Unique Senate Nod: LaCour Becomes Alabama Federal Judge

The U.S. Senate has approved the nomination of Alabama Solicitor General Edmund “Eddie” LaCour Jr. to serve as a federal judge in the Northern District of Alabama. He was confirmed by a narrow 51–47 vote.

LaCour will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Chief Judge L. Scott Coogler. He has held the position of Alabama’s Solicitor General since 2019, where he played a leading role in the state’s appellate litigation.

During his tenure, LaCour argued several high-profile cases, including Allen v. Milligan, and appeared before the U.S. Supreme Court on three occasions. He has submitted more than 100 legal briefs in state and federal courts.

An Alabama native, LaCour has an extensive academic background. He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree, earned a Master of Philosophy from Trinity College Dublin, and received his law degree from Yale Law School.

Early in his career, LaCour clerked for Judge William H. Pryor Jr. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He later worked in private practice before joining the Alabama Attorney General’s office.

Although his initial federal nomination in 2020 was unsuccessful, his latest bid gained strong backing from Alabama Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, helping ensure a smoother confirmation process.

LaCour’s appointment follows other recent judicial confirmations in Alabama. As he joins the federal bench, he brings significant legal experience that is expected to influence the state’s judicial landscape for years ahead.