Professional Profile
After serving with distinction as a Mobile County District Judge from 1997-2007, Judson W. Wells joined Carr Allison as a shareholder on January 1, 2008. Since joining Carr Allison, he has brought his years of judicial experience and prior defense attorney experience to serve his clients in many areas of the law. He has defended labor and employment, directors and officers (D&O), professional liability, personal injury, worker’s compensation and insurance claims. Judge Wells often serves as a mediator by court appointment and by private retention. He is a longtime member of the roster of mediators of the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution.
Judge Wells has been named to The Best Lawyers in America® (2018-2025) in the areas of labor and employment and workers’ compensation law and is an AV Preeminent® rated attorney through Martindale-Hubbell®.
During his time on the bench, Judge Wells handled a heavy docket of civil, criminal and traffic cases. Additionally, he served as a “duty judge” for Mobile County Circuit Court, presiding over numerous civil jury trials, including a two-week civil trial on a case of first impression in Alabama. Judge Wells served as a frequent lecturer for the Alabama Judicial College from 1998 through 2009. He remains “on call” to handle court dockets for Mobile County District Court as needed. Judge Wells serves as Special Master for the Mobile County Circuit Court and served a six-year term on the Mobile County Judicial Commission (2013-2019).
Judge Wells practiced law for 11 years prior to assuming the bench, specializing in insurance and corporate defense. At the time of his appointment to the bench by Governor Fob James in 1997, he was a named partner in the firm of Janecky, Newell, Potts, Wells & Wilson, PC.
Judge Wells is a proud graduate of The University of Alabama (BA 1983; JD 1986). He has served his alma mater in numerous capacities over the years, most notably by serving as president of the National Alumni Association (2005-2006), a 35,000 worldwide member organization, and president of the UA Law School Alumni Association (2000-2001). He is a past director of the UA Law School Foundation, current president of the Mobile Red Elephant Club and is a founding member of the Bama Tip-Off Club of Mobile.
An active community leader, Judge Wells currently serves as vice-president of the 1000-member Mobile Bar Association (2023). He is a past president of the Alabama District Judges Association (2004-2005) and the Mobile Touchdown Club (2005-2006), a 74-year-old youth athletic charity. Judson is an Alabama Law Foundation Fellow (2020-present).
Judge Wells enjoys spending time with his wife, Barbara, and two adult children, Judson Jr. and Mary Shannon. He is an avid Crimson Tide fan and also enjoys playing tennis. Judge Wells is an active member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, where he serves as a Lector.
