Governor Kay Ivey’s office announced that she has chosen J. Scott Brewer as the next district court judge for northern Talladega County, succeeding Judge Jeb Fannin, who recently retired.
The Daily Home reported earlier this month that the Talladega County Judicial Selection Commission has narrowed the list of possible successors from five to three following a lengthy interview process.
“Huell Love III, Lee Sims, Bry Dawes, Simone Horn and J. Scott Brewer all applied for the position and were interviewed by the committee. By June 4, the committee had eliminated Dawes and Sims, and the remaining three names were being sent to Gov. Kay Ivey for a final decision.”
In a statement released by her office, Governor Ivey said “A well-known lawyer and prosecutor throughout the 29th Judicial Circuit, Scott Brewer brings to his judgeship position decades of experience serving the people of Talladega County.
“Given his strong record of public service, I am confident in his new role he will continue to ensure that the law is applied correctly and fairly to all.”
Brewer will fill the vacancy left by Judge Jeb Fannin who announced his retirement from the bench effective June 1, 2024. Judge Fannin served as District Judge in the 29th Judicial Circuit from May 26, 2009, to May 31, 2024.
“I appreciate Governor Ivey appointing me as District Judge for the 29th Judicial Circuit,” said Scott Brewer. “I am excited about this new opportunity and am looking forward to working with the other judges, attorneys, court staff and the citizens of Talladega County.” Brewer added, “I want to thank my wife, family and others who supported me throughout this process. I also cannot thank District Attorney Steve Giddens enough for hiring me 16 years ago. I have enjoyed my time in the District Attorney’s office and will be transitioning over the next few weeks and looking forward to getting to work and continuing my public service.”
During his interview with the Judicial Selection Commission, The Daily Home reported, “he has been a prosecutor in Talladega County for 16 years, and worked in a private practice with the late Jackie Swinford. He has been married for 21 years and has two daughters.
“Public service is my passion,” Brewer said. “I’ve spent 20 years in these two courtrooms, and I think that’s where I can do the most good. It’s a career goal for me to be able to give back.”
Brewer began his legal career in 2004 as an attorney in private practice representing clients in all courts within Talladega County. Furthermore, as an Assistant District Attorney since 2008, he has participated in scores of prosecutions and over 60 jury trial cases in the county. In particular, he has made a positive impact as a prosecutor for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crime Unit and the Talladega County Worthless Check Unit.
Brewer got his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee before earning his law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.
Ivey’s office states Brewer plans to begin serving on July 8, 2024.
