The U.S. Senate has confirmed Alabama Solicitor General Edmund “Eddie” LaCour Jr. as a federal judge for the Northern District of Alabama in a 51–47 vote.
He fills the vacancy left by retiring Chief Judge L. Scott Coogler.
LaCour has served as Alabama’s Solicitor General since 2019, where he gained national attention for his work in major appellate cases.
During his tenure, LaCour argued three times before the U.S. Supreme Court and filed more than 100 briefs. One of his most notable cases was Allen v. Milligan, which addressed key voting rights issues. His extensive experience in both state and federal courts has earned him respect across the legal community.
A native of Alabama, LaCour graduated summa cum laude with his bachelor’s degree before earning a Master of Philosophy from Trinity College Dublin and a law degree from Yale Law School. His academic excellence set the stage for a career defined by precision and dedication to public service.
Following law school, he clerked for Judge William H. Pryor Jr. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, an experience that helped shape his understanding of federal judicial processes. He later entered private practice before joining the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
LaCour was first nominated for a federal judgeship in 2020, but that effort was blocked before a final vote. His second nomination, however, received strong backing from Alabama Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville.
Their support helped guide his confirmation through a smooth Senate process this time around. The decision marks another milestone in the state’s recent wave of judicial appointments.
LaCour joins a bench that has seen several new faces in recent months, including Bill Lewis and Hal Mooty.
As a federal judge, LaCour is expected to play a significant role in shaping Alabama’s legal landscape for years to come.
