⚖️ Edmund “Eddie” LaCour Jr. Confirmed as Federal Judge for Northern District of Alabama
In a closely watched decision, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Alabama Solicitor General Edmund “Eddie” LaCour Jr. as a federal district judge for the Northern District of Alabama, finalizing a judicial appointment years in the making.
The 51–47 vote, divided strictly along party lines, fills the vacancy left by Chief Judge L. Scott Coogler’s retirement earlier this year.
LaCour’s confirmation marks a significant addition to Alabama’s federal judiciary and continues a series of high-profile appointments supported by the state’s Senate delegation.
His ascension follows the recent confirmations of former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Bill Lewis and Huntsville attorney Hal Mooty, strengthening Alabama’s representation on the federal bench heading into 2026.
🏛 A Legal Career Forged in the Appellate Arena
Since 2019, LaCour has served as Solicitor General under Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, overseeing the state’s most consequential appellate work. His tenure included leadership on landmark cases such as Allen v. Milligan, the redistricting case argued before the U.S. Supreme Court that drew national attention and tested the boundaries of voting rights law.
Before joining the Attorney General’s Office, LaCour built a national reputation in private practice. He served as deputy solicitor general and was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Washington, D.C., where he represented clients in major Supreme Court and appellate matters. His earlier career included work with Bancroft PLLC in Washington and Baker Botts LLP in Houston.
A Dothan native, LaCour holds degrees from Birmingham-Southern College (summa cum laude), Trinity College Dublin (Master of Philosophy), and Yale Law School (J.D.). He clerked for Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit—an experience that shaped his constitutional and appellate philosophy.
🗳 A Nomination Years in the Making
LaCour’s confirmation also closes a political loop that began half a decade ago. Originally nominated to the federal bench in 2020, his appointment stalled when then-Senator Doug Jones exercised home-state prerogative to block it. With both Alabama Senate seats now held by Republicans, LaCour’s path was far less turbulent this time.
President Donald Trump, continuing his initiative to fill federal judicial vacancies across southern states, renominated LaCour earlier this year, clearing the way for Senate approval.
👏 Alabama Senators Applaud the Confirmation
Senator Katie Britt, who led the confirmation effort alongside Senator Tommy Tuberville, called LaCour’s record “extraordinary and unmatched.”
“Eddie LaCour has appeared before every circuit court of appeals in the nation and the U.S. Supreme Court, where he’s filed more than 100 briefs and argued three cases,” Britt said. “His sharp intellect and unwavering integrity make him the ideal choice for this role.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville echoed her praise, emphasizing LaCour’s “proven excellence” as Solicitor General and expressing confidence that he would “continue his great work from the federal bench.”
💬 State Leaders and Legal Community Respond
Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a statement celebrating LaCour’s confirmation, calling him “a champion of constitutional principles and the rule of law.”
“Eddie has brought a deep respect for the Constitution to every case he’s argued,” Marshall said. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, Alabama and the nation will continue to benefit from his service and integrity.”
Marshall added that LaCour’s work has left “an indelible mark” on Alabama’s most consequential legal battles, earning admiration across the judiciary—including from justices of the U.S. Supreme Court.
🌟 A New Chapter for Alabama’s Judiciary
With LaCour joining Judges Lewis and Mooty, Alabama’s federal judiciary enters a new era defined by experience, stability, and constitutional focus. His confirmation reflects not just a personal achievement, but also a renewed chapter of judicial leadership in the state.
For LaCour, whose career has spanned the nation’s highest courts, the appointment represents both recognition and responsibility—a chance to shape Alabama’s legal landscape for decades to come.
⚖️ Conclusion: A Legacy of Law and Integrity
Edmund “Eddie” LaCour Jr.’s confirmation is more than a career milestone—it’s a defining moment for Alabama’s legal community. Backed by years of appellate experience, deep constitutional understanding, and a record of excellence at the highest levels, LaCour brings a steady hand to the Northern District bench.
His appointment underscores Alabama’s growing influence in the federal judiciary and signals a continued commitment to fairness, professionalism, and fidelity to the rule of law.