By Chip Brownlee
Alabama Political Reporter
Gadsden attorney Cody Robinson has qualified to run for the Republican nomination for Place 4 circuit court judge in Alabama’s 16th judicial circuit.
“I have practiced law in the courts of Alabama for fifteen years, representing individuals, families, businesses and government agencies,” Robinson said in a statement. “I have maintained a varied practice and have always striven to conduct myself as an attorney with the utmost integrity, holding myself accountable to the highest ethical standards. I believe that my background, experience and temperament uniquely qualify me for this position and I am ready to bring the values of hard work and integrity to the office of Circuit Judge.”
Robinson is so far the only Republican to qualify for Place 4 in the 16th Judicial Circuit. Morgan Cunningham, another Gadsden area attorney, has also qualified for Place 4 on the ballot as a Democrat.
The position is currently held by Circuit Judge William H. Rhea III, a Democrat, who is expected to retire at the end of his term this year. Cunningham is a partner at the Cunningham Law Firm in Gadsden, where he has practiced law with his father, Eddy Cunningham, for 10 years.
Robinson, a native of Etowah County, is a partner at the Brunson, Robinson and Huffstutler law firm, where he was recently honored by Martindale-Hubbell — one of the oldest ranking organizations in the country — with their highest ranking for legal ability and ethical standards. He received the “AV Preeminent” rating, which is awarded to less than 10 percent of all attorneys in the U.S.
“I want to ensure that our children grow up in a society where the rule of law is revered and protected, where our laws are impartially enforced, regardless of one’s race, creed, wealth or poverty,” Robinson said. “I want them to grow up knowing that our judicial system is the great defender of liberty and the bulwark of our society. I will always strive to be a judge Etowah County can be proud of, and more importantly, a judge my God, wife, and children can be proud of.”
The rating is based on legal knowledge, analytical capability, judgment, ethical standards, reliability and diligence, among other criteria.
Robinson, son of the late Wayne Robinson, a longtime football coach at West End High School, and Wynnelle Robinson, a retired teacher in the Gadsden and Etowah County school systems, attended Etowah High School and later the University of Alabama. At Alabama, he was the president of his fraternity, a member of SGA and was chosen to serve on a president’s task force for diversity.
After his undergrad, he attended the University of Alabama School of Law on full scholarship, where he was named a Howell Heflin Scholar and awarded the Richard S. Manly Local Government Award.
Robinson is a currently a member of the Alabama and Etowah County Bar Associations and is admitted to practice in all state courts, two of Alabama’s three federal district courts and the United States 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
Robinson is a member of the Etowah County Republican Party and has served on the executive committee.
Robinson, his wife Maggie and their two children attend the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter in Gadsden. Robinson, who has been a member of the church for 13 years, has served as a vestry member, senior warden and board member and president of the Episcopal Day School.
Party primaries are scheduled for June 5, 2018, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 6, 2018.
