Jamie Sumerel swears in as Franklin County district judge

Jamie Sumerel is the new district judge for Franklin County.

He was sworn in on Jan. 17, the day before former District Judge Paula McDowell’s last day in office.

“The kids are what the district court is about,” Sumerel said. “I hope to change some lives and redirect some lives.”

Sumerel earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Commerce and Business Administration, after which he attended the Birmingham School of Law, graduating in 2008.

He then moved back to Russellville to work with Rogers, Bowling and McReynolds.

He is a 1999 graduate of Russellville High School, where he played for the Golden Tigers football program all four years.

He is the son of James Kenneth Sumerel and Bobbie Sumerel. His grandparents were John J. Sumerel and Lena Sumerel of Russellville, and W.E. Taff and Bertsie Taff of Phil Campbell.

Sumerel is married to Amiee Lynn Sumerel, and they have one son, Blake Tyler Pruitt.

Sumerel said he quit his job with Rogers, Bowling and McReynolds in October and began working with McDowell to make the transition as smooth as possible.

“As a lifelong Franklin County resident and a graduate of Russellville High School, my family and I are invested in the future of our wonderful county,” he said. “I understand the importance of protecting our children, many of whom are brought into the court system through no fault of their own.”