Wells to retire from bench,
plans return to private practice
By Chip Drago
Mobile Bay Times
Mobile County District Judge Judson Wells in a letter to Gov. Bob Riley Friday disclosed his intention to retire at the end of the year.
Just 47, Wells will soon mark his 10th year on the bench, a significant date because it qualifies him for a state pension.
While he has "tremendously enjoyed" and will miss his public service as a judge, Wells said he could not let pass "a fantastic opportunity" to return to private practice.
"Please accept this letter as prospective notice of my intention to retire, effective Dec. 31, 1007, from the judgeship that I hold, Place 4, District Court of Mobile County," Wells wrote in a letter dated Nov. 1 but faxed and mailed to Riley on Friday.
Wells will join the law firm of Carr, Allison, Pugh, Howard, Oliver & Sisson in Daphne on Jan. 1. Wells described the firm as one of the fastest growing in the Southeast.
Although confident that he was making the best decision for his career and his family, the judge nevertheless confessed to "a lump in my throat" as he considered his 10 years on the bench and signed the letter to the governor.
"Judge Wells has been an outstanding member of the district court bench," said fellow Mobile County District Judge George Hardesty. "He has handled a tremendous volume of cases in record-setting time. He will be sorely missed by his colleagues on the bench. I understand that he has this new opportunity in his life and I wish him the very best. He will be successful in any endeavors he undertakes."
Hardesty said he commended Wells for his consideration in announcing his plans in advance. By serving notice, Wells allows the process to select his replacement begin so that there will be minimal disruption to the court's operation, Hardesty noted. His method of leaving the bench reflected "the concern and care" with which he handled his court duties throughout his tenure, said Hardesty.
Wells' pending departure comes shortly after the resignation under pressure of Circuit Judge Herman Thomas. Thomas remains the subject of investigation on allegations of favoritism in his judicial decisions.
The Mobile County Judicial Selection Committee is expected next Friday to announce three finalists for the vacant seat on the circuit bench. The three names will be sent to Riley who will make the appointment. A schedule of dates in the process of filling the district court opening will also likely be addressed during the committee's meeting next week.
