James H. Roberts

Honorable James H. (Jim) Roberts, Jr. is a Circuit Court Judge for Alabama's Sixth Judicial Circuit and serves as Director of National Trial Teams and Co-Director of Advocacy Programs at Samford University's Cumberland School of Law. His career spans judicial service, private practice, public defense, and legal education leadership.

• Current roles: Circuit Court Judge (since 2011), Presiding Judge (elected 2014)
• Academic leadership: Expanded Cumberland's trial advocacy program since 1998
• Professional affiliations: Faculty, Georgia Criminal Defense College; Board Member, National Institute of Trial Advocacy

Research and Advocacy Focus:

• U.S. News & World Report ranked Cumberland in top 10 trial advocacy programs
• Co-founded National Association of Legal Advocacy Educators (NALAE)
• Legislative impact: Drafted Alabama's first Expungement statute

Scientific Awards:

• Cornerstone Award recipient (2022) for jury trial advocacy
• AAJ Special Award for reviving Student Trial Advocacy Competition
• First two-time Merit Award winner at Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyers Association