District Judge Paula McDowell retires
RUSSELLVILLE – Paula McDowell said her love for the law began when she started watching episodes of “Perry Mason” on TV at the age of 12. Watching Defense Attorney Raymond Burr as Perry Mason convinced her she wanted to be a lawyer.
After graduating from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1983, she got her chance, working part-time in the district attorney’s office. The following year, she was hired full-time.
For the next 18 years she continued to work in the district attorney’s office. Then in January 2001, she was named Franklin County’s district judge, a position she held for 24 years until she retired on Jan. 18.
“I really enjoyed my time as district judge,” McDowell said recently. “I tried to do the best that I could. I’ve tried to be fair. You know, we all have our prejudices, and I know I’ve made mistakes, but I have been prayerful about it.”
McDowell cited her work with youth as the most important work of her career.
“I think the thing that has been most rewarding to me is working with children through the juvenile court and doing my best to make a positive difference in their lives,” she said. “That’s the most difficult part of the district judge’s job, but that’s been my passion.”
McDowell recalled the instances when moms brought their babies to meet her and told her their children were born free of drugs because of her decisions in court.
“I’m going to miss that,” she said.
Her colleagues had high praise for the former district judge.
“I have been her judicial assistant for these 24 years, and it has been my honor to serve and assist her,” said Paula McDougle. “I know the thought and time she has put into hard case decisions, and I can say without a doubt she has been a wonderful judge.”
Circuit Judge Brian Hamilton agreed.
“It’s been a pleasure working alongside Judge McDowell the last three years,” he said. “She has taught me so much about how to be a judge, and I appreciate everything she has done for this county. I wish her a happy and healthy retirement.”
McDowell does, however, plan to continue some of her work, likely through serving as a special juvenile judge or similar status so she can follow some of the cases she has worked on over the years.
She also has plans to go to mediator training.
“I really enjoy my work, but I think I’m really going to enjoy retirement as well,” McDowell said. “It’s just going to be a big adjustment.”
McDowell, who is from the East Franklin community, said she was “blessed” to have so many coworkers and family celebrate her retirement. Her official last day was Jan. 18.
She is married to Russellville attorney Danny McDowell. They have two children — Dr. Emma McDowell and Duncan McDowell, and a grandson, William. Her parents are James Bohannon and Marjorie Bohannon.
