Birmingham, AL, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The Birmingham legal community is mourning the loss of Teresa Tanner Pulliam, a respected former judge and advocate for prison reform, who has passed away at the age of 67. With a legal career spanning over three decades, Pulliam served as a criminal circuit judge in Jefferson County for 18 years and was recognized for her dedication to justice and fair proceedings. Her work with Redemption Earned showcased her commitment to helping inmates secure parole, leaving behind a significant legacy in the field of law.
Birmingham Legal Community Mourns the Passing of Former Judge Teresa Tanner Pulliam at Age 67
Teresa Tanner Pulliam, a prominent figure in Birmingham’s legal community and a former judge in Jefferson County, passed away at the age of 67 on Friday. At the time of her death, Pulliam served as the executive director of Redemption Earned, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping elderly and sick inmates in Alabama’s prisons secure parole. Her contributions to the legal system and her commitment to justice have left a lasting impact on many.
Pulliam enjoyed a remarkable legal career spanning over three decades, with 18 of those years spent as a criminal circuit judge in Jefferson County from 2005 until her retirement in 2023. Her judicial service included overseeing high-profile cases and complex legal issues, ensuring fair proceedings in the courtroom. Notably, she was involved in the prosecution of various significant cases, including the rape and murder of Tracey Diane Schoettlin in 1986, which drew considerable public attention. Under her leadership, the prosecution team secured a life imprisonment sentence for the offender.
Friends and colleagues remembered Pulliam affectionately for her dedication to justice. Her peers highlighted her commitment to fairness within the legal system, and she was described as a champion for justice, deeply respected by those who worked alongside her. She was instrumental in advancing various legal initiatives, particularly in prison reform efforts, having started her advocacy work in 2008.
A Snapshot of Pulliam’s Career
Pulliam was originally from Huntsville, Alabama, where she graduated from Huntsville High School in 1976. She went on to earn her degree from Birmingham Southern College in 1980 and later attended the University of Alabama School of Law. Her legal career began as a prosecutor with the Mobile District Attorney’s Office, and in 1986, she joined the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, where she would represent the state in several notable cases.
After taking office as a circuit judge in 2005, Pulliam handled a wide range of cases, including complex capital murder cases and appeals. One of her more recent responsibilities included presiding over the case of Alabama Death Row inmate Toforest Johnson. After her retirement from the bench in 2023, she transitioned to her role with Redemption Earned, continuing her long-standing commitment to prison and sentencing reform.
Influential Contributions
Pulliam’s experience extended well beyond her judicial duties. She was an instructor at the National Judicial College, where she specialized in capital murder litigation and held leadership positions within numerous legal organizations, notably the Alabama Circuit Judges Association. Her influence was also evident in her participation on the Alabama Supreme Court Pattern Criminal Jury Instruction Committee, where she contributed to refining legal standards.
She is survived by her husband, Max Pulliam, a fellow attorney, and their daughter. The Birmingham legal community has expressed profound sorrow over her passing, reflecting on a legacy characterized by integrity, fairness, and a deep commitment to justice.
FAQs
What position did Teresa Tanner Pulliam hold prior to her passing?
Teresa Tanner Pulliam was the executive director of Redemption Earned, a nonprofit focused on assisting elderly and sick inmates in Alabama’s prisons to earn parole.
What was Pulliam’s judicial role in Jefferson County?
Pulliam served as a criminal circuit judge in Jefferson County for 18 years from 2005 until her retirement in 2023, overseeing various significant cases including capital murder cases.
What notable cases did Pulliam work on during her career?
During her career, Teresa Tanner Pulliam was involved in several high-profile cases, including the prosecution of the rape and murder of Tracey Diane Schoettlin and the landmark case against Leon Albert Prince.
What impact did Pulliam have on prison reform in Alabama?
Pulliam had been an advocate for prison reform since 2008 and, after retiring, joined Redemption Earned to continue her work on prison and sentencing reform initiatives.
Key Features of Teresa Tanner Pulliam’s Career
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Judicial Tenure | Circuit Judge in Jefferson County from 2005-2023 |
| Education | University of Alabama School of Law, Birmingham Southern College |
| Significant Cases | Prosecution of high-profile murder cases |
| Prison Reform Advocacy | Executive Director of Redemption Earned |
| Teaching Role | Instructor at the National Judicial College |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Longtime Birmingham Judge Dies
- ABC 33/40: Birmingham Law Community Remembers Judge Pulliam
- AL.com: Man Sentenced in Birmingham Shooting
- Wikipedia: Justice System in Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Law
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