Pooja Chawla

District Court Judge, Jefferson County, Place 10

Party: Democrat

Age: Mid 40s

Residence: Hoover

Political experience: None

Professional: Has served as special district judge and special master in the Bessemer Division. Named among Birmingham’s Top Women Attorneys every year since 2018; named among Birmingham’s Top Family Law Attorneys in 2022; named a Super Lawyers Mid-South Rising Star, 2017-19. Has served on multiple committees for the Alabama State, Birmingham and Bessemer bar associations, including health and wellness and pro bono committees. Member of the boards of Legal Scout, 2018; Legal Aid Society of Birmingham, 2016-present including vice president in 2018 and president in 2019; Birmingham Bar Association executive committee, 2021; member of the FBI Citizen’s Academy, 2011, and the alumni association for the Birmingham Chapter, including as board executive vice president, 2019 and secretary, 2013-2016. Guardian ad litem for Alabama courts, 2010-present.

Civic experience: Took part in Leadership Birmingham in 2020 and Leadership Hoover in 2022.

Education: Juris doctorate, Birmingham School of Law, 2009; bachelor’s in English literature, University of Delhi, India, 1998; French language diploma, J. N. Academy of Languages, New Delhi, 1997; public relations diploma, R.P. Institute of Communication and Management, New Delhi, 1999.

Main issues: If elected, would connect families to community resources; provide personalized solutions to families by partnering with community organizations; provide equal opportunity for all parties to be heard fairly; base rulings on law rather than emotions; would not let social, economic or cultural status affect people in her courtroom.

Campaign Info: https://www.chawlaforjudge.com/, Facebook/ChawlaForJudge