|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
St. Clair County’s Presiding Circuit Judge Philip K. Seay, a cornerstone of Alabama’s judiciary, has been named the 2024 Trial Judge of the Year by the Alabama Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). The honor was presented during the organization’s Annual Awards Dinner held in Montgomery on November 21, marking another milestone in Judge Seay’s storied career as he enters retirement.
Judge Seay’s legal career spans decades, marked by integrity and dedication. Appointed as Presiding Circuit Judge in 2011, he has overseen an array of cases, including criminal and civil jury trials, domestic relations cases, and spearheaded adult drug court and veterans court initiatives. Before that, he served as a district judge in St. Clair County from 2005 to 2011 and worked for 13 years as a practicing attorney, including time as a prosecutor for Pell City and Ragland.
Beyond the courtroom, Seay’s leadership has left a lasting impact on the community. He served as President of the Alabama Juvenile Judges Association from 2009 to 2010 and contributed his expertise to organizations like Lakeside Hospice, Coosa Valley Youth Services, and the St. Clair County Children’s Policy Council. His commitment to public service underscores a career that has balanced judicial excellence with community advocacy.
ABOTA, a prestigious organization of trial lawyers and judges, selected Judge Seay for this honor due to his contributions to preserving the right to a civil jury trial, his unwavering professionalism, and his role in protecting judicial independence. This accolade stands as a testament to his exceptional career and his enduring influence on Alabama’s legal landscape.
As Judge Seay reflects on his career, this recognition serves as a fitting tribute to a lifetime of service dedicated to upholding justice and improving the lives of those in his community.
