Monica Blanding
Trussville,AL
Summary
Attorney and municipal court judge with courtroom experience in criminal, consumer, and creditor matters. Background includes prosecution, judicial law clerk duties, legal research, motion practice, and case preparation for state and local courts. Brings courtroom management, statutory interpretation, and law enforcement experience to fair, efficient case handling.
Overview
1
1
Certification
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Municipal Court Judge
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham, AL
01.2025 - Current
- Ensured fair and impartial trial conduct to uphold justice and protect legal rights.
- Interprets statutes and applies legal principles to cases before court.
- Reviews law and evidence presented during trials or hearings to support case decisions.
- Managed courtroom procedures and maintained order while ruling on motions, objections, and disputes to facilitate fair hearings.
- Oversaw courtroom proceedings and managed schedules to ensure efficient session flow.
Assistant City Attorney-Prosecutor
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham, AL
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Prepared cases for trial, drafted resolutions, and rendered legal opinions to support effective legal representation.
- Investigated claims and complaints by or against citizens, representing the city in municipal court to uphold legal standards.
- Ensured that domestic violence and traffic court adhered to relevant legal guidelines, local laws, codes, and ordinances.
- Negotiated agreements, claim settlements, and deferred prosecution programs to achieve favorable outcomes for the city.
- Participated in professional development activities, conferences, and continuing legal education training.
Judicial Law Clerk
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama
Birmingham, AL
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Prepared bench memoranda, drafts and bench briefs for Honorable Judge Sims Crawford.
- Researched laws, court decisions and other documents relevant to cases before court to aid in judge's decision-making.
- Reviewed complaints, petitions, motions, and pleadings to determine admissibility for court consideration.
- Reviewed Deed of Trust, Title Commitment and prior bankruptcies documents. Attended court hearings and depositions to take notes and document proceedings.
- Managed administrative duties including filing documents, scheduling meetings, and tracking case statuses to ensure smooth court operations.
Assistant District Attorney
State of Alabama
Birmingham, AL
09.2020 - 05.2022
- Supported legal team in case preparation, enhancing efficiency and readiness for trial. the District Attorney and chief prosecutor for the Bessemer cut-off division.
- Prosecuted criminal cases in Alabama district and circuit courts.
- Conducted discovery, plea negotiations, hearings and trials.
- Drafted indictments, motions, and legal pleadings.
- Assisted chief counsel in collaboration with city, county, and state police agencies to streamline case management.
- Coordinated case strategy with investigators and court staff, ensuring effective communication and alignment on legal tactics.
- Interviewed victims, witnesses, and law enforcement officers.
Associate Attorney
Bond, Botes, Reese, & Shinn
Birmingham, AL
05.2019 - 08.2020
- Managed consumer debt collection cases to achieve favorable outcomes for clients.
- Guided clients through bankruptcy options and debt relief procedures to ensure informed decisions.
- Negotiated settlements with opposing counsel and creditors to resolve cases effectively.
- Drafted pleadings, motions, and discovery responses for litigation files.
- Appeared in court for hearings, conferences, and case proceedings.
- Prepared legal correspondence and maintained matter updates in firm systems.
- Implemented an ongoing evaluation process to assess current Federal policies, financial services and practices.
Law Clerk-Investigator
JEFFCO Public Defenders Office
Birmingham, AL
04.2017 - 04.2018
- Coordinated with attorneys, investigators, and clients to ensure timely case updates and informed decision-making.
- Represented the state in criminal matters during court proceedings. on behalf of the state as an Investigator.
- Reviewed case files, discovery materials, and police reports to identify critical defense issues and support case strategy.
- Researched criminal case law for public defender's office trial preparation.
- Summarized witness statements and client interviews to develop effective case strategies.
- Prepared court packets, exhibits, and hearing documents for district court appearances.
Police Officer
University of Alabama
Birmingham, AL
04.2007 - 04.2017
- Responded to emergency calls, alarms, and suspicious activity reports to ensure public safety and security.
- Diffused active disturbances with de-escalation techniques, compassion and combat skills.
- Gathered evidence, interviewed victims and interrogated suspects to conduct thorough criminal investigations.
- Interviewed witnesses and collected evidence to support thorough investigations and build strong cases.
- Prepared detailed reports on incidents and arrests to maintain accurate records and facilitate legal proceedings.
- Patrolled University of Alabama campus, buildings, and parking areas.
- Assisted students, faculty, staff, and visitors with safety concerns.
Education
Doctorate in Law -
Birmingham School of Law
Birmingham, AL05-2018
BS - Criminal Justice
Miles College
Birmingham, AL05-2005
Skills
- Court procedures
- Statutory interpretation
- Motion rulings
- Trial advocacy
- Legal research
- Criminal law
Certification
- Alabama Bar license
- Present
Timeline
Municipal Court Judge
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM
01.2025 - Current
Assistant City Attorney-Prosecutor
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM
05.2022 - 07.2024
Judicial Law Clerk
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama
05.2022 - 05.2023
Assistant District Attorney
State of Alabama
09.2020 - 05.2022
Associate Attorney
Bond, Botes, Reese, & Shinn
05.2019 - 08.2020
Law Clerk-Investigator
JEFFCO Public Defenders Office
04.2017 - 04.2018
Police Officer
University of Alabama
04.2007 - 04.2017
Doctorate in Law -
Birmingham School of Law
BS - Criminal Justice
Miles College