognized by the Birmingham
Business Journal as one of its "Top 40 Under 40." From 1991 to 1996, Justice
Woodall practiced with the Birmingham firm of Woodall and Maddox, P.C. His
practice focused on civil litigation in state and federal trial and appellate
courts.
Justice Woodall has been very active in professional
activities. He was elected to serve on the executive committee of the Birmingham
Bar Association and chaired several of that association's committees. He served
on the Alabama Pattern Jury Instruction-Civil Committee from his appointment by
the Alabama Supreme Court in 1985 until his election to the Supreme Court.
Justice Woodall has delivered many continuing legal education presentations
focusing on appellate and trial practice.
In February 1996, Governor Fob James appointed Justice
Woodall a Circuit Judge in Jefferson County. He was elected in 1998 without
opposition. In 2000, Justice Woodall was elected Associate Justice of the
Alabama Supreme Court. And, in 2006 Justice Woodall was re-elected Associate
Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.
Since Justice Woodall took office, the Alabama Law
Foundation has inducted him as a Fellow. Also, Justice Woodall has been inducted
as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Justice Woodall and the former Debbie Bogan, a teacher,
married in 1972. They have three children- Scott, Matthew and Claire. Justice
Woodall has been involved in numerous community and church activities.