Birmingham, AL, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Carole Smitherman, a retired Jefferson County Circuit Court judge, has been appointed as the new dean of Miles Law School. An alumna of the institution, she aims to enhance growth and community engagement while honoring the school’s legacy. Smitherman has a distinguished legal career with several groundbreaking roles, including being the first Black woman to serve as a deputy district attorney and the first female mayor of Birmingham. With decades of experience, she is committed to shaping the future of legal education in Alabama.
Birmingham, AL – Retired Jefferson County Circuit Court judge Carole Smitherman has been named the new dean of Miles Law School. Smitherman, who retired in January after more than 13 years on the bench, expressed her gratitude for the appointment, viewing the role as both an honor and a responsibility. As an alumna of Miles Law School, she emphasized her familiarity with the institution’s unique academic experience and the significant contributions graduates make to the legal profession.
Miles Law School, established in 1974, has a history of producing notable alumni, including Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr, Bessemer District Attorney Lynneice Washington, State Senator Rodger Smitherman, and Jefferson County Judges Brendette Brown-Green and Patricia Stephens. Smitherman recognizes that continuing the legacy of Miles Law School necessitates growth, and she thanked President Bobbie Knight for her support in initiatives aimed at increasing enrollments and enhancing alumni engagement.
President Knight praised Smitherman’s selection as indicative of the school’s commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community. Smitherman, who graduated from Miles Law School in 1979, boasts a distinguished legal career notable for several groundbreaking achievements. She was the first Black woman to serve as a deputy district attorney, and as both a municipal and circuit court judge in Birmingham. Furthermore, she made history as the first female African American president of the Birmingham City Council and served as the first female mayor of the city.
Smitherman began her legal career as a legal clerk in 1976 and joined the district attorney’s office in 1979. Her tenure on the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court Criminal Division Court lasted from 1991 to 1992, and during her career, she was elected as a circuit judge to the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in 2012, later re-elected in 2018 until her retirement. In addition to her judicial service, she has taught Constitutional Law at Miles Law School for nearly 30 years, beginning in 1997.
Beyond her legal accomplishments, Smitherman served on the Birmingham City Council for District 6 from 2001 to 2013 and acted as president of the council from 2005 to 2009. Her lifetime of service was recently acknowledged in a packed courtroom, where she received a proclamation highlighting her 50 years of legal work. The recognition ceremony was attended by Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sarah Stewart and other political leaders, all of whom acknowledged her contributions and lasting legacy.
Post-retirement, Smitherman plans to continue practicing law, write a book, and remain engaged with community service. She is excited about the impact she can have as the dean of Miles Law School and is determined to help shape the future of legal education in Alabama. Her daughter, Birmingham City Councilor Crystal Smitherman, noted that her mother’s greatest role has been as a mother, alongside her professional achievements. Throughout her career, Smitherman has underscored her belief in the importance of helping people and the value of community service.
Background of Miles Law School
Miles Law School has been a significant part of the Birmingham legal landscape since its inception in 1974. It has produced many prominent figures in law and politics, contributing to the development of legal practices in Jefferson County and beyond. The school aims to continue this legacy under Smitherman’s leadership, with a focus on expanding its reach and influence.
Significant Achievements of Carole Smitherman
- First Black woman to serve as deputy district attorney in Birmingham.
- First female African American president of the Birmingham City Council.
- First female mayor of Birmingham.
- Taught Constitutional Law at Miles Law School since 1997.
Future Plans
As the new dean, Smitherman intends to prioritize growth at Miles Law School, enhancing the educational offerings and increasing community engagement.
FAQ Section
Who is Carole Smitherman?
Carole Smitherman is a retired Jefferson County Circuit Court judge, appointed as the new dean of Miles Law School.
What notable positions has Carole Smitherman held?
She was the first Black woman to serve as deputy district attorney, and the first female African American president of the Birmingham City Council and mayor.
When was Miles Law School established?
Miles Law School was established in 1974.
What are the future plans for Miles Law School under Smitherman?
Smitherman aims to expand enrollments and enhance alumni engagement while continuing the school’s legacy.
Key Features of the Appointment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Dean | Carole Smitherman |
| Previous Position | Retired Jefferson County Circuit Court judge |
| Years of Service | 13 years as a judge |
| Graduation Year | 1979 from Miles Law School |
| Community Engagement | Plans to increase enrollments and alumni involvement |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Renowned Alabama Judge Takes on New Role
- Wikipedia: Miles Law School
- WVTM: Miles Law School New Dean Smitherman
- Google Search: Carole Smitherman
- Birmingham Times: Retired Judge Carole Smitherman Reflects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Legal Education
- Birmingham Times: Jefferson County Honors Judge Carole Smitherman
- Google News: Miles Law School
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
