Birmingham, Alabama, September 15, 2025
News Summary
Teresa Tanner Pulliam, a respected former judge and executive director of Redemption Earned, has passed away at 67. Her career spanned nearly four decades, marked by significant contributions to justice and legal reform in Alabama. Known for her dedication to assisting vulnerable inmates and her impactful courtroom presence, Pulliam’s legacy will be remembered by many in the legal community. She leaves behind a substantial impact through her commitment to justice and prison reform, along with her family.
Birmingham, Alabama – Teresa Tanner Pulliam, a prominent legal figure and former judge in Jefferson County, passed away on Friday at the age of 67. She was well-known for her dedication to justice and her recent work as the executive director of Redemption Earned, a nonprofit organization that assists elderly and sick inmates in Alabama prisons to earn parole.
Pulliam had a distinguished career in the legal field, serving as a criminal circuit judge in Jefferson County for 18 years before retiring from her judgeship in 2023. Her contributions to the legal system were recognized by many, including former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb, who highlighted Pulliam’s fairness and commitment to justice, as well as her tireless work with Redemption Earned. A colleague described her as a true hero, emphasizing the legacy of honor and justice she leaves behind.
Beginning her legal career in Mobile, Alabama, Pulliam served as a prosecutor before returning to Jefferson County in 1986 to work in the district attorney’s office. She gained national attention in 1986 during the prosecution of Thomas Paul Bradley for the rape and murder of Tracey Diane Schoettlin. This case marked a significant moment in her career, showcasing her strong commitment to seeking justice.
In addition to high-profile cases, Pulliam was known for her vigorous opposition to pardon requests from Leon Albert Prince, who was convicted of multiple rapes and molestations. Following her time in the district attorney’s office, she spent 14 years in private practice before being appointed to the judge’s bench in 2005. As a judge, Pulliam presided over numerous capital murder cases and managed appeals, including ongoing cases involving Death Row inmate Toforest Johnson.
Beyond her courtroom activities, she was dedicated to legal education and community service. Pulliam was an instructor for the National Judicial College, a former president of the Alabama Circuit Judges Association, and a member of the Birmingham Bar Foundation. Her commitment to societal change extended to her work on the state’s Prison Reform Task Force, where she advocated for prison and sentencing reform since 2008.
Teresa Tanner Pulliam is survived by her husband, attorney Max Pulliam, and their daughter. Her passing has prompted a wave of remembrances from the legal community, acknowledging her substantial impact on justice and fairness in Alabama.
Background and Education
Pulliam graduated from Birmingham Southern College and earned her law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. Her legal journey began with a strong foundation in criminal prosecution, which laid the groundwork for her later roles as an influential judge and legal advocate.
Throughout her career, she not only fought for justice in the courtroom but also worked tirelessly to reform the prison system, ensuring more equitable practices and support for inmates.
Conclusion
The legacy of Teresa Tanner Pulliam will undoubtedly resonate within the legal community and beyond, as colleagues and friends remember her contributions to law and compassionate advocacy for vulnerable populations in Alabama.
FAQ Section
What was Teresa Tanner Pulliam’s role in the legal community?
Teresa Tanner Pulliam was a former judge in Jefferson County, Alabama, who served as the executive director of Redemption Earned, a nonprofit that assists elderly and sick inmates in earning parole.
How long did Teresa Tanner Pulliam serve as a judge?
She served as a criminal circuit judge in Jefferson County for 18 years, retiring from her judgeship in 2023.
What notable cases did Teresa Tanner Pulliam handle?
She was involved in several high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Thomas Paul Bradley for the rape and murder of Tracey Diane Schoettlin in 1986.
What were some of Pulliam’s contributions outside the courtroom?
Beyond her judicial responsibilities, Pulliam was active in community service, contributing to the state’s Prison Reform Task Force and advocating for prison and sentencing reform.
Key Features of Teresa Tanner Pulliam’s Career
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Career Start | Prosecutor in Mobile, then Jefferson County DA’s office |
| Judicial Service | 18 years as a criminal circuit judge in Jefferson County |
| Notable Cases | Prosecution of Thomas Paul Bradley and Leon Albert Prince |
| Community Work | Executive director of Redemption Earned and Prison Reform Task Force member |
| Education | Birmingham Southern College and University of Alabama School of Law |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Two Women Injured in Birmingham Shooting
Birmingham Investigation Ongoing After Two Women Shot in Collegeville Community
Birmingham Legal Community Remembers Former Judge Teresa Tanner Pulliam
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Longtime Birmingham Judge Lawyer Dies
- ABC 33/40: Birmingham Law Community Remembers Judge Pulliam
- AL.com: Judicial Commission Accepting Nominations
- Wikipedia: Criminal Justice
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Judicial Review
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.
