By David Palmer
THE CULLMAN TIMES
CULLMAN —
Emily Niezer Johnston has entered the race for Place 2 Circuit Judge in Cullman County on the Republican Party ticket.
An attorney with the firm of Knight Griffith, LLP, Niezer Johnston has practiced law in Birmingham and served as a prosecutor in district and circuit courts for the Lee County District Attorney’s Office in Auburn. A graduate of Cullman High and Cumberland School of Law, she returned here six years ago to work at Knight Griffith.
Before returning to Cullman, Niezer Johnston engaged in insurance defense litigation, prosecuted criminal and civil cases, and handled worker compensation issues.
“I have more than 10 years of experience practicing law, and I’ve practiced law in over 70 percent of the circuit courts in the state. I also think that seeing law from both sides, in defense and as a prosecutor, provides me with the perspective needed to serve as circuit judge,” she said.
Candidates for judge are bound by ethical standards to refrain from discussing how they would rule on cases, but Niezer Johnston said a judge has specific sentencing guidelines to follow, and should also work within the framework of established law.
“The caseloads will be large with the cutbacks from the state, but you have to stay committed and do what it takes to fairly work through the cases. Anyone who comes to court needs to know that the judge is there to be impartial and fairly consider both sides of all cases,” she said. “I think my experience and that I’m committed to this community are my strengths. I value this community.”
She currently is a member of Leadership Cullman, was chosen by the Alabama State Bar as a member of its leadership forum, and serves on the board of directors of the Good Samaritan Clinic. Niezer Johnston is a member of the Rotary Club and serves as second vice president of Second Century League, a service organization that raises funds for Brook’s Place and the Department of Human Resources. She was named as one of top 20 under 40 emerging leaders in Cullman Magazine two years ago.
She is married to Noah Johnston and they have two daughters. She is the daughter of Kay Hayes, who taught at East Elementary in Cullman, and the late Charlie Niezer, who served as a prosecutor in Cullman.
* David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 213 or dpalmer@cullmantimes.com.
