MONTGOMERY, AL – Governor Kay Ivey has appointed Judge Benjamin M. Bowden to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, filling the vacancy left by Judge Bill Lewis, who was recently appointed to the Alabama Supreme Court. The announcement was made Tuesday, and Judge Bowden was formally notified by the governor of her decision.
“Judge Bowden’s impressive record as a legal scholar is matched by his exemplary performance as an attorney, prosecutor and judge,” Governor Ivey stated. “He has steadfastly demonstrated a dedication to justice and fairness under the law. I have the utmost confidence that he will serve with the highest integrity.”
Judge Bowden currently serves as Circuit Judge of the 22nd Judicial Circuit in Covington County, a role he has held since 2016. Prior to that, he served as Probate Judge of Covington County from 2008 to 2016.
Bowden expressed gratitude for the appointment. “I am humbled by the confidence Governor Ivey has shown in allowing me to serve on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals,” he said. “Angie and I are thrilled at this new opportunity. I’m a public servant at heart and I look forward to serving the people of Alabama in this important and exciting way.”
A graduate of the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law, Bowden began his legal career in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving at Bitburg Air Base in Germany and Aviano Air Base in Italy. He later joined the Andalusia law firm Albrittons, Clifton, Alverson, Moody & Bowden, P.C., where he practiced general litigation and served as both a municipal prosecutor and assistant district attorney.
During his time as a prosecutor, Bowden successfully prosecuted two capital murder cases, including the longest jury trial in Covington County history. He remained in the Air Force Reserves until his retirement in 2023 at the rank of Colonel.
His appointment to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals is effective immediately.
