District Court Judge, Jefferson County, Place 1

Martha Cook

Democrat

Age: 52

Residence: Vestavia Hills

Political experience: District judge since March 2019, appointed to replace retiring judge.

Professional experience: 23 years in private law practice, as solo practitioner and with McCallum Hoaglund Cook & Irby; volunteer for Cumberland School of Law’s Willis Clinic; former chair. Birmingham Bar Association Diversity and Inclusivity Committee; former chair, Alabama State Bar Dispute Resolution Section.

Civic experience: Former chair and board member, Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce; former board member, Leadership Vestavia Hills.

Education: Randolph-Macon Women’s College, Lynchburg, Va., B.A.; Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, J.D.

Main issues: “In my court I hear cases of many unrepresented people, and I try to put them at ease. Our court has exclusive jurisdiction over eviction cases, and we handle cases of $20,000 or less (in dispute). I work hard to treat everyone who enters my courtroom with dignity, compassion and respect.”

Campaign: https://www.keepjudgecook.com/