By Craig Monger

Erin Bell Welborn announced her candidacy for Shelby County District Court Judge Place 1. The current Judge, James “Jim” Kramer, who has diligently served the residents of Shelby County for seventeen years in this position, is not seeking reelection. The seat has historically handled matters related to Juvenile Court. 

Welborn, a local attorney and life-long resident of Shelby County, says she is both excited and qualified to seek the judgeship. “I am excited to run. I have spent nearly my entire career working in the Juvenile Court as a practicing attorney representing parents, grandparents, children, and as a Guardian ad Litem representing the best interests of children. My experience has prepared me to provide an efficient, fair, and honest court process for the children and families of Shelby County,” Welborn said. “Faith, families, and fairness is my motto.”

Welborn is a partner at J. Welborn & Associates, where her primary area of practice is Juvenile and Family Law related matters in her family-owned law firm. 

Welborn received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Juris Doctorate degree from the Birmingham School of Law as an Honor Graduate. 

She is a member of the National Association of Counsel for Children, American Bar Association, Shelby County Bar Association, Alabama Republican Party, Shelby County Republican Executive Committee, Shelby County iCan Committee, Eagle Forum, and National Rifle Association. In addition, she has served as a volunteer attorney with SafeHouse of Shelby County and actively volunteers with the Shelby County Foster Parent Association. 

Welborn and her husband Jarred have three children and attend First Christian Church.